American Idol Top 10 Finalists Pay Tribute to Past Idol Winners

American Idol Top 10 performances: Where is Nicki Minaj?

The American Idol pays tribute to past Idol winners tonight with the theme "Music of the American Idols" . The top 10 finalist get to choose a song from a set of songs that past idol winners covered brilliantly in their respective seasons. The top 10 contestant has their work cut out this week. Song choice is key. Not only will they perform to compete with one another tonight, the voting public will see if they are at par with past Idol winners. The pressure is there as they need to do better by surpassing what their chosen winner have done with the song.  

Curtis Finch Jr.

Our Luther Vandross wannabe reprise the song "I Believe" by Fantasia. This was Fantasia's winning song in her season. He is infectious as usual but the performance was nothing close to the original. It was not even close to the Joshua Ledet cover done last season. There was nothing exciting about the performance except the big thrilling note at the end. One thing for sure, he is not this season's Mantasia. Not in this number.

Janelle Arthur 

Janell picked the song "Gone" by Montgomery Gentry which Scotty McCreery covered in his season. It was just alright. I think she sense that too when she made that "cotton in her mouth" comment with Ryan. I was expecting she picks a song from the Carrie Underwood vault. That is what I picture her. If there would be a next time, she should sing a country ballad that can tug on everyone's heartstrings. 

Devin Velez 

Devin picks "Temporary Home" from the Carrie Underwood music vault. It sounds a bit of a sleeper for me. There is that big falsetto at the end. That's just it. Its getting too familiar for Devin, too safe. I think he needs to veer away from singing ballads for a moment and think what he will do next. I think the recipe needs some spice.

Angela Miller 

Angie picks a Kelly Clarkson cover of a Celine Dione song, "I Surrender". Mariah summed it up into one word. Stellar!  Yes, I see the performance is pageantry. She does bring a bit of a drama to the performance which makes it interesting. But I don't see the fire. She needs to invoke more emotion to what she sings. A little vulnerability and humility goes a long way.

Paul Jolley 

Paul sings Scotty's "Amazed" cover of a Lonestar original.. The thing with Paul is to achieve balance in his performance. If he doesn't over sing, he is just ordinary. when he over sings, it becomes staged. It was good, a bit held back.  Not stellar.

Candice Glover 

Candice does a Jordin Sparks' cover of "I Who have Noting" by Ben E. King. Controlled power. That's how I describe that performance. And it left me wanting more. It is the first SO (standing ovation) of the night. All stood up for her, including Mariah's non-standing O. Mariah said she wanted to stand up for her but her skirt is too tight.

Lazaro Arbos 

Lazaro takes on a Kelly Clarkson's "Breakaway".  Wrong song choice, I can tell. It's so painful to watch Lazaro flop this song out. Still, he is inspirational.

Kree Harisson 

Kree picks Carrie Underwood to emulate when she did "Crying" by Roy Orbison. If America wants a country artist to win this year, Kree definitely fits the bill. She can sing anything country and make it current. Yes, she does make you feel good. 

Burnell Taylor 

Burnell's choice is Idol Ruben Studdard's "Flying Without Wings". Burnell's Inflectons is contagious. His strong points are his distinct voice and how he use that to make the song his own. He makes you hear him out with his unique voice alone.

Amber Holcomb 

Again, I am going to use the word "pageantry". But she did nail the song brilliantly which gave her the second standing O of the night. She sang Kelly Clarkson's "A Moment Like This" so effortless. Great job!

My prediction

Candice, Amber, Kree and Burnell are my top 4.

American Idol Top 10: #1 Candice Glover,
#2 Amber Holcomb, #3 Kree Harrison, #4 Burnell Taylor,
#5 Angela Miller, #6 Paul Jolley, #7 Devin Velez,
#8 Curtis Finch Jr, #9 Janelle Arthur and #10 Lazaro Arbos

Angie takes the 5th spot.

Then I have the next five with Paul, Devin, Curtis, Janelle Lazaro. Anyone of the five is in danger of leaving this week.

