American Idol Season 11 Premier Part Two Recap
So Thursday night marked part two of the American Idol season 11 premier, the gang headed to Pittsburg Pennsylvania to see if the next Idol champ could be among the throngs of wannabes. So will Pittsburg bring the talent, or will we be left with that sad lackluster feeling that we had in Savannah? Here are some of the highlights, and of course the lowlights.
The Good
A very anxious Heejun Han kicked off the night, with a strange nervous arm wiggle, we braced for the worst. He auditioned to Michael Bolton’s “How am I Supposed to Live Without You,” and to say his voice didn’t match his look, let alone his accented speaking voice, would be a vast understatement! He had a soulful voice that took this viewer and the judges by surprise. Heejun will be heading to Hollywood.
26 year old Reed Grimm comes from a musical family, so it seemed an odd choice to audition to the theme from Family Matters (yes the show with Urkel). But guess what, his scatting jazzy rendition was pretty awesome. I wasn’t the only one to appreciate this quirky contestant, because he was given his ticket to Hollywood.
Starving artist Creighton Franker, auditioned with his original song, which basically amounted to sucking up to the judges. Eventually, the judges request another song, Creighton chose “Who’s Loving You,” by The Jackson 5, and he killed it! Look out for this one guys, we might have a contender.
15 Eben Franckewitz , along with his incredibly supportive parents, auditioned with “Ain’t No Sunshine.” He had a very pure voice, along with a Justin Beiber do, yeah he’s heading to Hollywood.
Travis Orlando is back again after being cut in Hollywood last year, singing “Isn’t She Lovely.” It was a nice vocal, but what stands out is his tragic story. Travis dropped out of high school, after his mom left the family, and his ailing father. The family had to move into a shelter, and he’s hoping to make the cut this year. Though the judges believe he has some growing to do, they put him through to Hollywood week.
Wedding singer Erika Van Pelt auditioned with Carol King’s version of “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.” She had a deep sultry voice and easily won the judges over. We’ll be seeing Erika in Hollywood.
24 year old Hallie Day has quite the story. At 15 she dropped out of high school, moved to New York and joined a girl group. The group struggled and Hallie soon found herself unable to pay her rent as well as addicted to drugs. She moved home, but without a mother or father around to guide her, she let her addiction and depression take over. She ended up attempting suicide. Her life turned around the day she met her future husband, he gave her the confidence and encouragement to audition for the show. She appropriately auditioned with “I Will Survive.” She had a strong voice the judges responded to immediately. Keep an eye on this one in Hollywood, we may have another contender.
The Bad
19 year old coalminer Shane Bruce auditioned with Leonard Cohen’s “Halleluiah.” Now we previewed Shane’s skills in the coal mine when he sang for his co-workers, and he was good, so I’m surprised he wasn’t better in his audition. Poor kid knew he blew it, and was sent packing.
The Strange
Planker Patricia Bell accompanied her sister Samantha to the audition, claiming Samantha sings better when she planks, oh God help me. Patricia lay straight as a board on the floor in front of her sister while she auditioned. Well it turns out Samantha can actually sing and is heading to Hollywood.
Bottom line, Pittsburg rocked! When all was said and done 38 contestants made the cut. What an improvement from Savannah! Sunday night there will be a special night of auditions after the playoff game, when the judges head to San Diego. Be sure to check back here for all of the highlights.
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