American Idol XV: Back To Denver We Go

After the Philadelphia auditions I thought things couldn’t get any worse but, alas, the universe had to challenge me yet again.

We head back to Little Rock and Denver for which means more TV time for Kris Allen and Taylor Hicks.

Tonight’s episode reminded strongly of an instalment of Idols South Africa where too much time is wasted on the clown contestants. ( a clown contestant being one who has no intention of receiving a Golden Ticket and who is just looking for 2 minutes of TV fame)

I promise to give more in-depth reviews of the performances as soon as we hit the Live Shows. For now I prefer just skimming over those auditions worthy (according to the judges) of a Golden Ticket.

I counted 16 Golden Ticket recipients, some of who got the dreaded montage treatment again. Let’s have a closer look at those who charmed their way into Hollywood Week:

Kassy Levels & Khea Raj

We only see brief clips of these 2. I seriously dislike these montages. Off to Hollywood they go.

Andrew Nazarbekian - “To Make You Feel My Love”

Andrew was born in the US but moved to Russia. I’m not even going to attempt to pronounce his surname. He has a pretty voice that feels somewhat dated. The judges like him and he gets 3 Yes’s.

Tywan “Tank” Jackson - “Superstar”

Tywan is a dance instructor who used to weigh over 400 pounds. Jennifer loves him despite him being flat with next to no vibrato. What is with the boom boxes this season? I think Tank is a better dancer than he is a singer. Off to Hollywood he goes.

Terrian Bass - “Happy”

She reminds me of a duller version of Tyanna Jones. There is potential in her pleasant vocals but the lack of energy is concerning. The audition fails to uplift me although kudos must be given to her plight to uplift others. The judges feel that she deserves a chance and she is sent on her way. Hollywood here we come.

Elvie Shane - “House of the Rising Sun”

He has a powerful backstory about drug addiction and (thank heavens) a voice to match. He rendered a solid performance of a totally oversung song. The judges love him. Celebrations all around as his family enters the audition room.

Ethan Kuntz - “Stormy Monday”

15 year old Ethan is a cutie with a lovely growl to his voice. I don’t think he is ready for the big mean music industry. He sounds like a child. His voice is still going to change a lot. Surprise surprise – he gets a Golden Ticket. The judges need to learn that sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind.

Ashley Lilinoe - “Black Velvet”

Another oversung song! Ashley hails from Hawaii and is super chilled. She has a pretty voice but needs to add some colour and shade. JLo isn’t won over but Keith and Harry say ‘Yes’. She gets her ticket to Hollywood.

James VIII - “Sun Comes Up” & Amber Lynn – “Unaware”

James came to support his girlfriend and ended up auditioning himself. We all fear how this is going to play out but Amber holds her own with a passionate performance. James’s audition is slightly more affected. Both get 3 Yes’s from the judges. Would be interesting to see what would happen if they both make it to the voting rounds.

Jake Dillon - “Danny’s Song”

Jake doesn’t have it easy. He got married at 18 and has 2 kids. He dreams of a career in music. His performance is unmemorable. Harry does the right thing and says ‘No’. Jen says ‘Yes’ and Keith gives in and does the same. The judges need to think with their heads and not their hearts.

Jordyn Simone - “Who’s Lovin’ You”

Jordyn looks and sounds well beyond her years. She has an impressive soulful quality about her albeit not being to my personal taste. The judges just love her and it is no surprise that she receives a Golden Ticket.

Mary Williams - “Till I Can Make It on My Own”

Mary loves horses. Mary also loves singing. She has a pretty voice but very little depth. Keith is not convinced. Harry and Jennifer say yes. Mary goes to Hollywood.

John Wayne Schulz - “The Dance”

John got cut during the Top 24 announcement of Season 10. His mom died of cancer after his return home. He wants to give Idols one final shot. His story is touching and he delivers vocally. The judges are impressed and hands him his golden Ticket.

Chris “CJ” Johnson - “Dreams Come True”

CJ has been a struggling musician for more than 10 years. He needs a break. He renders an impressive rendition of the Halls and Oates hit. He is really talented and the judges agree. Could this be his year? Off to Hollywood he goes.

Thomas Stringfellow - “Give Me Love”

I like young Thomas. He is interesting with a real musical sensibility about him. I fear he might be polarizing. One of the highlights of the evening. A well-deserved Golden Ticket for the foster kid with the quirky hairstyle.

The highlight of the evening was the promise that the best auditions are yet to be seen. Tune in next week for the final American Idol auditions EVER.

What a bitter-sweet moment it is bound to be!

#Global