Recap: American Idol: California Dreamin’

American Idol

By B-Side | Thursday, February 1, 2007 | 1:32 am | 32 Comments

We’re in the home stretch people. American Idol came to Los Angeles Wednesday night to find its next big superstar, and while I’m not sure if they found what they were looking for, at least we had one hilariously bizarre audition (or should I say, eccentric?), one near certain finalist, and one sweet singer who reduced Paula to a sobbing mess. All and all, a solid hour. However, I’m growing a little weary of the auditions, and I was a little annoyed to learn that we still have yet another city to visit next week. Plus, I’m kind of cranky because I finally saw Tuesday’s episode of House. I waited three weeks for THAT? UGH. Color me displeased.Anyway, as you’ve undoubtedly seen here at TVgasm (nudge nudge), American Idol traveled to Pasadena where “thousands” lined up at the Rose Bowl to audition. I say “thousands” because the producers never gave us a final tally. The line certainly looked big, but it was no Memphis or Birgmingham, with their 10,000+ hopefuls cramming for a shot at the title. What is it about the L.A. crowds? People here just don’t seem to care as much (case in point: Katharine McPhee’s pitiful viewing party).

Well, the numbers may have been slightly low (comparatively), but that just meant a whole bunch of suckers missed out on 2007′s most ubiquitous plasticine face: Olivia Newton John. Yes, fresh from appearing on that other talent competition just three nights prior, Olivia was now lending her tautly-pulled opinions to the wannabes at Idol. And in case anyone doubted her ability to fill the sass-shoes of one miss Carol Bayer Sager, Olivia sported a snappy little shirt that read, “It is what it is.” You go, girl! Treat your bad self to some more Botox! It is what it is!

Anyway, first up was a guy who turned out to be in retrospect the funniest auditioner in Los Angeles, possibly of the season so far (maybe we’ll make a list later on). His name was Martik Manoukian, but he preferred to go be “Eccentric.” (He probably spelled it like “Xentrik.”) Anyway, Martik wished ever so hard he could be black or latino or anything other than his obviously Armenian heritage. His degree of success depends on how deaf and blind you are. He informed us that “I’m very fiery. I’ve got fire equalling three men.” Note that he boasted about this in a completely non-fiery, listless, borderline catatonic voice.

Martik then promised us he’d get into nearly every performing art field from singing and dancing to directing and producing and choreographing and acting and architecture and marine biology and neuroscience and bus driving and philately. Well, maybe not those last few. However, he did inform us of one certainty: “I will get into modeling.” In fact, he’s set to appear on the cover of next month’s issue of “Manicured Goatee Quarterly.”

While all of Martik’s aspirations were certainly admirable, they paled next to his greatest talent: mimicking a panther. Yes, this was his ace in the hole. Martik knew the three important elements of being a panther. I couldn’t tell you what those elements were because I was too busy laughing, but rest assured that he displayed them all — being sure to growl like a big cat in the process.

Ultimately, he proclaimed that he was “the most exciting entertainer on planet Earth,” and I couldn’t disagree. I definitely felt a pure rush when he was on screen — a strong adrenaline boost that stemmed from my temporary panic that humanity as we knew it might be coming to an end with Martik.

Anyway, Martik entered the audition room silently and dramatically, flinging off his sunglasses, then dropping his jacket, and finally removing his shirt. Did I mention that he was still doing the panther thing. And by “thing,” I don’t mean simple growls. I mean getting on all fours and moseying up to the jduges’ table like a terrible yet wonderful reimagining of a Prince video. Amusingly, Paula totally stared him down, a look on her face that seemed to say, “I totally get him.”

Well, Simon eventually interrupted this excellent piece of performance art and requested to hear a song. Happy to oblige, Martik announced he’d be singing his self-penned song (written under the Eccentric name), “Sweetest Princess.”

I literally cannot describe this performance. To say his voice modulated would be an understatement. It was up and down, loud and quiet, human and panther. One thing was for sure: it was consistently awful.

