Hrm, could it be that our American counterparts learned something from us?
If you're an SI fan (like moi) say wooot! This is the first ever season American Idol contestants have been allowed to go online via Twitter/Facebook/Myspace. For the record, I'd just like to say WE DID IT FIRST! Our very own Singapore Idol 2009 Top 24 were all totally on Twitter and Facebook last season (SI 2009) with tons of followers on their accounts :)! Our 3rd Singapore Idol Sezairi Sezali has over 25,000 fans on facebook! So lets give ourselves a pat on the back for another Idol first (the other first being the song-writing element at Theatre Auditions)! :)
Here's my homemade collage of your Top24 girls, photos from zap2it.com's Idol gallery, click to enlarge.
Just realised, those that I've 'hearted' are my favourites and they're all blonde!
Oh well, whatever it is, the AI Top 24 have been unleashed into cyberspace, but looking at the nicks, these accounts are probably seriously monitored by their PR nannies and gurus. You have to hand it to the Americans, they are super media savvy, and when they do it, they do it right 1000%. I am so following them all just to get in on the goss (if any).
Here are your Top24 guys, photos from zap2it.com's Idol gallery. Click to enlarge.
Here are the links to the Top 24 (thank you zap2it.com!). Oh and because MySpace.com is big in the US, each of the Top 24 also have a special MySpace page up. Get ready to get 'personal' with them (then again, maybe they've employed 24 interns to 'ghost' -tweet, -fb and -myspace for the kids...
Chris GolightlyIts a shame he didn't make it through. Early spoilers indicated that he did, and following that thread it was later reported he was disqualified for not disclosing that he had an existing contract with someone. His spot was taken away from him, and later on, when the actual contract was produced, it had apparently expired! Wahlaoeh! Can die right? The guy was like totally robbed of his Idol chance. I say, put him back on the show!
Oh and as for that goss I posted earlier about someone getting disqualified - turns out it was just an exaggerated rumour - yeesh - and that person is here to stay in the Top 24. I still don't see this person going very far though, lets see if I'm right.
pps. Btw, does Siobhan remind anyone of Rachel on Glee.....she seems so...uptight or wound too tightly and stressed...but then again we haven't seen much of her, whatever we've seen is from the drama of group day.
Last night, producers revealed 7 lucky people who made it to the Top 24. 5 guys and 2 girls and they are :
Michael 'Big Mike' Lynche (his newborn is named Layla Rose - so cool right!)
Didi Benami (my fave!!!)
Katelyn Epperly (love her curls!)
Aaron Kelly
Casey James (taking your shirt off gets you noticed!)*
Lee Dewyze
Todrick Hall
*(did y'all see Kara's leg flip up when he hugged her?! LOL!)
Tonight there are 17 spots left to fill, just 7 for boys and 10 for the girls. Who will make it through? My bets are on (and this is without looking at the cheat sheet of leaked names)....
Boys I can only think of 6 off the top of my head...
Andrew Garcia (my fave this season - MUST GO THRU!)
Jermaine Sellers (first awesome guy contestant)
Tyler Grady (broken hands guy)
Tim Urban (broken hands guy)
Chris Golightly (orphan guy who went thru like 20+ foster homes - blonde afro)
John Park (I'm guessing this one is in cos they keep featuring him here and there without really telling us his backstory or showing us his audition. Plus he's Asian, so he stands out, so I'm thinking he MUST be in!!!)
GirlsI can only think of 6 off the top of my head...
Janell Wheeler
Haeley Vaughn (I'm not a huge fan, but she's gotten a lot of positive screen time and 'refreshing feedback' - so I think shoo-in)
Lilly Scott (sure wan la - they like cool chicks with their own unique style - remember Megan Joy from last season?)
Ashley Rodriguez (total package)
Crystal Bowersox (tattooed hippie mom with a story that can sing - sure in)
Katie Stevens (prim, proper, innocent-looking 16yr-old with a grown up voice - plus grandma story - in!)
What about you? Whom do YOU want to go through?
