American Idol Season 11 Premier Recap
Wednesday marked the start of season 11 of American Idol. The whole gang is back again, veteran Randy Jackson, and sophomores Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler. The first stop this year was Savannah, Georgia. So are we going to have Kelly Clarkson type of year, or are we looking at more of a Lee Dewyze kind of year. Here are the highlights and lowlights of the night.
The Good
David Leathers Jr. is first up this season. The 17 year old looks to be around 12, maybe 13 if your being kind. We learn that David actually competed against Scotty McCreery in a local talent competition, taking 1st place to Scotty’s 2nd, HA. He sings “Remember the Rain,” by Century 21, effectively blowing the judges away, and drawing Michael Jackson comparisons. He certainly sounded like Michael, enough that the judges requested a Jackson song before unanimously putting David through to Hollywood week.
16 year old champion tap dancer, Gabby Carrubba, sailed through to Hollywood week with her rendition “Sunday Morning,” by Maroon 5.
15 year old Shannon Magrane, whose father pitched in the 1987 World Series, auditioned with Etta James’ “Something’s Got ahold of Me.” She was a little out of her league, but she gave a passable rendition, though I’m sure James’ fans would cringe. Regardless she made it through to the next round.
24 year old Amy Brumfield, is currently living in a tent in the woods with her boyfriend. Though her boyfriend works every day they are still unable to afford rent and utilities. Amy auditions with Alicia Key’s “Super Woman”, with her practiced rasp; she impressed the judges and sails through to Hollywood week.
Nervous 15 year old Stephanie Renae auditioned with “Inside Your Heaven,” by Carrie Underwood. She was amazing, so when Randy said no to Hollywood and Lopez said she sounded a bit nasally (um hello, pot meet kettle) I was shocked. Luckily for Stephanie, she had Steven there to back her up, and eventually Lopez gave her the votes she needed to make it to the next round.
16 year old Skylar Dixon, who auditioned with her brother last year, is going solo this year, or at least that’s what she thought. The judges force Skylar to drag her brother Colton in and pressure him to audition. She auditioned with “Break Even” by The Script; she sounded good, but a bit forced. Colton can certainly sing, but it was fairly obvious that Skylar was a bit annoyed by her brother showing her up. However, they both made the cut, see you in Hollywood.
25 year old Lauren Mink works with adults with disabilities. We get to see Lauren at work, which was quite touching (as intended). She auditioned with “Country Strong,” from a movie by the same name. She was pretty good, but the judges adored her, sending her to the next round.
NBA dancer Brittany Kerr, who is cute as can be and as history reveals at an advantage, auditioned with Joss Stone’s “Spoiled.” And what do you know Randy and Steven put her through, guess who didn’t? To be fair she wasn’t terrible, just not as strong as one would hope on a show of this caliber.
Phillip Phillips (yes, really), who’s proud father has supported him every step of the way, auditioned with Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition.” It was a very Casey Abrams rendition, down to the awkward movement and face pulling. Because Phillip was carrying a guitar the judges ask to see his skills. So Phillip gave a very interesting performance of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.” Needless to say Phillip made the cut.
The Bad
19 year old Jessica Whitely says singing is all she dreams about, and well she will have to just keep on dreaming about it, because her constricted constipated audition not only failed to impress but actually left the judges stunned speechless. That is until Randy broke the tension with a simple “awful.”
A boisterous 23 year old Joshua Chavis, gave a spirited, rendition of “I’m Yours,” by Jason Mraz. And by spirited I’m mean an off key mess! Um, we won’t be seeing Joshua anytime soon.
And The Strange
Shawn Kraisman, looking and sounding like Ryan Seacrest, down to the suit and voice inflection, auditioned with “Oh Girl.” He failed to impress with his vocals, but Seacrest better watch his back.
28 year old Ashley Altise, who’s the creator of the joy hop dance (don’t ask), auditioned with the Beatles “Come Together.” She moved about the room with great confidence and silliness as well, and she didn’t sing the song half bad either. All of this adds up to a ticket to Hollywood evidently, um yeah…
Erica Novak, who swears that Steven Tyler is her future ex-husband, entire goal in life is to kiss any part of Tyler’s body. Once she got a hug we were hopeful she would just leave, however we weren’t that lucky. She auditioned to Joss Stone’s “Super Duper Love.” It didn’t go well, I’m pretty sure wouldn’t have spotted the right key if it jumped on her head.
When all was said and done Savannah saw 42 singers make the cut. I can’t say I was overly impressed with the talent I saw tonight, but who knows, right? Thursday night the crew travels to Pittsburg, so be sure to check back here for all the highlights.
Kellee Knowles-TVLatest.com
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