When it was over, Simon gave his signature, “What the hell was that?” He could have been speaking for America. Sure enough the judges rejected Martik, despite his possession of thrice the fire of a normal man. Olivia Newton John tried to let him down easily, saying, “I think you’re very original, but not for American Idol.” She then added, “But let me refer you to my other show, You’re the One That I Want. You’ll be the most talented person there.”

Afterwards, Martik told us, “I might be blowing up as big as Michael Jackson.” He then told us that people get tears in their eyes when they hear him sing. Of course, those would be tears of pain and laughter, but that goes without saying… even though I just said it.

Next up was a guy named Sholandric Stallworth. He babbled on and on about how he was going to be romantic or sing romantically or bring romance back or something like that. He certainly picked a romantic song: “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again” — a favorite when I’m in the dentist’s chair. However, Sholandric kind of undermined its amorous effect by missing every single note. Yes, he was horrendous (shocker), and he served as the perfect segue into all sorts of wacky and terrible singers. There was Angela Mo, a girl we saw for about two seconds but in that time proved to us that she should be fitted with a muzzle STAT. There was Grace Pugal, a woman unafraid to rock the mid-90s 4 Non Blondes top hat (along with an inflatable donkey thing). And of course, there was Sophat Peou, an idiot twentysomething kid dressed like a banana who we actually interviewed here at TVgasm. Apparently, he didn’t like the way he was portrayed on TVgasm and has since complained on the IGN boards that Katie was a total bitch and unnecessarily cruel to him — especially since she outed him to be lacking a girlfriend. Clearly he forgot that he was DRESSED LIKE A FREAKIN’ BANANA. Poor kid. Bananas have feelings too. And hey, I think I know a sexy plantain I can hook him up with.

Well, Sophat didn’t get anything more than a two second wedge in a montage, which was probably all we really needed to see of him anyway. We then moved onto Marianna Riccio, a girl who was born to a former singer and entertainer. I kind of missed her mom’s bio, but I saw that she had her photo taken with Dean Martin; so that’s gotta be worth something. Anyway, Marianna’s mom knew that her daughter was going to be the next Idol because “When she came out of my womb,” she explained, “she was wailing the entire time. It was like mmmm….mmmm…. mmmm….” So…. your daughter really likes the Crash Test Dummies? I don’t get it.

Okay, I kid. Of course her daughter was meant to be a singer. I mean, she wailed upon birthing. No child ever does that! I also heard that Marianna was destined to be a world class bungee jumper because she was born with a chord attached to her body. It’s fate!

Anyway, despite the potential she showed upon egress from the womb, Marianna was fairly bad. She was bland, flat, and annoying. She was so terrible, in fact, that she motivated Simon to brew up his most forced put down of the season: “You sounded like Cher after she’s been to the dentist.” Hahaha… wait, what? That made no sense, Simon.

Well, Marianna immediately dropped to her knees and pathetically begged and cried to go to Hollywood. “I’m on my knees. Please!” she said repeatedly. “I’m on my knees! I’m on my knees!” YES. WE CAN SEE.

Finally, Randy just laid it all out for her. “It’s definitely a thousand percent no for me,” he said. You’d think this would get through to Marianna, but instead, she fetched her mom, who entered the room and testified, “She really is good enough. She really is.” She then added, “In 1984, she released an album called ‘Wails from the Womb.’ It went platinum on the nanny circuit! You have to take her! Please!”

Eventually, Marianna’s mom realized that maybe her daughter might actually be a terrible singer. She comforted her child and left the room with her, leaving Simon to comment, “Mom is foxy!” Like the second coming of Peisha McPhee! Grrrrowl!

After a montage of similarly pathetic beggars, we then met Alaina Alexander, who received the sort of sad background music that only golden tickets are privileged to get. She had moved to Los Angeles to be an actor or singer or whatever, but Alaina soon discovered that “being a struggling performer in L.A. isn’t that much fun.” Yes, that’s because there’s THOUSANDS OF YOU. Anyway, she told us that this was her last shot at entertainment. If she didn’t get this golden ticket, she was giving up. Straw poll: who in America cares? Um… that would be no one.

