American Idol XV: The Season Premiere
The premiere of the Season XV of American Idol could not have come sooner – or so I thought until the moment Kimye made their unbidden appearance.
The inevitable trip down memory lane was bitter-sweet. Looking back at 14 seasons of bad auditions and captivating performances left me with a feeling similar to that last experienced on the last day of high school – one of unadulterated excitement and misery all woven into one.
There were some solid auditions and a few funny clips which included an awkward baby montage. The highlight of the evening was Scott Borchetta confirming what we already suspected- that Nick Fradiani’s debut album will be INCREDIBLE.
Enough with the sentimentality. The House that Kelly Clarkson Build will still be around for a couple of months before it will too become just a distant memory in the hearts of American Idol fans. Let’s now take a closer look at the hopefuls who auditioned their way to Hollywood Week (in no particular order):
Josiah Siska - “Ghost Riders”
18 year old Josiah loves Johnny Cash and has an exceptionally deep voice with an interesting tone to it. There is potential but very little control and emotional dept. 3 Yes’s sees him jetting off to Hollywood Week.
Jordan Sasser - “It’s All Coming Back to Me Now”
Jordan is undoubtedly talented but this audition was just weird. Perhaps the fact that his wife was shooting daggers at him for receiving a Golden Ticket after she failed to do so played a part or perhaps it was just a downright terrible song choice. All in all – way too much cheese.
Laurel Wright - “Follow Your Arrow”
Laurel is apparently yet another returnee (sorry Laurel, I don’t remember you at all) and delivered a fairly solid performance which may or may not be remembered a year down the line.
Lee Jean - “I See Fire”
Lee is cute as a button and has a backstory that is nothing short of heart breaking. The kid has potential but he is oh so green. Pity it’s the last season because I would have liked to see him return in a couple of years when he would have gained more control over his voice and emotions.
Michelle Marie - “Blue”
A 15-year old in a tutu with a crystal clear voice but nothing to really set her apart from the masses at this point. She proclaims she has been watching Idols her whole life. (where have we heard this one before) It will be interesting to see her battle it out in Hollywood Week.
Reanna Molinaro – “Leavin on Your Mind”
Yet another audition hijacked by Harry (this time he was wearing handcuffs). A concerted yet unmemorable effort from the police officer who hails from New Mexico. She offers to tase Harry – please do!
Kerry Courtney - “Black Sun”
His mom died when he was 19 and it left him devastated. Technically his performance wasn’t great but there is something hauntingly captivating about him. He has a lot of passion and a few scary facial expressions. The judges agree that he deserves a shot at Hollywood Week.
Shevonne Philidor - “Latch”
Shevonne is also a returnee - she has auditioned SIX times. There is an interesting gruffness to her voice. 3 Yes’s and she is on her way to Hollywood.
Sonika Vaid - “Look at Me”
Sonika’s parents moved to the USA from India when they were kids. She has the makings of a pop star and Harry proclaims that she could win. There is something distinctly refreshing about her but I’m not jumping on any bandwagon just yet.
Lindita – “It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World”
Lindita was born in Kosovo and is a personal trainer by profession (she lost 150 pounds to prepare for her audition). She has a strong voice and her runs are near perfect. She gets 3 Yes’s and receives her Golden Ticket.
Kory Wheeler - “Bennie and the Jets”
I’m not usually a sucker for Soul but Kory delivered one of my favourite performances of the night. The singing barista hails from Nashville has done this all before. No surprise when he gets 3 Yes’s and a Golden Ticket from the judges.
Joshua Wicker - “Stay”
He’s handsome, has a pregnant wife and sang the hell out of a Rihanna song. I predict that the Ryan Gosling lookalike will be a fan favourite should he make it to the voting rounds of the competition.
Shelbie “Z” James - “Last Name”
Shelbie had a run on season 5 of ‘The Voice’ where she performed the same song. She still seems to rely on volume and hasn’t lost any of her spunk. Harry pulls a Simon Cowell on her and with 3 Yes’s she is on her way to Hollywood Week.
Jeneve Rose Mitchell - “Chainsaw
The Mitchell clan lives without electricity and switches the generator on to watch American Idol. Feisty Jeneve impressed the judges with her musicality and stole the night dressed in overalls and cowboy boots. Like Joey Cook she is going to be one to watch in the competition.
Who were your favorites of the night? Have you spotted the next American Idol yet?
Tune into Fox tomorrow night for auditions from Little Rock and San Francisco and prepare yourself for a whole lot of talent and a whole lot of drama!
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