Latest goss, even before we can get to the piano shows, one of the Top 24 have been cut from the show due to breach of contract - tsk so fast. This person has been replaced already la of course. And imo, not a big loss. Doubt they woulda won anyways.
Powers out! Did you guys watch last night's show? I found the whole 'room-by-room results' and 'rehash each contestant's journey backwards' not very exciting. The only thing that made my day was seeing Mary Powers NOT make it through. Ok, thats just mean, but then again, its really nothing personal, I just don't think she would have gotten very far in a competition where popularity is just as important as singing chops. Her know-it-all, over-domineering, alpha-female persona (whether true or due to a lot of clever editing) was featured so heavily at Hollywood week, it woulda been hard for her to downplay at voting rounds to win viewers over, especially when there are so many other very likeable girls in the competition.
In previous seasons, producers would always break up Room Results in one episode and 'The Final Judgment' (the long walk to face judges solo with sing-offs) in another. So the second hour of last night's show was quite a refreshing change - did not have to wait another day for some Top 24 names - a first in Idol history!
What did you guys think of Jessice Furnley's and Shelby Dressel's dismissals? I agreed with the former but disagreed with the latter. I thought Shelby shoulda gotten through, just cos I think vocally she's solid like the rest, but her story gives her an edge and it would have been interesting to see how that woulda played out. Seemed like Simon thought as much because I swear I heard him mumble 'wrong decision' as she walked off.
Tonight, as usual Ryan promises MORE drama, MORE emotions and the MOST dramatic season of American Idol yet tonight (all reality shows say this season after season - 'in our most dramatic season yet!'). I wonder if there will be any sing-offs this season. From the preview clips, doesn't look like any.
Wheeeee less than half an hour to tonight's one hour episode of Idol! Lets all go watch (pray for no rain - rain = no ASTRO here!)
xoxo, s.
ps. Full top 24 deets are already available on americanidol.com :)
'We're just trying to rehearse without any drama!'
Yea'riiite.
85 Idol dreams were dashed the day before, and 96 carried on to Group Day.
Groups ranged from 3 - 5 people and apart from having to agree on a song and come up with choreography..
But where was the drama that comes part and parcel of every Group Day of Hollywood Week?
Apart from the 'stealing of moves and ideas' (Neopolitan vs Destiny's Wild <-- wahsey so creative lor) and like one power struggle (Mary Powers wants her 'Power', she even kena from the music director - Mary : "I'm not tryin' to be pushy..." Music Director : "But you are..." ooh burrrrn!), oh and Big Mike's group following his baby's birth via video on his iPhone, there wasn't much drama really.
Compared to last season's huge blow out between Kristin McNamara and Nancy Wilson Nathaniel Marshall's diva breakdown (think Mariah hands and tears but with short hair and a stringy headband), Bikini girl's no-show-turned-late-show and Tatiana's group ostracising her, last night's drama ranked mild.
In fact, it seemed like everyone kinda got along. Most of them even looked like they slept early.
Looks like after 8 seasons, contestants are getting a clue on how to stay calm.
Kudos though to producers for trying to er, flesh out and hype up the drama as much as possible with the intense-action-movie-music accompany. Ryan adds to the 'drama' by declaring that "This group is mentally drained and physically exhausted' because its Group Day..." (cue dramatic music).
I've heard from our own Idol producers that Group Day really is just a mechanism to challenge the contestants physically and mentally. Its a test of their mettle and their ability to cope under pressure and still perform despite it all. At this point, if you've made it to Hollywood Week (or Theatre Auditions), you're pretty much good singers. Now its time to figure out who can survive the entertainment industry. If you can remember your lyrics (they're only given 12 hours to learn a song, do it in a group and add choreography), and sing it well, you'll get through. If you can pull your group together, and show the judges that there was tons of effort, the whole group goes through.
I'm happy to see Michael Lynche and Tim Urban go through to the final round of Hollywood. I'm super happy that Katie Stevens got through (so cute, her group was called 3 Men And A Baby, 16 yr-old Katie bein' the baby, and it included my fave guy singer this season Andrew Garcia).