Anyway, I was fairly turned off by this girl’s subtle mix of bitterness and entitlement (not to mention the fact that she was already giving up on her dream at only 24). Alaina sang a Michael Bublé song (although, J-Unit was quick to point out that it was in fact a Nina Simone tune). Her voice was pretty good, but dammit if she wasn’t totally boring. Simon called her “really, really really great,” and of course, she made it to Hollywood, but I think half that is because of her decent looks (let it be known that she was no Antonella).

Next was Phuong Pham, a sweet Asian girl whose mother had politely told her she was pretty, but “not quite ‘TV pretty.’” Aaand that will be five years of therapy for you, Ms. Pham. Cash or credit?

Anyway, Phuong was a big Taylor Hicks fan because he proved that Idols could be found in the kookiest of people. She was such a Soul Patrol follower that when she walked in the audition room and saw the giant banners in the background, she exclaimed, “Oh my gosh! There’s Taylor!” Please tell me she doesn’t say that every time she sees a photo of him.

Well, Phuong introduced herself to the judges, and rather obnoxiously, Simon repeatedly called her Pong. First time I thought maybe he had misheard, but the second time was so deliberate and unnecessary, that I actually felt badly for the girl. Luckily, she was so nervous and weird that she didn’t even notice Simon’s ethnocentric mockery.

Nevertheless, Phuong butchered her way through “Dancing in the Streets,” certainly living up to her mother’s biggest fears. She was swiftly rejected, and outside, Ryan Seacrest caught up with Phuong as she stood with her clearly shamed mother.

“Who knows?” Phuong said. “Might be back next year!” I kind of expected her mom to suddenly seethe, “NEVER! You have brought great shame to this family with your lack of TV-pretty features! SILENCE!”

Next we met our first good male singer of the night: Brandon Rogers. Like Melinda Doolittle, one of our favorites from last week, Brandon was a backup singer who got his start with Anastasia and has since toured with the likes of Christina Aguilera. Yeah, no need to even sing. Do not pass Go. Do not collect $200. Go directly to Hollywood.

Sure enough, Brandon crooned his way through a rich and textured version of “Always On My Mind,” which ended with twin sighs from Paula and Olivia. Oooooh Brandon. So dreamy! Personally, I really want him and Melinda to have a backup singer duel of some sort. Then again, she’s got such low confidence that she’d probably rather hide behind a folding chair than go one on one.

Just as predicted, Brandon got the golden ticket, as well as high praise from the judges, and then we met Sherman Pore, a sixty-three year old dude who had arrived at the auditions with a petition. Hey now. Sixty three is entirely too old. What gives?

We put that thought on pause as we then heard from Brian Miller, a contestant from season five who had made it to Hollywood, only to face tears and rejection (I so don’t remember him). Well, he was back, and more Ray Liotta-ish than ever. Brian belted, and I mean belted, out a song that earned him warm comments from Randy, Olivia, and Paula, but not Simon, who called him forgettable. (As usual, I agreed with Simon). Didn’t matter what the surly Brit had to say. He was in the minority, which meant Brian was going back to Hollywood! See you not in the semifinals!

Now back to Sherman. Ladies, get a tissue. Same goes for you, guys. Sherman had quite the back story. Recently, his “lady love” (I’d normally giggle, but this wasn’t a very giggle-worthy segment) of twenty years had become ill with cancer, and since the outlook was grim, Sherman came up with this strange but lovable idea of petitioning to be on American Idol for her. Every day, he rallied up signatures, and the more that accumulated, the happier Sherman’s lady love became. It brightened her day, and if you’re already feeling your lower lip quiver, you just wait.

