(S06E08) Yesterday, Ryan Seacrest promised that tonight we'd see "the best of the best" and "the worst of the worst" in previously unseen footage from the American Idol seven-city audition tour. I sat down tonight with dread, expecting more "worst" than "best." I fully assumed Idol was going to once again "beat a dead horse" with another hideous assault of delusional tone-deaf lunatics. Thankfully, the show didn't get bogged down too heavily in the crazies tonight. In fact, it moved briskly, packed a lot of different montage clips in, included a whimsical list of audition "Do's and Don'ts," and showcased several gifted singers we hadn't met before. It wasn't brilliant, but it served its purpose as a compilation, audition wrap-up show.
THE BEST:
TAMI GOSNELL (29) works as a petty cabdriver pedicab driver in Colorado. She sings "Whipping Post" and Simon really, really likes her. He says she's like a "big star" from the 1960s. That's because she isn't all glammed up or bleached blond. She's got long stringy, natural 1960s hair. Randy says her tone is "beautiful." And I'm completely shocked because Tami is the first "average-looking" female we've seen get a golden ticket from the judges this year.
PAUL KIM (25) is pool boy from California, who wants to prove that not all Asian performers sing like William Hung. He's also annoyed that Asian people don't get enough opportunities in the entertainment business. He sings "If Ever I Fall in Love" and Randy thinks he's "excellent." In fact, he says "1 million percent yes." Paula babbles incoherently, and Simon rudely (and thankfully) interrupts her mid-babble for a yes or no answer.
GINA GLOCKSEN (22) is back for her third audition, having already made it to Hollywood once before. She wears a bumblebee shirt and reminds me of Callie O'Malley from Grey's Anatomy. She absolutely loves her some Simon and isn't afraid to show it. She sings "Black Velvet" and Randy defers to Simon. Simon says she has "soul AND taste." Randy likes her voice, but doesn't like that she likes Simon. Gina gets a golden ticket, and a HUG from Simon. So much love in the room again. Simon definitely seems to be smiling a lot this season.
ASHLEY CLELAND (17) is part of a gimmicky group that calls themselves "The Carhops." She's a cute blond, and sings a Sarah McLachlan song. Randy likes her, as does Olivia Newton-John (but we already know that Olivia likes everyone). Paula tells her she's pretty and doesn't need quite so much makeup. Ashley calls Paula's advice "motherly." Oh, snap! She's saying Paula is like old enough to be her nagging mom. This makes Simon smile. They all think she deserves another chance.
EBONY JOINTER (23) also came to audition as part of "The Carhops." She's very skinny, and looks like a young Whitney Houston. And she sings a Whitney Houston song. Simon says, "You could sing the phonebook and it wouldn't matter." He believes she's in a completely different league than her friends. Paula calls her stunning. They all love her. Welcome to Hollywood.
LAKISHA JONES (26) wants to share her voice (her gift) with the world. OK, it sounds a little obnoxious when I write it, but she came off more genuine in person. She brought her adorable three-year-old daughter with her to the audition. She sings Aretha Franklin's "Think" and Simon LURVES her. He calls her a "good old-fashioned belter." Paula calls it brilliant. Where has Lakisha been hiding?
THE WORST:
CHRISTA FAZZINO (18) arrived at the Birmingham auditions in a very odd outfit that is part 1860s prostitute, part "I-don't-know-what." She likes to express her feeling through her clothes, and this outfit apparently represents feelings of happiness and excitement. Simon calls the whole audition "ridiculous." He calls her outfit "the inside of a dustbin." She starts to tear up and Paula tells her "yes" to make her feel better. But poor unfashionable Christa does not get a ticket to Hollywood.
JACK ODANAVICH (25) was inspired by Bo Bice's a capella performance during season four, and attempts to duplicate Bo's magic. You know, I just want to say that I miss Bo. Whatever happened to Bo? I especially miss Bo listening to Jack destroy this song. Simon calls Jack "incredibly deluded." Jack apologizes, leaves, but tells the cameras that he WILL NEVER GIVE UP his dream.
EDWARD SANCHEZ (26) is one of Paula's biggest fans. He enters the room, and tells Paula that the cameras don't do her beauty justice. His blatant Paula-butt-kissing earns him a hug and a KISS on the cheek (face cheek, not butt-cheek). He sings "Donna" poorly. Simon snarks, "Not just blind, he's deaf, as well." Randy agrees that singing is not Eddie's "bag." Paula also passes, but makes sure Edward knows how moved she was by his idolatry.
HEATHER RENNIE 20 is a cute blond who isn't all that bad in my opinion. However, she made the mistake of showing up with Ashley and Ebony as part of the gimmicky "Carhops." And she just paled in comparison to the other two. This time being cute and blond didn't guarantee an automatic one-way ticket to Hollywood. Wow, way to mix things up for a change, Idol!