"I'm not power hungry" - Mary Powers
I'm sure she's not. She just wants to win, and I respect that. But you know what, I'm not liking her too much right now. And if she makes it through to the voting rounds, she'd better start endearing herself to viewers/voters, else she'll be one of the first to go.
Next week, can't wait to watch the final round of Hollywood Week. Only 71 are left after group day, and its time for them to take the stage solo with music. Who will be the 12 guys and 12 girls to make it to the Top 24? Eeee, so exciting!
xoxo, s.
ps. I found out the name of the girl with glasses and purple beanie: Erin Hunley
pps. Today's Friday peeps! Survivor XX : Heroes vs Villains today at 530pm on Channel 5 (encore at 12.30am!) Don't miss it! *tsk* still can't believe I missed last night's Survivor Special - Channel 5 rerun pleeeeeeeeeease!
After all the anticipation and the 'woot'-ing and 'yay'-ing and daily countdowns (I'm sure I'm not the only one who set a countdown alarm on my phone...she has crazy mad fans in the US), I thought the minute she walked on set I would laugh. But nope, the first thing I saw was how darn blue her eyes are. Even more so paired with that denim jacket. Now THAT is what I call blue man. Even The Husband's first comment was "Wah her eyes damn blue man!"
And after all that fuss about her and Simon feuding...they got along like best friends throughout the show. She'd make jokes, he'd smile or laugh. The closest to a catfight we saw was hardly even a meow - Ellen played step back step forth with the final four contestants of the day only to put all of them through and Simon remarked, 'You're a sadist'. Feud? Where gottt? PR Spin laaa, told you I could smell it.
Ellen to Simon :
"So this is it huh,.... I come on.... you leave."
It was pretty apparent in our first Hollywood week episode that the producers were clearly giving Ellen the judging lead (or at least it seemed that way in on the final edit). In my previous post, I carried quotes from various articles online speculating that producers were figuring out how to 'phase' Simon out. Imo, certainly looks like they are grooming Ellen to be head judge from Day 1.
I guess with Ellen as the anchor judge from here on in, Simon's exit won't seem to leave such a gaping hole on the panel. I'm so gonna miss Simon when he DOES leave. Say what you want, but I've always felt the guy is genuine and he calls it like he sees it (and 90% of the time I agree with him). Oh and I love how he totally supports those that he thinks have talent.
Back to Ellen's first day, I think she started the day on the right note when she came onstage and addressed the 'big question on everyone's minds' - "What does she know about music?" And her answer was perfect :
"What I do know is what its like to stand on stage and try to please an entire room full of people. Thats a hard thing to do."
Ok so how did Round 1 of Hollywood Week go?
Everyone gets a chance to sing either acapella or accompanied by an instrument. Many took to the opportunity to bring their guitars and keyboards. Lots of aspiring singer/songwriters here.
What I liked about this episode, especially remembering last season, was that it had plenty of surprise goodbyes. Last season, producers pretty much gave away who were going through to the Top 24, because every single story they highlighted (ie followed back to hometowns for backstories) made it through.
You'd assume the same this year, but nope. A large number of those with backstories didn't make it through. Bye bye to SkiiBoSki, country girl Vanessa Wolfe (the one who'd never been on a plane before), Cornelius the guy who split his pants doin' a split, Maegan Wright who's lil brother was a big supporter, the New Jersey sisters, Barney girl Erica and beatboxer Jay Stone who failed to impress - Ellen said something was wrong with his mic (wahlaueh epic fail lor).
Although many bit the dust, there were so many standouts too - totally blowin' me away were :
Andrew Garcia - wth blew me totally to the next town man!
His accoustic rendition of Straight Up was SLAMMIN!! He took that song and totally made it his own! Agree with Kara 100% - "RIDICULOUS!"(in a good way)
Paula Abdul must be kicking herself for ending her contract right? (While simultaneously snapping her fingers, screaming and clapping and rooting for him in her living room)
Janell Wheeler
Her accoustic version of American Boy was awesome!! I really like the tone of her voice!