Sherman walked into the audition room, and while at first the judges seemed to be raring up for some insults, they were quickly arrested when he mentioned that his wife had become stricken with cancer. He told the whole story about the petition and everything, and Paula was already near tears. Well, in a very sad twist, Sherman then revealed that his wife had pased away just two days before the audition. The panel let out a collective and sincere “Aww,” with Simon adding, “Wow, Sherman!” I couldn’t tell if it was patronizing or just oddly articulated emotion.

Anyway, Sherman then sang “You Belong To Me” and dedicated it to his wife, and dammit if I wasn’t getting misty eyed (even now, just typing about it is a little sad). Of course, I was nothing like Paula who had tears running down her cheeks, but hey, she was justified.

Afterwards, the judges gave Sherman a hearty applause, and Simon even stood up and asked if he could shake his hand. The women hugged him, and Randy shook his hand too, and by the time Sherman told us “I won. I am a winner,” I had a feeling that about 90% of the 35 million people watching this were probably sobbing. But not me. I AM A MAN, DAMMIT!

Well, Olivia and Paula shared an emotional post-Sherman hug, and with that, day one in Los Angeles came to an end. It would have been nice if the show could have finished on that moving note, but instead, we just moved onto a dumb couple from Compton who were both auditioning. They were Cavett Carr (the girl) and Darold Gray (the guy). These two were certainly ghetto fabulous, and Darold seemed prouder of his grill than than Flavor Flav. Cavett was just as big a fan, saying, “I love that flavor!” The two then talked about this frosty kisses and what not (on account of the ice), and then it was time for the auditions.

First up was Cavett, who also went by “Sparkles.” No need to beat around the bush. She was wretched. The judges gave her the big no, but she tried to turn them around by flirting heavily with Simon. I think she even flashed a blowjob gesture at one point.

Darold, who may or may not have been stoned, then stood before the judges, who informed him that his allegedly loyal girlfriend was being quite flirtatious with Simon. Whatevs. “I’m not jealous. Look at my teeth!” he replied, showcasing his grill once again. Well, if only his singing was as commanding as his dental jewelry. Darold was so awful, I’m not sure he was even hitting notes. No, not missing notes. Just simply not doing anything musical at all. Needless to say, this couple would not be consummating their love on the Kodak Theater stage.

Last but not least was Eric Mueller, a blonde oddball who’d been training for this moment for the past two years — even if that meant “basically cutting out my social life.” Sorry, World of Warcraft. MuelWizard69 was taking a break.

Anyway, Eric promised us “I think I’m going to be very big in my lifetime,” and this was immediately followed by the high pitched squeal of his voice, which was not unlike the sound of me scrubbing Windex on my mirror. At best he reminded me of Buster from Arrested Development. At worst, he reminded me of… Buster from Arrested Development.

After some general screwing around, the judges finally told him no, causing Eric to respond with the ever so formal, “Then I take my leave then.” Kind of an odd and underwhelming note to end the show on, but there was one amusing twist. Turned out Eric’s vocal teacher was none other than the cheesy DVD Randy and Paula produced for aspiring singers. This delighted Simon, and he went running out of the room, trying to track down Eric. The other two judges followed, laughter and good-natured pawing occurred out in the hallway, and Ryan and the rest of the spectators looked completely confused. It was all pretty amusing, but again, after Sherman, it was hard to even muster up the energy to finish off this episode.

Luckily, that was the end. Next stop: San Antonio. And then the Hollywood rounds begin. Stay tuned to TVgasm, folks. J-Unit and I have a very special Idol surprise that involves us singing… Great, I’m pretty sure I just overhyped the surprise by merely typing this sentence. You’ll just have to wait to see what it is (but I guarantee it’s nothing nearly as exciting as you might be thinking).

What did you think about the Los Angeles auditions? Who were your favorites? Who’ve been your favorites this season? Which has been the best audition city so far?