Who is your favorite? Who do you think will be the first one to go?

American Idol: Top 20 Revealed

American Idol has it's 20 semifinalists. They will sing next week and the top 10 will be determined through public voting.

Girls:

American Idol Top 10 Girls:
Adriana, Amber, Angela, Aubrey, Breanna
Candice, Janelle, Kree, Teena, Zoanette

Adriana Latonio, 17 - Anchorage, Alaska
Amber Holcomb, 18 - Houston, Texas
Angela Miller, 18 - Beverly Massachusetts
Aubrey Cleland, 19 - West Linn, Oregon
Breanna Steer, 18 -  Laplace, Louisiana
Candice Glover, 23 - St. Helena Island, South Carolina
Janelle Arthur, 23 - Oliver Springs, Tennessee
Kree Harrison, 22 - Nashville, Tennessee
Teena Torres, 28 - Queens, New York
Zoanette Johnson, 20 - Tulsa, Oklahoma

Boys:

American Idol Top 10 Boys:
Burnell, Charlie, Cortez, Curtis. Devin
Elijah, Lazaro, Nick, Paul, Vincent

Burnell Taylor, 19 - New Orleans, Louisiana
Charlie Askew, 17 - Little Rock, Arkansas
Cortez Shaw, 21 - Dallas, Texas
Curtis Finch Jr, 24 - St. Louis, Missouri
Devin Velez, 18 - Chicago Illinois
Elijah Liu, 18 - Rowland Heights, California
Lazaro Arbos, 21 - Naples, Florida
Nick Boddington, 27 - Memphis, Tennessee
Paul Jolley, 22 - Palmersville, Tennessee
Vincent Powell, 29 - Austin, Texas

American Idol Sudden Death: Top 40's Bryant Tadeo Final Performance on the Idol Stage

American Idol Bryant Tadeo, Filipino

Bryant Tadeo is a 23 years old Filipino from Hilo, Hawaii. I remember him in the earlier rounds admits being stressed out and tired from the rigors of the competition. This is an understandable position given that being in a competition is really a tiring affair. Don't be fooled by his laid back front. Bryant is all heart and passion. He has a making of a great crooner and balladeer whom Filipino male singers are known for.

Bryant Tadeo performs Billy Joel's "New York State of Mind".

American Idol Bryant Tadeo Performs: Sudden Death Round

Here's what the judges said based on his performance.

Keith Urban: "I don't know how that came through for everybody at home. But if you are sitting here in the arena tonight, you be on your feet 'cause everybody here was. ... You have a beautiful voice. That was really a good song for you and that you handled it really well. And that everybody got to up off their feet really quickly when you started singing, for me, it says you made a connection and that is what I am listening and feeling for."

Nicki Minaj: "Babe, I love that last note that you did. The falsetto and the run, I thought that was ...

Bryant: "I decided on that the last minute..."

Nicki: "Well, I thank that you did it ' cause I didn't like anything else."

Bryant: "WOW!"

Randy Jackson: "This is funny though..."

Bryant: " Is she just kidding? No!"

Randy Jackson: "I love the beginning, but I was waiting for it to go somewhere by the end. The first couple of lines I was 'AHHH! This is gonna be nice. Oh my God, I love the tone and the beautiful voice'. But it never quite went there for me. You know what I mean?

Mariah Carey: "I think what people responded to when you first started singing was the fact you sounded professional and the tonality of your voice was beautiful with that song. I have to say...You know it's a beautiful song. I felt there were a couple of moments where you kinda got lost in there. You probably know where, but not totally lost . There was some moment..."

Bryant: "It's the excitement. I gotta little bit lost, but I kept it though..."

Mariah: "The excitement is always gonna get you. So you gotta reel it in. But I appreciate the fact that you have raw talent. I don't now if this is your greatest performance ever but you are a talented person."

I think this love-hate relationship with the judges, particularly with Nicki, did hurt him a bit in his bid for a top 20 spot.

It's only Keith and the audience who like his performance. This is surely good grounds for a great comeback.