Haeley Vaughn
I actually kinda enjoyed her version of 'Hallelujah'. She's very likeable, although it still confuses me cos I can't peg her to a genre eventhough she says country pop - seems weird.
Lilly Scott
Wow, this one was an OMG moment! Love her voice!! Totally took me by surprise cos her speakng voice is lower, and then she sings this Ella Fitzgerald classic in such a cool way. 'Everything about you is refreshing' - totally on da money Kara!
btw, the Sam guy that made it through with her, looks cool, pity we didn't get to see his audition :(
Mike "Big Mike" Lynche
He's really huge (as in, the-guitar-looked-seriously-like-a-ukelele-huge) personal trainer who missed the birth of his first child for this. I totally didn't even remember his first audition. He also surprised me. His take of 'Waitin' On The World To Change' was infectious! I loved it, loved his personality and his lil ukelele...oops I mean guitar :)
Casey James
Woot! He was kinda dull and not much of a personality at his original audition and probably got through cos he took off his shirt. But with the guitar added, he came out of his shell. Casey became a croonin' coyote! (<--- ok don't know where that came from)
Loved it, eventhough I'm not really a country fan. (Then again, I'm actually likin' Carrie Underwood and Kellie Pickler and oh gawd Taylor Swift too! how? might need to git me a cowboy hat soon)
Crystal Bowersox (no not Powersocks)
All dreadlocked and tattooed, she totally powered through 'You Make Me Feel Like A Natural Woman'. She looks too young to be a mom, I mean, she looked 16 (she's actually 24). She certainly got the crowd going and she's kinda got a hippiechick feel - reminds me a little of Rose Flack from last season. Rose was prettier, but Crystal has a much better voice and musicality.
And last but not least people...my favourite of the night was.....
Didi Benami
I love love LOVED it. I'm actually a Kara Dioguardi fan and I was so excited when she said she was singing 'Terrified' cos I have loved this song since I found Kara singing it on a video on Youtube early last year.
Imo, she did it better than Katharine McPhee (this is one of Katharine McPhee's singles from her new album 'Unbroken'). Didi made it very current. Kat McPhee's version sounds like it could be from the 90s or even 80s (no disrespect to her, I was actually rooting for her all throughout Season 5) Click here to listen to Katharine McPhee's version, but I suggest you watch Kara sing it below :) (one of my fave vids, the singing only starts at 1:49)
Kara btw looked awesome on Idol...and this is so random and unrelated but I have the same coloured scarf! Yay, me and Kara have something in common (except that maybe hers cost a few hundred bucks, mine was $10 from Cotton On, Anchorpoint).
Others that were pretty good were Katie Stevens (16 year old whose grandma has Alzheimer's), Tim Urban (floppy haired, and I just love his name) and Mary Powers, the rocker mama who brought along her 8 year old daughter to meet Simon and he said 'Are you sure this isn't my daughter' because she was such a cynic.
Maddy Curtis (the girl with Downs Syndrome brothers) didn't make it through. Apparently the judges felt she wasn't ready for this. But imo, I thought she deserved to go at least one more day.
46 made it thru to Group Day. Historically Group Day is Super Drama day. Its bound to yield lots of emo scenes because its a super stressed environment and you're forcing strangers to work together within 24 hours on a performance that will either make/break their Idol dreams. Drama with a capital 'D' comin' your way, tonight! EXCITINGGGGG!
See you on the flipside of tonight's episode folks!
What did you think of Ellen's first day as judge? Can she helm the panel once Simon's gone? Why didn't they groom Kara? Comment comment comment :)
xoxo, s.
ps. I liked the girl with the purple woolly hat and glasses but I have no idea what her name is. We didn't even see her audition.
For me its a dose of both American and Singapore Idol :)
SI MINI REUNION BREAKKIE!