Comments (32)
More About Author

About B-Side

32 Comments

1

chief113

Posted February 1, 2007 at 3:57 am

Please, please, please, B-Side. You have got to get a clipgasm of the panther kid. You forgot to mention when he walked in the room and threw his scrapbook on the floor. He was, by far, the most entertaining person to ever be on the show. I can’t remember the last time I laughed that long and hard. That’s what she said. “Eccentuate!”
2

chief113

Posted February 1, 2007 at 3:59 am

PS
I thought he was wispering Eccentuate even thought I’m not sure that’s a real word.
3

jusaplyr

Posted February 1, 2007 at 5:28 am

You’re right B-Side. Just about everyone I talked to about the auditions last night were AT LEAST misty at Sherman. *sigh*
4

Mgue

Posted February 1, 2007 at 6:08 am

Was it just me? Or when Martik was listing off all the professions he was going to break into (dancer, choreographer, producer, model…) – please tell me I wasn’t the only one adding “Britney Spear’s future boytoy” to that list!!! C’mon, he’s perfect for her!! The hair, the style, the puffed up ego, and like you said the wish-upon-wishes to be black!!
5

minda07

Posted February 1, 2007 at 6:49 am

B-Side, I believe you cried there was no way not to. I got a phone call right after his segment and my friend was like OMG what happened, then I told her that I was crying over American Idol and she told me to suck it up.

I can not wait for this phase to be over with I find for the most part this stage boring.
6

Krizzatch

Posted February 1, 2007 at 7:35 am

It was so obvious that Darold (of the bling grill) was completely stoned. My boyfriend saw him walk into the audition room and said “Man, he’s so baked.” But I think he’s definetly in love with Sparkles. Which is commendable.

And that last guy who auditioned, Eric Mueller, of the Paula and Randy DVD school of singing, he TOTALLY looked like a serial killer. I kept thinking he’d pull some stunt and rush the judges or something. He kinda gave me the willies.
7

mom_to_travis

Posted February 1, 2007 at 7:49 am

Aww, damn Sherman! That made me cry. I haven’t cried during AI since that little cowboy dude from Montana saw the ocean for the first time.
8

HoneyBunny

Posted February 1, 2007 at 8:13 am

The banana thinks Katies a bitch…LOL. Haters!

I predict Sherman is going to be very popular with the ladies. You Go Sherm!

hb
9

soflat

Posted February 1, 2007 at 8:42 am

They really toned down the judges comments since the first couple of episodes. It’s obvious that Rosie O’Donnell had an effect and they rushed back to the editing room.

Simon never comments on anybody’s appearance or weight or say anything offensive anymore. He just says “that’s a no” or “what was that?” or “it’s 100% no”.

Simon used to be witty but now I think they edited it out.
10

tvaholic

Posted February 1, 2007 at 10:20 am

Krizzatch (#6)-yes! The first thing I said when I saw that Eric guy was I wonder how many people are buried in his basement?

Loved Sherman!!!

And what the hell was hanging from the stoned guy’s pants? I’m also willing to bet his woman, Sparkles, auditioned for “Flavor of Love.” It was entertaining to see how uncomfortable she made Simon feel.
11

JasonR

Posted February 1, 2007 at 10:44 am

You mean that guy Eccentric/Martik WASN’T Kevin Federline under an assumed name?
12

JasonR

Posted February 1, 2007 at 10:55 am

These audition shows are really getting old. I read that they are actually cutting back on broadcast time for Hollywood week because those shows traditionally get lower ratings. I think the Hollywood second round is more interesting because the people there all have at least some talent and it’s interesting to see who chokes and who rises to the occasion. I also love seeing the idiots who stay out partying and then forget their lyrics.
13

TWilliams

Posted February 1, 2007 at 11:18 am

I was surprised with how lackluster LA truly was. But as it was pointed out, LA isn’t all ga-ga over AI like the rest of the country appears to be. I would still think they’d have a little more talent than they did, though (doesn’t LA have the largest population of overly-talented waiters and starlets — surely a few of them can sing as well as act). Who’d have thought the BEST audition would have come from a 64 year old?!?