American Idol Season 12 Recap: Sudden Death 4 Batch 2 Boys

American Idol Season 12 Contestants:
L-R: Burnell Taylor, Cortez Shaw, Mathenee, Treco,
Bryant Tadeo, David Willis, Lazaro Arbos
Vincent Powell, Nick Boddington,
Gurpreet Singh Sarin and Josh Holiday

It is the last sudden death round of American Idol. In the earlier editions, we only see bits and pieces of this selection process before we get to see the judges' chosen best worthy of the American public's vote. Now we get to see everything live. Is there a benefit to this for Idol? One thing for sure, it did add more buzz to the show. Now let's get this over with so we can move on.

Matheenee Treco
Aurora, CO
Song: A Little Conversation, Elvis Presley

Matheenee is definitely working it.  He definitely got the moves of a showman in Las Vegas. The voice was a bit squeaky for me. Overall, it was not good at all.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin
North Potomac, MD
Song: Nothing Ever Hurt Like You, James Morrison

I kinda miss his comical and laid back approach in singing. I als miss his musicality. In the earlier rounds I always see him with holding an instrument when he sings his solos. Now, he definitely forgot the formula why he made it this far.

Vincent Powell
Austin, TX
Song: Cause I Love You, Lenny Williams

Vincent, definitely, got the soul and the groove in his voice. He is an old school singer and has infectious energy. 

Nick Boddington
Memphis, TN
Song: Say Something Now, James Morrison

I kinda been hearing a lot of James Morrison songs a lot from this season. Methinks he deserves an appearance at American Idol at some point. Nick has a nice voice but tonight, I kinda got bored. I was looking for the 'moment' but there was nothing I could find.

Josh Holiday
Celeste, TX
Song: Better with You, Josh Holiday (original)

Josh sings his own composition. A brave move to do an original at this point. But the payoff is great as what Amber did in the earlier round. But, I think it didn't work this time. Its a bit boring and there were no standout moment at all.

David Willis
Mount Dora, FL
Song: Fever, Peggy Lee

David is the other old school soul in the competition. I hate to compare him with Vincent, but, I think Vincent does it better.

Bryant Tadeo
Hilo, HI
Song: New York State of Mind, Billy Joel

Bryant got it at the start. By the way the crowd reacted, he connected.  However, the momentum went down a bit when he went through the verses of the song. I also felt hand gestures were too much of a distraction. He hit that good note at the end.

Burnell Taylor
New Orleans, LA
Song: This Time, John Legend

Burnel has a wonderful singing voice great for storytelling. Loosing 40 pounds is also an impressive accomplishment.

Lazaro Arbos
Naples, FL
Song: Tonight I Wanna Cry, Keith Urban

This kid has a great story. But tonight, he couldn't match it with a convincing performance. The emotion seems a bit forced.

Cortez Shaw
Dallas, TX
Song: Titanium, David Gueta and Sia

Cortez choose a very difficult song to sing. There were some stray notes in the middle but he recovered nicely and with a big bang at the end. 

The Verdict.

Moving on to the Top 20: Burnell, Vincent, Cortez, Lazaro and Nick

Going Home: David, Bryant, Mathenee, Josh and Gurpreet

I am glad Burnell, Vincent and Cortez made it to top 20. I am not so sure about Nick and Lazaro. Lazaro has a great story to tell and triumphant one if he ever be crowned as the next American Idol. However, based on his performance this round, it is quite doubtful. I think, Bryant David and even Gurpreet made a better showing than the two. What do you think went down this round? Did your favorites made the cut?

Next week, 10 guys and 10 girls complete for votes. Will there be a wildcard round? With so much talent fallen on the way side, I sure hope there is so we can see whom the public likes to give a second chance.

American Idol Sudden Death: Top 40's Jett Hermano Final Performance on the Idol Stage

American Idol Top 40: Jett Hermano

Bridgette "Jett" Hermano, a 25-year-old Filipina from Washington DC, dreams of performing on stage while working behind the desk as a legal assistant. Jett's dream takes her to a journey at the Idol stage. But her journey ended tonight as she got eliminated in one of the brutal cuts this season dubbed as the sudden death round.