In about 11 hours I'll be out having a sumptuous breakfast with some of the Idol gang. I'll be twitpiccing, so check out my twitpics/twitter :) I'll be sure to get updates on everyone and fill you guys in on all thats been happening the moment I get home (and get some time to myself :)).
Have you got burning questions for any of the Top 12? Post 'em below under comments before 9am tomorrow (Wednesday) and I'll try and get you your answers :) Follow me on Twitter and I'll ask and answer them while I'm with them k?
We'll be doing a proper reunion at the end of February, so hopefully everyone turns up for that one. Fingers crossed that all goes well and the reunion happens ;) Will let you know when later.
AMERICAN IDOL DAYELLEN ON IDOL DAY!
I can't believe this day is FINALLY here! We've endured countless ridiculous auditions (who can forget the girl dressed as a guitar, dude I have nightmares about that tan) and countless guest judges, Posh in Boston, Posh in Denver, Joe Jonas, Devil-Hoodied Avril, Mary J. Bleah, Kristin 'dismissed-after-1-day' Chenoweth (I loved NPH, respected Shania and just couldn't stop drooling over Katy, so props to them for actually being worthy of the seat). Ok to be fair, I drooled a little over Joe too, but he had so little screen time, it wasn't drool worth mentioning.
So...
Ellen.
Expectations are riding v. high on this one. I truly hope she delivers.Me and like, a gazillion others, including and especially the people at Fox. Ellen's meant to be some kind of a saviour for for the show, viewership numbers have been sliding the past two seasons and for the first time ever, The Grammys rated higher than Idol (not sure if this is due to people not watching Idol or just more people interested in the Grammys) - not a good thing.
So in comes Ellen to save the day. From the minute they announced she was taking over Paula's place, I was ecstatic - she is such an inspired choice.
Ellen brings in a new and large fan base. Plus, her daily talk show is another avenue to promote Idol (just like Seacrest does on his radio shows, hey, cross-promotion is key nowadays, lookit all the collabos happening in music!).
With Simon leaving the show at the end of this season, if Ellen manages to win the audience over, its also one less major worry for the producers. Simon's other baby 'X Factor US' will be in direct competition with Idol once it starts. So this season, producers will have the added headache of not putting Simon on a pedestal like they have been for the past 8 years as that will only serve to promote him and their future competitor.
Allie Is Wiredhas stated that producers will be reducing Simon's role :
"Expect to see less and less of Simon this season. The focus is going to be back on the contestants and less on Simon’s harsh criticisms of them," an insider tells me. "They also will be spending more time focusing on Ellen once she gets through her first few weeks live from Hollywood." "With Simon Cowell on the brink of ditching ‘American Idol’ to take the throne of ‘X-Factor,’ insiders tell me that executives have figured out a way to ease him out of the conversation this year — focus on Ellen."
Well, from the looks of this trailer and the 'Ellen hates Simon' PR spin (oh yea, you bet yo' a** this is a PR spin - I can smell it), 'Focus On Ellen' may quite truly be this season's mantra. She seems quite 'take charge'/'head judge' in the few short clips you see here - woot! go Ellen!
just talked to @theellenshow...regarding simon she said "he's gonna be a challenge"..."we're both completely different people"
UPDATE!
Found one more American Idol trailer that will give you another look at Ellen's demeanor on the show...she looks serious, but still manages to crack a joke in her trademark deadpan blase expression..
Ok folks, time to hit publish and go watch The Noose! (I love this show! Recorded it just now and now that the kids are a-snoozin', its time for Mommy to watch TV - Noose, Bachelor and V here I come!)
xoxo, s.
ps. Don't forget to be posting your queries for our own idol alums below before 9am tomorrow! Nitez all!
pps. Oh, and listen to this (click!) - its Howard Stern responding to the rumour about him replacing Simon on Idol. What do you think? Is he worthy of the Cowell seat? imo - you have GOT to be kidding me. Seriously? Nooooooo.....
Thats the name of Ellen's first book (I have it, and I love it, I read it over and over again for a laugh whenever I'm between books), and I hope that will be her judging style too. I mean, taking Paula's chair doesn't mean she has to her 'pointlessness' right? Ooh, bitchy. I have no idea where that came from!