It is kind of sad to think that had a show like this been around forty years ago, Sherman could have been a star. Sure enough, had this show been around 40 years ago our civilization would have declined at an even faster rate and we’d all be total idiots and losers now, but . . . Has anybody seen Idiocracy? I hope that isn’t where our country/world is headed. But look at our entertainment, seriously, it is kind of scary.

Sherman was a pleasant singer — I enjoyed his audition very much. It was sweet and genuine and very much needed at this stage of the season. I was glad he didn’t turn out to be another cuckoo, delusional elder like Big Bird from the other night (she was wrong and gross on so many levels). Sherman made me think of a man I used to work with at a bank during college. He sang ALL the time between customers and was so sweet and caring towards everyone. Maybe they should come out with another show like AI but for an older crowd (because so many people like Sherman didn’t have this opportunity given to today’s young population) — but half of AI’s audience is teenagers so it wouldn’t do well in the ratings department. Still, an entire season of Sherman . . . who wouldn’t like that?

I am VERY ready for the auditions to be over and for the real competition to begin. Haven’t we had enough already? I am afraid that we’ll find out on Tuesday night that there will be one more audition city on Wednesday (Phoenix, Denver, Miami or Salt Lake). I have had enough of this crap. PLEASE start the season — what is sad, though, is that thirty million of the viewers tuning in to this show would probably continue to watch an entire season of horrid auditions and craptastic performances. We would definitely turn into the America of Idiocracy (Sports Drink anyone?). I say a couple of weeks of this is enough. My head hurts just thinking that I have to hear and endure another night of pathetic wannabes.
14

Foxbase Alpha

Posted February 1, 2007 at 12:45 pm

B-Side~

What! No screen capture of Olivia Newface-John looking cross-eyed during the wacky audition montage. I about fell off the couch during that and thought for sure that would appear on your recap.
15

Smoke_Rulz

Posted February 1, 2007 at 1:50 pm

For your viewing pleasure, TVGasm readers.

http://img250.imageshack.us/img250/8871/onjje4.png
16

Autumn_Reeser_is_hot

Posted February 1, 2007 at 2:23 pm

Gotta say, I really enjoy the recaps. It’s kind of my first season of American Idol which is because I’m from Germany and AI doesn’t air over here. I watched Season 5, too, but not until September ’06… I loved Taylor Hicks right from his first audition on (yes, it’s true…) and so I was looking for someone more original and interesting in this season. So far, the only one living up to that was Sean Michel. I so hope he’s gonna make the Top24…
However, this episode was decent, but the recap was fabulous. You actually said a lot of things I thought watching the show… We have the same programm over here in Germany, but it’s not nearly as good regarding talent, judges and host. Yes, I LOVE Ryan Seacrest, because he’s funny and cute (you should see our hosts…) and I also LOVE the judges…
I really liked last season, but this year I haven’t really found too many people I could imagine on the Top12 Live Shows.
Anyways, what is it with those melodramatic people this season? OH MY GOD! That is so annoying.
And why are people trying to imitate Taylor. I mean, seriously… The great thing about him was that he was original (and could sing). There’s nothing original about people trying to be someone else. What that is, is it’s annoying…
I agree with Simon and B-Side, that Brian Miller was nothing but forgettable. But obviously they had to give away tickets, so they have people to be sent home during Hollywood week…
One of my favourite scenes of this episode was that weird girl (from the couple) inside, weirdly flirting with Simon while outside Ryan was going on about the two being soulmates and loyalty and so on… Classic!
I hope San Antonio is gonna bring some more talent. Because even though AI is way better than Germany’s version I still think it kinda sucks compared to last season. But that could be me…
17

JasonR

Posted February 1, 2007 at 2:38 pm

TWilliams (#13), I just read on msnbc.com that 40 people from L.A. got golden tickets!! For whatever reason, the producers are hiding a lot of talent from us, especially since Randy said last night that he could see the winner coming out of L.A. For whatever reason they decided to concentrate on the losers and no-talents in L.A. I think we’ll be very surprised in the coming weeks and saying a lot of “where did he/she come from?”