Aside from having a wonderful sultry voice, Jett also show her musicality by performing her version of Rhianna's "Only Girl in the World" behind the piano. Given that she has given less or no airtime exposure in earlier episode, I really wanted to see more of her and what she can do on stage.

Jett performs Rhianna's "Only Girl in the World".

AMERICAN IDOL SEASON 12: Jett Hermano Performs Sudden Death Round 

Keith Urban: "... I love that you did this unique arrangement of that song. I so applaud (you for) taking the song and making it your own. And the musicianship, we saw a lot here tonight, is fantastic to see. What you did for me, by slowing that song down and doing it the way you did brought up the sexiness of the song in the way that Rihanna does but (you did it) in another way, another level again. I really, really appreciate that, Jett."

Nicki Minaj: "I like the arrangement as well. I love that you slowed it down. I like the breathy falsetto stuff you did a lot. But I thought its going to climax to something and I never felt that."

Randy Jackson: "I kinda know what you are going. I thought you are going up from the piano midway and kinda rock it mid stage and wear out vocally...

Keith Urban: " ..the strength is kinda good though.."

Randy Jackson: "Yeah, I know I love that. The first part was actually beautiful and I love that thing at the end. I call that a 'little Mariah-ism' which is a little falsetto thing which is very nice... but the middle part the tempo came it and I was 'Yo come on!'"

Mariah Carey: "I always felt you were an interesting and unique addition to this contest and that there is something different about you. I am not sure where you gonna take it but it's very very intriguing. It didn't matter to me that you didn't go sick at the end like having a fit on the piano and do whatever. I really enjoy the first half of the song a lot and I love that you did that song. Good luck with the rest of this whole thing."

So it's a split review for Jett from the panel. Keith and Mariah likes her performance while Nicki and Randy is on the fence.

In the mini interview with Ryan Seacrest, we found out that Jett has her roots from Sarrat, Ilocos Norte in the Philippines. When Ryan ask what is the hot spot that small town. Jett wittingly say 'Home'. Yes! Home is where the heart is.

Then that was the cue the judges been waiting for as we see her as one of the five who went home that night.

But if ever there will be a wildcard round, I sure hope that Jett would take a spot and make a comeback.

American idol Season 12 Recap: Sudden Death Night 3 Girls Batch 2

American Idol Season 12 Sudden Death Night 3:
L-R: Melinda Ademi, Candice Glover, Jett Hermano,
Zoanette Johnson, Aubrey Cleland, Cristabel Clack,
Breanna Steer, Janelle Arthur, Rachelle Halle,
and Juliana Chahayed

It is the third night of American idol Sudden Death round. Another set of girls. Same rules, ten sings the song of their choice and only five will move on to the top 20. The judges will make the call at the end of the performances.

Melinda Ademi
Yonkers, NY
Song: Nobody's Perfect, Jessie J.

If you are going to do song already done by another contestant, make sure you do it better than her. This didn't happen for this pretty little lass from New York. Last week, Angela Miller did this song and it work wonders for her as she secures her place at in the top 20. Melinda's version, however, is a bit inconsistent and erratic at the end. Nerves got in the way, I guess.

Candice Glover
St. Helena Island, SC
Song: (You Make Me Feel Like a) Natural Woman, Aretha Franklin

It is not easy to sing that song like the way Aretha did. But Candice made it look so easy and effortless. She definitely has a very powerful voice. The judges talks too much about the past. Why didn't she made it last season? Those were different times, says Randy. Well, aren't you glad she is here now?

Juliana  Chahayed
Woodland Hills, CA
Skyscrapper, Demi Lovato

She looks so timid and nervous. Typical for a 15-year-old girl and in a stage in front of a live audience. Yet she sang it beautifully and made it her own. I kinda like her version than the original. It was more vulnerable and intimate. I find the guitar too big. It would have been more effective if she just stand there and let her uniqueness shine out.

