American Idol XV: Episode 2
I warned everyone yesterday to expect a lot of tears and that is exactly what we got.
Many would skip all the formalities and focus only on a heart-wrenching rendition of ‘Creep’ by La’Porsha Renae but because I am still hung up on Jeff Gutt’s version on X Factor I will stick to the program and review the night as a whole.
We got to see a whole lot of Kris Allen which was nice because, well, Kris is nice. He does not like saying ‘No’ to contestants and aims to encourage and uplift them. Lee Dewyze also makes an appearance at the San Fran auditions. Nice to see you again Lee!
The Little Rock, Ark and San Francisco auditions showed some promise so let’s have a closer look at the contestants singing their way into Hollywood Week:
Cameron Richard - “Give Me Love”
Cameron was born with a cleft palate which is barely noticeable. He renders a very emotional performance in a crystal clear voice. Harry mentions that he looks like a young Paul McCartney. No surprise that he receives 3 Yes’s.
Jessica Clark - “Come Together”
Not sure I like these montages. We do not see enough of the contestants to make a fair judgement. I will reserve my opinion on the seemingly soulful Jessica till Hollywood Week.
Melanie Tierce - “Rise Up”
Harry has found a new favourite in the bright-eyed hippie with the beautiful phrasing and tone. Did we ever expect anything but the 3 Yes’s she received from the judges?
Brooke Sample - “Cold Day in July”
The Arizona waitress botched her words but still managed to impress the judges with her beautiful smoky tone. The entire audition felt somewhat contrived but Brooke is well on her way to Hollywood week after Harry suggests that she gets rid of the self-deprecation.
Kyrsti Jewel - “Mama Knows Best”
15 year old Kyrsti’s parents are Idol fanatics. They watch the shows, attend the tours and freaked out when the saw Lee Dewyze. She managed to score 3 Yes’s despite struggling through the entire audition. With some vocal training she could have been a strong contender in a couple of years.
Kayla Mickelsen - “Broadripple Is Burning”
Another montage victim. Next!
Malie Delgado - “Chariot”
Malie took a risk with her audition song and I’m not sure whether it paid off or not. She is a pretty girl with a strong and soulful voice. 3 Yes’s from the judges sees the former Miss Alaska on her way to Hollywood.
Dalton Rapattoni - “The Phantom of the Opera”
Not since Adam Lambert has anyone stood out visually as much as handsome Dalton. He is definitely creative and has a strong voice but he is also no newcomer to the music business and has a huge fan base coming into the competition. I smell Top 16 written all over him.
Daniel Farmer - “How Does It Feel”
At first Daniel came across as a bit of a clown but he silenced even the judges with a superb rendition of the D’Angelo track. If he could tone down the cheese he could be a contender.
Brandyn Burnette - “Lost”
Brandyn performed an original composition from behind the piano. He delivers with the intimacy and emotion. Harry adds unnecessary distraction yet again. 4 Yes’s from the judges.
Ameet Kanon - “Mercy”
The sultry Ameet was the third contestant who we only got to see snippets of thanks to a highly distracting montage. Of the three she does seem the most promising. Bring on Hollywood Week already!
Tristan McIntosh - “Why Baby Why?”
Tristan thinks her mom is away at the military but she is in fact waiting in the wings. Tears all round! She sits behind the piano and renders a beautiful performance filled with emotion. This girl is special!
Olivia Rox, “When I Was Your Man”
Another audition from behind the piano. WOW! This girl has some serious talent. Her performance is hauntingly beautiful, her phrasing exceptional. The first goosebump moment of the season!
La’Porsha Renae, “Creep”
I have an inkling that this is going to go down as one of the best American Idol auditions of all time. The girl has a solid, diva-ish voice and one hell of a backstory that involves domestic abuse. I’m not a fan of growls but I think we might have a contender here.
Trent Harmon, “Unaware”
The highlight of the evening for me! I feared that Trent would be just another country boy but boy did he prove me wrong. I love the singer-songwriter vibe. The judges agree and he gets 3 Yes’s and the coveted Golden Ticket!
And there we have it folks, Episode 2 of the American Idol swansong season done and dusted!
Tune into Fox next week for more talent and tears as the auditions continue!
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