BTW, I’ve been seeing a lot of Carmen Rassmussen on the talk show circuit talking about Idol the last few weeks. That girl couldn’t sing but she has grown into quite a hottie.
18

626

Posted February 1, 2007 at 2:57 pm

I absolutely loved Brandon Rogers. His voice gave me goosebumps. He’s the first audition this year that I can see going on to win.

The panther kid was really something!
19

katie

Posted February 1, 2007 at 3:23 pm

i couldn’t believe that chick’s mother told her she was “no katharine mcphee…”
therapy is right B-side.
20

roleepolee

Posted February 1, 2007 at 7:17 pm

“Bananas have feelings too. And hey, I think I know a sexy plantain I can hook him up with.” LOL.

#16: I have a question. What is it about Taylor Hicks, that makes you a big fan of his? In fact, Can any Soul Patrolman answer this question for me? I just don’t understand why he’s popular. Him winning AI last year still boggles my mind, and it defies all logic. I’m not a Mcphee fan, but I don’t think anyone will disagree when I say she was WAY better than Hicks in terms of singing. He has no talent what-so-ever, and it really confuses me when someone, like yourself, say you’re a big fan of his…
21

southernbelle

Posted February 2, 2007 at 12:14 am

I have never seen an episode of American Idol and I generally don’t read the recaps. However, I saw on a news site something about Paula, tears, and a 64-year-old…so I bopped on over here to read about it as opposed to a boring ol’ news article. Yep, sitting at my desk crying now. Sherman, you old sailor, you. Something that did keep me from full-on bawling was that upon first glance, he reminded me of someone else. I think it was Mr. Feeney from Boy Meets World. I was amused at the thought of him auditioning in his KITT, the talking car, voice. But, truthfully, Sherman occupies a little piece of my heart.

I can’t help but wish that I had been watching this show all along. Therapy-inducing mothers? Disgruntled bananas? Crawling panther boys? Sounds like a good time in the old town tonight.

Seriously though, banana kid is so lucky that panther boy was more Bagheera than King Louie. As convincing as he seemed to be as a large cat, there’s no doubt that his instinct would tell him to go in for the banana kill had he been simian. Another Idol scandal avoided.
22

Autumn_Reeser_is_hot

Posted February 2, 2007 at 5:51 am

@#20: Well, I don’t really know what to say. I guess, it’s always a matter of taste. I liked Taylor’s voice a lot and thought he was pretty cute. I also thought his enthusiasm was sometimes a little over the top. Still, I liked it. Besides, he really appreciated the opportunity and knew (and still knows) that it’s his fans had brought him where he was. Unlike that arrogant Chris Daughtry who sounds so like 50 other rock singers in the States and I only know those whose music is so good that it makes all the way across the big ocean .
I’m definitely not some crazy fan following him around (that would be difficult anyways, flights to the US aren’t really affordable to me cause I’m a student), but I absolutely enjoyed him watching the show and he does have a lot of talent. Maybe you just don’t wanna see that because you have some kind of problem with him
Unfortunately, he’s not very successful but I hope he’ll at least be able to live as a performer and earn a decent amount of money with it. I think he deserves it…
23

BigMax

Posted February 2, 2007 at 5:54 am

Damn, Southern Belle — I am laughing my ass off at your comments about “Eccentric the Panther” and King Louie. Fantastic! Thank you!

Oh, and Sherman had a really pleasant singing voice. It really was a nice break from the usual audition show melodrama.
24

John

Posted February 3, 2007 at 5:24 am

Sherman was a gent alright, but maybe it’s just me: playing the cancer card was just cheese central, and I would have shown him the door right there and then.
25

626

Posted February 3, 2007 at 3:03 pm

#20 – I always felt that Taylor won because of the whole grey haired, energetic thing he has going for him. It’s just his gimmick. Obviously Katharine sings better but she doesn’t stand out from the crowd like Taylor does.