WILLIAM EMIL SAMLAND III (28) is called a "composer and musical visionary" by Ryan in a voice dripping with sarcasm. William goes by his initials, WES, and does appear to be a little bit full of himself (sort of the way Ryan Seacrest is full of love for himself). Anywho, Wes sings an original tune, "Don't Worry, Don't Hurry" and stomps throughout the song like some deranged cheerleader. He thinks he did great, but Randy says it wasn't good. Olivia and Paula also pass. Et tu, Olivia?
ALEXANDER NAZARIO (28) is another fan of Paula's. He is very flexible, capable of doing lots of weird body movements, which he says he learned from watching Paula. He sings Air Supply's "Making Love Out of Nothing at All." Paula calls him "very different." Simon calls it a nightmare, but does say the dude can dance. The judges break it to Alex that his voice just isn't good. As a consolation prize, Alex gets a lovely "Paula Squeeze."
We get one last look back at some of memorable moments on the road. It is a moving compilation of the many faces and performances we've seen throughout this journey. And I can't believe I've watched every freaking minute of it. Sheesh, most of it I've actually watched TWICE. I feel like I've traveled so much these last couple of weeks, even though my fanny never left the comfort of my couch. These auditions have changed me. Truly. I think I may have overdosed on Idol. Thanks for being here to share the highs and the lows, and every odd and appalling thing in between.
I know this isn't the end, but really only the beginning (seriously, there's like 35 MORE HOURS of Idol left on the schedule). So, I'm wrapping things up. I need to get to bed, and restore my energy. I'll be back next week to do this all over again.
Next Week: HOLLYWOOD!! 172 contestants earned a golden ticket to Los Angeles. Ryan says: "They arrive in high spirits ... they're about to be broken down." Hollywood Week is all about testing "talent" and "character." I'm ready (or will be after a nice rest). Are you?
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
2-08-2007 @ 1:59AM
Rutgerskid said...
When does the real "live" show start?
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2-08-2007 @ 4:22AM
Audge said...
According to a Fox press release (http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?date=01/09/07&id=20070109fox01), the top 24 will be revealed next week. The final 12 will perform the first time on March 13th.
Reply
2-08-2007 @ 8:57AM
Ron said...
Liz,
Double-check your facts. Tami, the Colorado cab driver, who's driving Simon wild, isn't a "petty" cabdriver, but a "pedi" driver, as in rickshaw-pulling driver...on foot.
Reply
2-10-2007 @ 1:20PM
Lee said...
Katherine McPhee has no performance appeal whatsoever. This is not an opinion, it's a fact. She should not be singing hip hop, but would do well on broadway or, singing commercials or maybe even singing voice over for some Disney character. She cannot not entertain and it would be a mistake seeing her in concert. This doesn't mean she can't sing, because she does have a voice, but not for the genre of music she's doing now. I think Katherine would do better singing Celine Dion type music. She cannot shine the shoes of Christina, or the like and shouldn't even try. Taylor Hicks, who won last Idol, did not win because of his great voice. He won because he could perform and entertain an audience better than anyone that has been on the show so far. His voice may be an acquired taste but, he has a gritty texture that is definitely pleasing. He sings with feeling and it shows. This is what Ms. McPhee is missing. I don't think this is something you can learn. It's something you have. It's just ashame that these producers and record companies can crank out these singers and make money off them, whether they are good or not. It's an even bigger shame that looks prevail over talent, and this speaks volumes in McPhee's case. It's like a conveyor belt of medicore talent, and sometimes, just sometimes you get lucky and, the real thing comes along.
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2-08-2007 @ 9:16AM
Sue said...
I am new to American Idol, but I thought the cutoff age was 28. How did the 29 year old (Tami Gosnell)get a golden ticket?
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2-08-2007 @ 9:27AM
Helen said...
She (Tami) was 28 at the Auditions..... As long as you are 28 when you audition you are okay.
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2-08-2007 @ 10:50AM
Rosemary said...
I saw Whitney Houston at the beginning of her career sing and she had no personality. She was so stiff and disappointing. Her voice was great but no charisma. In time she was great. I am sure Katherine McPhee will relax and be a good showman. Whitney ended up in movies and missed dearly when she took her sabatical.
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2-08-2007 @ 9:48AM
Bob Kennedy said...
My biggest regret is that parents of some contestants
give them encouragement, even when the parents know their son/daughter can't carry a tune in a bucket, and will only make a fool of themselves in front of millions of viewers. Don't any of them ever watch
previous "Idol" shows to see the looks and talent the
past "winners" project?
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2-08-2007 @ 9:56AM
rvkey said...
