Ah here we have Brent Keith Smith from Ohio singing Bad Company's "Can't Get Enough." He looks like a frat boy and I'm going to predict a "no." Oh, I may be wrong; he is not bad at all. And a Classic Rock number is always okay by me. Judges? Simon thinks that this was the completely wrong song for Brent and he should have done something more emotional. Paula starts freaking out with indignity and screams, "I say yes!" New Judge raises her hand and asks permission to speak. The judges bicker for a while about just whose turn it is to speak and then Simon gives his yes. Paula and New Judge pretend to be outrageously disrespected and act like they are going to hide under the table. I'd be so mad if I were Brent Keith Smith - what a waste of time. Then everyone says yes and Brent emerges through the curtain with his "golden ticket" to Hollywood. Fabulous.
After the break we learn that Louisville is not only famous for the Kentucky Derby, but also for being the home of the Louisville Slugger. Hey, good point, American Idol! And here comes a montage of people who are awful, including a girl who sounds like the Mayor of the Munchkin City, a guy wearing a zebra motif - including a black and white striped face - who sings about Mr. Zebra, and an obese ice cream server doing Michael Jackson moves to "Billie Jean."
Next up is Matt, a dueling piano player from Kalamazoo, Michigan. I had no idea that was a real place. He sings a song that I recognize, but I have no idea of the title or who sings it, but he's actually pretty good. New Judge says that she really likes Matt and his unique tone. Simon decides to let Matt know that his problem is not believing in himself. They all say yes and it's next stop Hollywood for the kid from Kalamazoo.
Here we have Ross, another Kentucky native who looks like he has more than one problem.
He likes studying challenging things like physics and languages. That's fascinating, Ross. Can you sing? Well, he says that he's taught himself to sing using You Tube videos and internet articles. Oh boy. Why does this guy want to go on American Idol? I honestly don't get it. He goes in front of the judges and starts telling them how he mathematically arranges Chinese characters in his spare time. See what I mean? This guy wants to be a singer? The judges are apparently wondering the same thing and ask Ross why he's here, to which he answers that singing is one of the many things he enjoys. I'm predicting terrible. He sings an Italian aria and is, in fact, terrible. Shocking. I guess Ross couldn't arrange his vocal chords mathematically as easily as he could Chinese characters. The judges giggle and then join in the aria. Then they ask for something current and Ross draws a blank. He says that the reason he sucks is that the air is dry, so Paula offers him a sip of water. He walks right over and helps himself to whatever is in her Coca-Cola cup - right through her straw! Paula is appalled. Why is Ross still in here? He's obviously not moving on and they just want to torture him. Okay, carry on. He sings a note and a half of "Love Me Tender" and they stop him and tell him to get lost. That was useful. Paula asks for a new drink. Buh-bye, Ross.
Oh, here's a happy montage of 10 lucky Louisville-ers who are awarded golden tickets to Hollywood. How celebratory. Fun times in Kentucky.
It's Day 2 in Loo-uh-vull and we have a whole new slew of crazies. I mean hopefuls. First up is 21-year-old stay-at-home-mom Alexis from Memphis, Tennessee. Alexis tells us that her illegitimate daughter is her primary motivation for auditioning today. That's so inspiring. I'm going to get pregnant so that I'll be motivated to get off my butt and hitch my wagon to a star! She sings "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin. I'm predicting a yes, but let's see. Oh yep. She belts her heart out, but the judges seem hesitant. Simon says she has a very commercial face. Good thing she's not on America's Next Top Model.
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Comments (12)
Joanna Pacitti sings "Watch Me Shine" on the Legally Blonde soundtrack. It's kind of cheesy, but I really like that song. I hope that she goes far - she seems nice.
1 of 12 | Posted by georgiababe | Posted on January 25, 2009 12:39 AM
Apparently Joanna Pacitti is this year's Carly Smithson in that there will be controversy regarding her background. She did sing on two soundtracks and release an album. Critics are saying that Idol should be used to find unknown talent, not talent that tried previously and failed...
On the web there's also a video clip of her from a story that 20/20 did back in the early 90s. Joanna was playing the lead role in "Annie" before the show went back to Broadway but she was fired right before that and replaced with another actress. She was a kid at the time but her interview is the cheesiest thing ever...
2 of 12 | Posted by Anonymous | Posted on January 25, 2009 5:49 AM
there are several contestants this year who have had recording contracts, and songs included on soundtracks. Apparently AI changed the rules a few years ago to let these ringers in...but when I hear they already had a chance (or several) and blew it, I immediately start rooting against them.
I think the whole "did he just threaten us" was completely manufactured. There was no threat, just lame drama.