Woot! I'm super excited to see Ellen get on the panel this week.
I didn't even bother reviewing last week's audition eps because :
1. Denver with Posh was pretty much like Boston with Posh.
2. The "Road To Hollywood" episode that "promised" to showcase the best of the best auditionees was basically a clip show from the different audition cities. Seems more like Fox's last minute rabbit-outta-the-hat-trick to make up an extra episode so they could start Hollywood Week in a separate week. Either that, or it was producers' way of highlighting more of the Top 24's stories that didn't get fair showing in earlier eps. Y'know, they gotta build profiles and backstories mah...
Aiyo, I was so bored, I kept looking at the clock. Longest hour ever spent watching American Idol. Fair enough there were some pretty good singers we hadn't seen before, but overall...*yawn*....my favourite part was the trailer for 'Hollywood Week' hahaha.
So, since we're talking about Ellen and Hollywood week, which started taping like 2 weeks ago, everyone has probably heard about the whole 'Ellen hates Simon cos he was NINETY minutes late' debacle right?
If you haven't, well basically Ellen's been ranting everywhere (and I mean everywhere and to everyone, including producers) that the show would be better off without Simon. She was extra peeved cos she made an effort to shift her schedules around (and she is one super busy woman you know, daily talkshow leh) to do Idol and she was made to wait NINETY minutes for Simon to saunter in (apparently he's quite the diva)....
Some sources have said this situation is highly exaggerated and that Simon was like only fourteen minutes late.
I say...whatever. Just let me watch the episode already! Wednesday hurry up and get here already!
xoxo, s.
ps. In the meantime, I've scheduled a mini Idol reunion for Wednesday (IDOL DAY of course!) so I'll find out what everyone's been up to and pass the dirt on to you guys soon!
pps. More ridiculous AI rumours abound - apparently the buzz now is that risque deejay Howard Stern is being wooed to take Simon's place on the panel. Alls I can say is.....ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! Previously tipped to take the Brit's mean spot were Gene Simmons (ech, no thanks) or Tommy Mottola (not a bad choice, but is does have personality?). I say again, how about Paul McCartney?
Not quite, but it was pretty good. This episode of American Idol showed us a lot more good than bad and it was nice to not have to sit through excruciatingly bad auditions . And hey Dallas is also where Kelly Clarkson was discovered, so who knows, this year's Idol could come from here.
Neil Patrick Harris is guest judge for Day 1 in Dallas. You'll remember him as Doogie from Doogie Howser MD and more recently as Barney, the star of hit sitcom 'How I Met Your Mother'. LOL, but Randy and Simon would have preferred to have Richard Simmons (the exercise guy? seriously?) or Clint Eastwood as guest judges - fat hopes guys.
"My goal today is to shatter the dreams of thousands. If I can make two or three dozen people cry, I'll feel like I've done my job." Snarky snarky NPH. But I likey.
Kara looked gorgeous in red today and back to normal (not fake-tanned like yesterday), producers should NOT sit her next to something as white as Katy Perry ever again. I'm hoping Katy Perry comes back as a judge - maybe next year when Simon's not around, she can take Simon's chair? Some people say that chair needs a Gene Simmons - I say nay. Not the tongue guy from KISS. Veteran yes, but I don't think I can spend an entire season watching/listening to him - not charming enough imo. Sir Paul McCartney perhaps?
Who would YOU like to see take over Simon's role?
Midway through the show, they had this funny segment. Ah, life as Simon Cowell IS tough isn't it?
And before I head on to the other auditionees, guest judge for Day 2 is heartthrob Joe Jonas. The middle Jonas Bro was just total eye candy. He was mostly polite and smiley, but he wasn't given very much airtime. Oh well, dun matter, whatever face time we got of him was lovely! :)
Ok, on to the auditionees...
BAD....