Jett Hermano
Seattle, WA
Song: Only Girl in the World, Rhianna

I like how he slowed the song a bit. Jett is a good singer. She is also musically trained.  Given that she has given less or no airtime exposure in earlier episode, I really wanted to see more of her and what she can do on stage.

Cristabel Clack
San Antonio, TX
Song: No One, Alicia Keys

Cristabel's performance is a little karaoke for me. I didn't hear something new from the way she sang the song. The judges always say she has a unique rasp in her voice. I am a bit bored at that.

Aubrey Cleland
West Linn, OR
Song: Sweet Dreams, Beyonce

Aubrey has two things going for her. She is definitely pretty and has a beautiful voice. Her performance is a little reminisce of Jessica, last year's runner-up. It was softer version of it but definitely, she has a lot of potential in moving forward in this competition.

Rachel Halle
Prescott, AR
Song: Nothing But The Water, Grace Potter

Bubbly personality and it shows in her performance.  She sings very well in a band. There were couple of stray notes there but she brought it home at the end.

Breanna Steer
Laplace, LA

Another pretty girl. I love the way she sings with too much expression. She definitely connected with the song and her beauty does shine through on TV.

Janelle Arthur
Oliver Springs, TN
Song: Just a Kiss, Lady Antebellum

She is a pretty blonde. I sense that she struggle a bit in that performance like she's trying to clean up a very dirty room.  However, I find her very country commercial. She is clearly a judge favorite. 

Zoanette Johnson
Tulsa, OK
Song: The Circle of Life, Elton John

 Zoanette is crazy. She goes for the shocker. Tonight, she is a jungle woman or Queen of the jungle ans Keith put it.  I may not agree with the judges on this one but with an equally wacky judge supporting her, I am not so surprise if she makes it. She is a novelty. Let's see when she will run out of gas.

The Verdict

So, it was unanimous.  They don't need Jimmy tonight.

Moving on to the top 20.

Moving on to the top 20: Candice, Aubrey, Breanna, Zoanette and Janelle

Going home.

Going home: Melinda, Juliana, Cristabel, Jett and Rachel

I agree with Keith that Juliana should have stayed. I think she has lots of room to grow in the American Idol stage. I am not surprise with the judges' decision to keep Aubrey and Breanna. Both are gorgeous girls. I look at them and I see someone like Rhianna. 

I would have liked Jett to move forward but her personality didn't jump on the judges the way Zoanette did. 

I am surprise that Janelle took the last seat. I think Rachel did a better performance than her. I guess beauty wins over personality this time.

What are your thoughts on this episode? Did your favorites made it through the top 20?

American Idol Season 12: Filipino Adriana Latonio Made It To Top 20

American Idol: Adriana Latonio

Adriana Latonio made it to the Top 20 of American Idol. The 17-year-old Filipino-American from Anchorage, Alaska got the judges' nod as one of the five best performances of the night worthy of America's votes in the live final rounds. She chose to do one of Aretha Franklin's popular hits, " Ain't No Way".

Adriana Latonio sings Aretha Franklin's Ain't No Way

Keith Urban and Randy Jackson gave her a standing ovation after her performance.

Keith Urban said, " Now the night has started... I have to struggle not to over-emote."

Nicki Minaj calls her "little ladybug" and then commenting further of her 5' height. She continue praising her Filipino roots and that she didn't show an ounce of fear throughout the performance.

Randy Jackson said, "This girl is born to do it... I was really proud of you and really happy for you". He further said what a pro she was.

Mariah Carey gave her performance an A+.

It was a scare that she was one of the two left standing after four earlier favorites, Kree Harrison, Angela Miller, Tenna Torres and Amber Holcomb took the first four stools of the top 20 contestants for the live finals. She had to compete for the last spot against Shubha Vedula who made a stellar impact with her version of Lady Gaga's Born This Way. On a back stage interview with Ryan Seacrest, Adriana admitted that she become best friends with Shubha and adding "Everything happens for a reason". 