Katherine McPhee? What about Kelly Pickler? Don't even get me started, honey! At least McPhee can sing and doesn't have to act like a "dumb hick" to get attention. And yes, I think that 75% of that was all an act.
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2-08-2007 @ 10:33AM
Bonnie Fazio said...
Well said, Lee. I totally agree that McPhee gives me more of a yawn than a fever. She just doesn't have it as a performer, but maybe she could sing commercials or join a group where she could fade into the background. She didn't get my vote last season because frankly she impressed me as a prima dona and lacked the personality and character of previous winners. Carrie Snodgrass she isn't....and not even her true confession of coping with eating disorder was enough to spiral her to fame...at least fame that will stick around when her whining has worn thin. By Bonnie
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2-08-2007 @ 10:09AM
Judy Scalf said...
I like Tami Gosnell too but sure hope she loses the lip ring. Going back to last season also, I totally agree with everything Lee said about Katherine McPhee and Taylor Hicks. Saw Katherine on Jimmy Kimmel last evening and was very disappointed with not only her performance but also with how unlady-like she acted. She's beautiful and talented but what's with sitting cross-legged in the chair (and with high heels still on)?
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2-08-2007 @ 10:11AM
yanick said...
The constestants better be on top of their game and crafts for next week's competition. There's no time to sleep. If they are smart they will learn from last few years that the contestant that wins stayed up late learning their songs and working all night and perfecting their crafts.
Competitions are fierce more hectic than ever. Between trying to stay on top of the craft, learning new songs, moves, and other activities, it’s easy to get run down, even exhausted!
Awake is the products that will help keep them one step above their competitiors and they can find it at :
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2-08-2007 @ 10:11AM
Joyce said...
RVKEY...don't pick on Kelly Pickler!!! She is what "Idol" should be about. She has not had a break in this life with the stuff she's been tested with when it comes to parents, and life! In spite of all that, she has a smile on her face, and a wonderful sincere nature. You wait...she is going to show you how good she can sing. To me a HICK is someone with no demonstrative educational abilities, and you appear to meet that criteria! I bet you've had it all handed to you, so you have no heart to understand a survivor like Kelly...go back to sleep!
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2-08-2007 @ 10:17AM
Ger said...
Let's stop talking about Katherine...who has done well. It is in the past. Let's get ready for the future Idol!
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2-08-2007 @ 10:22AM
Jane Lane said...
For once Simmon was good last night, he had his moments but I thought he was better. Do people out there don't realize that this is a singing show, not a show and tell!
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2-08-2007 @ 10:20AM
Carrie said...
I wish people would stop plugging all their random crap on these pages.
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2-08-2007 @ 10:37AM
kathy said...
American Idol 07-
I believe that everyone who tries out for American Idol has heart. I know it takes a lot to get up there in front of the judges and prove that you have what it takes vocally to make it. Then they look at you and judge your complexion, figure, facial expressions, everything about you. Just to say whether or not you got the LOOK! Well I just want to say Good Luck to all 172 contestants this year and that My guy and I watch every week. We already have a winner picked out and it is based on vocal skills alone. So go get em' everyone and we'll see you all at finish line...... Kathy and Bob..
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2-08-2007 @ 11:08AM
Bonnie said...
Let's see who can predict the final dozen just from the auditions so far......looking to the future, do any of you think you can pick the winner from what you've seen so far? Oh Hollywood is going to be interesting all right. Bring them on!
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2-08-2007 @ 10:44AM
kathy said...
Well I appreciate Katherine Mcphee standing up for Paula where the producers of American Idol are concerned. But as far as her talent level goes, there is a reason she didn't win! She does have good vocal skills, but her stage performance leaves much to be perfected. I am not a critic, for a not a performer myself. But I would not pay to see a concert of hers. I would go see Shania Twain instead!!!!!!!!!
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2-08-2007 @ 10:45AM
Deidre said...
Okay...very quickly,I cannot stand katherine..Wont listen to her..last season when she hit the bottom two she was so freaking arrogant,like how dare America....? Then when Simon didnt like Black Horse..and she said thats alright Simon we know you dont like country music but helloooo Maybe she really did mess something up but oh not her...arrogant. Okay sorry ,had to do that...NOW THIS SEASON....wth is wrong with Paula??? She is being a total Beotch and its NOT working for her...Simon we know what to expect from him and even though hes an a**,he is usually right about vocal performances..I would give him 94%...Here it is though...WHO IS PAULA....shes a has been who got a job being a judge..when was the last time SHE did anything musically? Randy,he is a performer and producer and we know Simon same thing..producing,actively working in the music industry...Paula..Nothing...Ugg she needs to go back to being sweet....I almost dont want to watch..I am going to see how she acts in hollywood cuts...if it is more of this behavior...I am out.
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