And I had hoped the guy who drank out of Paula's cup was going to yell, "HEY! THAT isn't water! That's VODKA!" which certainly would have explained a lot.
So far...not impressed with this season. Especially the new judge and all the fake bickering. If that's what this season will be, I'll watch something else.
3 of 12 | Posted by cattyfan | Posted on January 25, 2009 6:49 AM
I still enjoy the audition episodes, but I really don't think I can watch this show once the real competition starts. For one thing, I'm not overly impressed by the "talent" that's gotten through so far this season. Also I think it's ridiculous that people like Joanna have a shot. She released an album a couple of years ago and it failed. As far as I'm concerned she's had her chance. A couple of others on this season--including the Brent Keith Smith person, if I'm not mistaken--were in the finals on Nashville Star. WTF?
I was hoping we'd immediately see some major changes to the show since they promised to mix it up, but so far it's more of the same old same old.
4 of 12 | Posted by Blanketessa | Posted on January 25, 2009 9:25 AM
Uh, regarding Ross - the Chinese Character guy - you know, some people just want to be on TV. I don't get it but they do. I'm assuming it's because they're lonely, sad, friendless, pathetic people with nothing in their lives but TV. Oy.
The "threat" from the George Jones singer didn't sound like a threat to me. If I say to someone, "I'm going to kick your ass all the way to Hell and back." That's a threat. Saying "Be careful." Not a threat.
Though I still think they should erect a bullet proof glass wall between the contestants and the judges. Half the people that show up for the auditions seem "borderline."
5 of 12 | Posted by Mr Dangerous | Posted on January 25, 2009 9:56 AM
I agree with you guys. What is someone who's already released an album doing in this competition? Nuts to that. Later, Joanna Pacitti.
Isn't the fun of this show discovering that Farmer Bob is actually an undiscovered prodigy?
6 of 12 | Posted by Honey Gangsta | Posted on January 25, 2009 10:17 AM
I liked Leneshe's sound and her song was original. I was a bit uncomfortable at her obvious use of "sex appeal". The way she sashayed into the room in her tight jeans seemed a bit inappropriate for someone her age. I kept thinking of the song "Fancy" by Reba McEntire. Her mom is setting her up to whore herself out just to make some money. Sad. I wonder if that's what her pastor had in mind when he said she'd make her mom a whole lot of money...
For some reason, Rebecca Garcia (Fox girl) reminded me of Hannah from America's Next Top Model - Alaska Girl.
7 of 12 | Posted by Thatswhatshesaid | Posted on January 25, 2009 2:26 PM
I totally disagree regarding people having record contracts. Just because you've been signed doesn't mean that you ever had a chance to release an album. It could be that the label changed hands and the new head cans you and send you back to the start.
It's most often not a case of a singer "blowing it" but instead it just not quite being their big break.
I think it's admirable that they keep trying instead of packing their bags and running home.
8 of 12 | Posted by georgiababe | Posted on January 25, 2009 5:52 PM
A also have no problem with the more experienced singers. In fact, I wish they'd raise the age limit.
As to radically changing the formula, why would Fox want to endanger thier golden goose. (If it ain't broke... well, you know).
9 of 12 | Posted by fire@will | Posted on January 25, 2009 8:14 PM
i literally had joanna's cover of dashboard confessional's "screaming infidelities" on in the car on my ipod on the way home to watch the show. and thennnn...there she was. i call b.s.
10 of 12 | Posted by baymenxpac | Posted on January 26, 2009 8:23 AM
Yeah, they should raise the age limit. I'd kick ass over these kids.
It doesn't bother me that they bring pros on there, since everyone should have the right to sing cheesy pop songs in front of millions of people.
What does bother me is all these white people trying to sing like they're Aretha Franklin (or Mariah Carey or whatver). Like they've all been raised in some storefront gospel church. It just doesn't make sense to me.
Well, okay, my nephews (rich white suburban Jewish kids) dress like gangstas and keep grabbing their crotches all the time. Weirdness.
11 of 12 | Posted by itchy | Posted on January 26, 2009 8:52 AM
I have no problem with people who got signed and it didn't work out getting another chance on Idol. I think the problem people had with Carly last season was the seeming lack of candor over her past at first, which is why they went out of their way to give Joanna's history right at the auditions. I just want people who don't make my ears bleed, and she seemed like a sweetheart besides. Good for her I say. Overall, Luuhvul was even more meh than the other cities. Why are they still insisting on not even giving us a few seconds of 80% of the golden ticket-getters? After all these years most of the suck ass delusional people are no longer funny or entertaining, but still they torture us. Funny recap Honey.
12 of 12 | Posted by JasonR | Posted on January 26, 2009 9:20 AM