A few minutes forward and onstage, Keith is about to announce who's out and who takes the last spot. He reassured both teens that millions now know their names because of the talent they have shown in this competition. He told Shubha that he fought hard for her but Adriana is the one who is going forward in the Top 20. It was a scare there for a moment, but the judges did made the correct decision by giving Adriana the final spot in this round.

Now, I am looking forward to seeing the talents of two other Filipinos in the competition. We still have Briant Tadeo and Jett Hermano who still needs to hurdle their respective sudden death round next week. So watch out for that. It would be amazing if they can also make it to the Top 20. Let's keep our fingers cross.

American Idol Season 12: Girl's Week Recap

Nicki Minaj: Talk to the Hand

It is the girls turn to invade the center stage at Hollywood week of the American Idol. In the a capella round, earlier favorites like Rachel Halle, named as the happiest contestant in American Idol Season 12, country girl Janelle Arthur and powerhouse singer Candice Glover showed their singing prowess. However, Megan Miller, whom we remember as the girl in crutches during the audition round, was the first casualty of the day.

Candice Glover and Megan Miller Performs

All in all, 72 contestants including Isabelle, Kez Ban and Briana Oakley move forward to the next round.

Other than testing the contestant's metal in working with others, the group rounds were a source of entertainment. Most of them don't thrive well with other personalities. There is also the issue of song choice. You are not picking for yourself but for others in the group. That is a source of conflict to others. And most of the groups pick songs they are not familiar with. Thus they tend to forget the lyrics. Many were enterprising enough and wrote the lyrics on their hands and arms.

The Swagettes Perform in Hollywood

After the round, 47 were left to move on to the solo round wherein they be ask to perform one song from a list of 20 or perform an original composition they made.

First was Angela Miller who made a bold move and perform her own composition entitled "Set Me Free". Keith and the rest of the judges were blown away with the song and Angela's performance. 

Angela Miller Performance in the Solo Round 

Angela pass with flying color sending her a solid spot in the next round. Currently, she is one of the strongest contender in the competition and she is one to watch out for.

Watch out for the "girls on fire", Candice Glover and Zoaneth Johnson and country girl Janelle Arthurs. 

Also, someone to watch out for is Jett Hermano whose performances were not yet shown all through out. 

Others who were able to gave stellar performances and pass this round were Shubha Vedula, Juliana Shahayed, Melinda Ademi, Kree Harrison

Some were not fortunate enough to move forward. Kez Ban tried to sing one of her own originals and it turned out to be her last. Other standouts who got cut this round were Ashley Feliciano, and Briana Oakley.

Twenty four girls remain after the end of the solo round thus more cuts has to be done. Randy asked Lauren Minx, Holly Marie Miller and Ariel Sprague to step forward and they were the ones to go. He then asked Stephanie Schimel to sing again. After that, Rachelle Halle was ask to sing with the band again.

After that, Stephanie was asked to go thus Rachel completes the top 20 girls.

The guys were then ushered to the center stage. Adam Sanders were asked to sing again, followed by Josh Holiday.

After much deliberations, Nicki announced that they are letting go of Peter Gareth, Marvin Calderon, Devan Jones, Kenny Harrison, Will White, Tony Foster, David Leathers Jr and Adam Sanders.

So the list of top 20 guys is finally sealed.

Next week is the dreaded sudden death. The contestants will sing one song in front of the judges and a live audience.

American Idol: Boys Week

American Idol Judges as Zombies

It's the start of American Idol Hollywood week. The guys are first to perform.  Many have fallen including some judges' favorites. They were cut because they fall prey from being too complacent and by not memorizing the lines to the songs. Forgetting the lyrics is a no-no. Some made the mistake of  choosing the wrong song. Some don't do well in groups. But even if you do these mistakes, it pays to be present and show your personality. 

Some favorites that had gone through the top 28 are...

1st Batch: Paul Jolley and Lazaro Arbos 

Paul and Lazaro have great singing voice but their problem is their nerves. I hope they gain more confidence as they progress forward in the competition.

