American Idol 7
Hollywood Auditions Recap by Jacob D.
February 14,2008
We've sifted through eight audition episode and now it's time for American Idol's Hollywood Week! Here's where the weak are seperated from the strong and we really get to see who could potentially be the next idol. This year, things will run a little differently. Rather than the convoluted structuring of years past, which saw hopefuls seperated by gender and singing in groups, each of the 164 hopefuls will sing on the first day and be judged. A 'yes' vote puts them through to the final day of performances while a 'no' vote means they'll have to perform a second time on another day before the final performance leg. No one will be cut on this first day, but scores of people will be cut on the second day. Those who make it to the final performance day will be eligible for the Top 50, from which the judges will select this year's Top 24.
I have to say that I kind of like this format. It reduces the drama of who didn't practice what for group numbers, people partying when they should be practicing, and so on while allowing each individual to shine. Sure, we won't get to see everyone, but we will get a good glimpse at the talent level and persona of those we do see.
Also new this year is that the contestants will be allowed to play instruments during these initial performances. The first person to perform this year and the first person to perform with an instrument is Brooke White, whom you might remember as the girl who never saw an 'R' rated movie. She had a lovely, pure voice and is very nice, so the judges put her through to Hollywood. She tells us confidence is her main obstacle, but she sounds lovely with her rendition of "Beautiful." It's not the Christina Aguilera version, so I couldn't tell you who the artist is though. The judges love her and Simon says she has certain Carly Simon/Carole King qualities. Brooke gets a 'yes' vote and is put through to the final day of performances. Now the girl can just relax and I'm happy for her.
Other people who aren't so lucky include Lorena Pinot singing "Man! I Feel Like A Woman," abstinence preacher Amy Flynn overdoing "Sway," and the once lovable Leo Marlowe singing something I don't recognize and going from memorable to forgettable as per Simon's words. After that, we get some clips of people performing with instruments and not doing quite as well as Brooke. There's Alisha Dixon, who sings "Unwritten" with a guitar, Michael Sanfilippo who gives a long and drawn out performance also with guitar, Alyssa Coco who can barely get out "Sway" with a keyboard, and Shaun Barrowes who gives a Jerry Lee Lewis-lite performance with a keyboard. The worst marks probably go to Jake Mellema, who gives a dreadful rendition of "Hooked On A Feeling" with a set of drums. Simon calls it horrible and says there were no redeeming qualities in that performance. Maybe it would've gone over better if Jake had done the "Oogah Chuckah" part of the song.
Jacob D. is a twenty-something native of Austin Tx who spends his time
listening to music, posting on Austin based messageboards, playing
video games, and watching TV. Jacob also enjoys reading Shonen Jump,
Garfield and Calvin & Hobbes strips, playing Texas Hold 'em, drawing
cartoon chickens, and tending to his neopets. Though shy in real
life, he loves to sound off on his favorite shows and enjoys
interacting with other fans.
You can contact Jacob at Jacob@RealityTVCalendar.com
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