Julie Kevelighan
7 years ago, Simon told her to get a lawyer to sue her singing teacher. She has since taken more singing lessons, acting lessons, makeup lessons (and I'm guessing styling lessons). Not willing to give up, she kept singing even as she was escorted out by security. Taking a leaf from Simon, I say hire a team of lawyers and sue all them teachers.
Dexter Ward
Declared to cam that he would be "I am. The Next. America's Idol". LOL. Did he try out for Next Top Model before this or been to so many auditions he's forgotten which reality show he's on? OMG and the winking! You guys have to watch this again...
But laughter aside, so poor thing la watching him cry outside.
Vanessa Johnston
If there's anything called OVERpositivity I think this girl would be it. Dressed head (big flowerball AND pink eyeshadow) to toe in fuchsia (not regular pink), she shouted, no, yelled out 'At Last' totally offkey - Etta James was probably doing flips in her grave. It was seriously painful to watch (and hear).
Iffy for me.
Erica Rhodes
Yesterday producers trailed that Barney was in the audition room. Chey! No one came in dressed up as Barney. Erica was one of the kids on Barney & Friends and OMG my kids watch Barney and I actually recognise her! She came in dressed as a dominatrix to make an impression, she kept saying she wants to show people that Barney kids do grow up (to which NPH said "to be dirty little girls!" LOL!). Her voice was just okay to me, and I think she got in more on her personality. I think our girls did a better rendition of En Vogue's 'Free Your Mind', minus the whip ;)
Good
Dockworker Lloyd Thomas impressed with Stevie Wonder's "Overjoyed". He has a personality but it didn't really come through when he sang, but he has a good voice and can sing. I don't know if he'll make it through Hollywood week. He was Simon's favourite audition of the day.
Kimberley Carver
Impressed with an original song and managed to win over everyone except Simon. She reminded me a little of Kelly Clarkson, but her vocals are nowhere near Kelly's.
Dave Pittman
He has Tourette's Syndrome. I thought he was gonna spew obscenities at any moment, but luckily his Tourettes's ticks are more of facial ticks and clearing of the throat. Miraculously, the Tourette's doesn't affect him when he's singing and he has a great clear voice. He's very likeable and genuine. NPH says he's "crazy brave". Definitely one of my favourites, and Simon thought he was 'terrific' and that 'people are gonna like him'.
Todrick Hall
Interesting name, interesting original song. He wrote it specifically for the show and it was kinda cute. Spoilers on the net say he's made it to the Top 24. Lets see if thats true, but he does have that 'seh' (quality) about him. His style reminded me of Craig David.
Maegan Wright
Blondie who bursts with sunshine with a heartwarming story about the bond between her and little brother Dawson after their parents divorced. She looked like she wasn't gonna be able to sing, but she surprised me (and the judges) with her touching rendition of Adele's 'Make You Feel My Love'. The girl is good, she doesn't try too hard and she's going to Hollywood.
Christian Spear
Last audition for Dallas and its a sob story comin' up (hrm do I see a pattern?). At 16, Christian is an 8-year cancer survivor. She got leukimia at 4 yrs old and went into remission at 8. She was pretty good. Her voice reminded me a lot of Tabitha's. :)
31 from Dallas are going to Hollywood. My favourites are Maegan Wright and Todrick Hall.
Next week, it's the last audition city - Denver. Guest judge : Victoria Beckham...again. I'm hoping to see a little less nerves and a little more personality from her (and ixnay the acelay*). Hopefully we'll be done with Denver on Wednesday and go straight to Hollywood on Thursday and see Ellen in action! Then again, with a title like 'Road To Hollywood', I'm kinda expecting Thursday's show to be a recap of the audition cities with just a teaser for actual Hollywood week at the end - fingers crossed I'm wrong.
Ok, off to check on my son! (yes folks, I'm camped out at my son's school, keeping an eye on him, while writing this review)
summerr loves her tv. in fact, she's downright passionate about it. This blog grew to be the Unofficial blog of Singapore Idol 2009. This year, its going OMG! Hope you'll enjoy the inside scoop on this year's big reality must watch!
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