Curtis Finch Jr. Performs

Devin Velez in Hollywood Week

Watch out for Curtis and Devin. Unlike the first two, these guys don't have problems with confidence.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin and Cortez Shaw Performance

Also moving forward are Gurpreet "The Turbanator" Singh Sarin and Cortez Shaw. I personally like Cortez voice.

Jimmy Smith sing his piece

Jimmy sang his heart out for redemption and it paid off big time. He moves on to the next round.

Nick Boddington makes a comeback

Nick Boddington made his mark singing "Stars". I sure he will make to the live performances this time around.

Charlie Askew is not afraid to show his weird side

I don't particularly like Charlie's squeaky voice but I like the way he attacks the song. I also like his personality on the stage.

Burnell Taylor and Marvin Calderon Performances

I like these guys who sings with a lot of soul. Burnell and Marvin advances to the next round.

Some contestant performances were not shown, but these guys also made it through to the next round.

Adam Sanders 

Jada Davila

Johnny Keizer

Vincent Pau

Some early favorites that didn't make it in this round are:

Matheus Fernandez 

Nicholas Mathis

Papa Peachez

Michael Johnson

Dave Brown

Nate Tao

All in all, 28 guys made it to the next round. However  they are not on the clear yet. The judges announced they still need to cut 8 guys more after they seen all the girls' performances next week. 

More Inspiring American Idol Auditions

Steven Tyler Auditions

There are a lot of different and interesting personalities with great voices at American Idol. 

Its good luck to bring your child to the audition. Just saying. Its the 2nd time I saw someone bring their kid to the audition and got the golden tickets. 

More very inspiring American Idol auditions.

Micah Johnson who was left with a speech impediment but still sings so beautifully.

Micah Johnson Audition

Briana Oakley' story is about survival. She is a teenager who got severely bullied at school.

Micah Johnson Auditions

Matheus Fernandes' having issues with height. I remember him as an glee project contestant before. 

Matheus Fernandes Audition

Cristabel Clack comes to the audition with the support of her husband and children. 

Cristabel Clack Audition

Nate Tao. Both of his parents are deaf. What an effortless audition. He is so calm, cool and collected. 

Nate Tao Audition

Halie Hilburn and her puppet , Oscar. Too bad she had to dump Oscar just to go to Hollywood.

Halie Hilburn Audition

#Kayden Stephenson. He is Justin Beiber in the making. 

Kayden Stephenson Audition

Steven Tyler looking like a lady Joan. I miss his hilarious antics.

Steven Tyler "Audition"?

Next week, everybody with the golden ticket converge to Hollywood where the quest to find the best begins.  

American Idol 12 Episode 2: Chicago Auditions

American Idol judge, Mariah Carey

After New York, American Idol goes to Chicago .

One of the most successful AI alumni is from Chicago. I am referring to Jennifer Hudson. She would be an ideal judge for AI. It's just my thought.

Going back to the current roster of judges, they do sure act like a dysfunctional family. Randy is the (god)father of course. And then we have the two warring sisters and then the boy in between. The interaction is quite hilarious, I should say. Yet, sometimes it gets a bit out of control. 'Keep the fun clean' is just I want to say.

I think Mariah is doing a great job in her first stint as a judge. I find her sincere and straightforward commentary towards the contestant's performance remarkable and genuine. I think that is mark of a great motivator.

Here were some of the interesting auditions in this episode:

Josh Holiday

It is a definite yes for this guy. I think he has a great sounding voice and he does have control when he sings.

Johnny Keyser

I remember this guy from last year and that he didn't make it to the top 13. I am glad he is back to take Idol another shot.

Kez Ban

Awkward! I like her singer-songwriter vibe. She does remind me of Crystal Bowersox.

Stephanie Schimel

She is like-able. I don't think she anything like Carrie Underwood. However, she made Nicki on the offensive which is hilarious.

Kiara Lanier

She has a wonderful voice and voice control. She's pretty and I like the nose ring.

Lazaro Arbos

The most inspiring audition so far. Lazaro has a remarkable story and I think he would do great in this competition. Sing all the time, Lazaro.

Were you also inspired watching this episode?