Personally I like them both
26

NateTheOkay

Posted February 3, 2007 at 3:56 pm

Simon’s reaction to seeing the DVD “training” in Eric’s contestant notes was priceless.

He looked exactly like a kid seeing his presents Christmas morning. Unlike so many staged moments on AI, that was a completely genuine reaction. He was killing himself laughing… and the best was when he was running through the halls to find the guy. Definitely one of the best Idol moments this season.

And speaking of great Idol moments, Sherman definitely had me tearing up. How could you not?
27

roleepolee

Posted February 4, 2007 at 5:54 pm

thanks for your opinions #22 and 25.

I’ll give Hicks credit for playing the harmonica well, and trying to be original. But c’mon, you guys have to admit the guy shouldnt have won. Have yoe been listening to his songs on his new album? No wonder it’s not selling well!

I hope people don’t misunderstand. It’s not like I hate him personally. I hate to admit it, I think he has a good personality by looking at how he treats his fans, etc. I’m not angry that he won either because he did deserve it. I’m just angry cause I keep thinking of better singers who has incredible talent the likes of the people I mentioned in my last comment, not being reconized because Hicks is the BIG winner. I really don’t think he has a good singing voice. It’s nasally and weak. No power, range, soul. Just a regular voice.
28

roleepolee

Posted February 4, 2007 at 6:04 pm

Actually, I didn’t mention anyone in my last comment. So I’ll list all the singers who were better than Hicks: Elliot Yamin, Mandissa, Lisa Tucker, maybe, just maybe, even Kevin Covais….Yes, I said it. Kevin Covais. The little pale shrimp boy. I really think that all the above contestants were better than Hicks…
29

What the...?

Posted February 4, 2007 at 7:17 pm

Taylor was definitely not the best singer of the competition, but seriously, you would argue Kevin Covais is better? Have you already forgotten his earnest rendition of “Thstarry Thstarry Night”?
30

Autumn_Reeser_is_hot

Posted February 5, 2007 at 11:32 am

Maybe Taylor wasn’t the BEST singer on the show. But considering the amount of talented singers it is more than obvious that having a great voice can’t be the only thing. Most of the contestants were just plain boring and that was their problem.
Besides that I don’t think that the fact Taylor won the competition spared all the other contestants the opportunity to put out a record. Just look at Chris Daughtry whose record was extremely successful. Kellie Pickler even made an album (sorry, for bringing that up ), Katherine’s album has been released a week or two ago. And I even read Paris was working on one.
If the contestants really have the ability to be a successful singer they will get the chance. They had the opportunity to be seen by millions of people across the States. A lot of people out there that are far more talented than some that made the Top12 will never get that chance. I think that is probably more unfair than having a Taylor Hicks win American Idol
31

roleepolee

Posted February 5, 2007 at 5:01 pm

#29: Haha. Sorry about that, and I take it back. Hicks is a liiiittle better than that shrimp. What was I thinking?

#30: Thanks for your answers to my question. You make some valid points, that I agree with 100%. I’m just frustrated because people who has vocal talent over gimmicks don’t get recongnized as much as I want them to be. I still think Hicks is overrated… btw, Autumn Reeser IS hot. No arguments there…=)
32

Autumn_Reeser_is_hot

Posted February 6, 2007 at 4:05 am

Well, roleepolee, I see your point. Naturally, I can’t agree because I love Taylor. At least we can agree on the other Taylor
I’m glad I could even make a point considering that English isn’t my mother tongue and I normally don’t even correspond in English. I’m usually just a lurker *g*.
Really looking forward to this week’s AI. Is wednesday’s episode gonna be about Hollywood week already?

Recap: American Idol: California Dreamin’

32 Comments

Post a Comment Cancel reply

TV Social

Login

Recent Comments

Subscribe to Blog

Hot Shows

Fresh Tweets!

Recap: American Idol: California Dreamin’

If you like it, spread it!:

32 Comments

Post a Comment Cancel reply

TV Social

Login

Recent Comments

Subscribe to Blog

Hot Shows

Fresh Tweets!