Is this season of American Idol everything you dreamed it would be? Or are you thinking it's the same-old-same-old we've all seen before? I fall into both camps, so decided to put together my list of ten reasons you should be watching American Idol this season. Feel free to add your own in the comments section!
10. Ryan Seacrest and Girls in Bikinis. Despite all the flak he gets, Ryan is still great with the contestants and either genuinely cares about them or does a good job of pretending he cares. And I thought he handled the awkward kiss from Bikini Girl with as much grace as possible under the circumstances. Did she take her five minutes of fame and make the most of it or what? Hey, use what you've got, right?
Memorable Idol' Auditions 2009: Jacksonville
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
You Drive Me Crazy: Jacksonville
Weirdest. Audition. City. Ever. Hands down. Where do we even begin? Ryan sitting on Kara's lap? Paula sitting on Simon's? Paula and Kara ... making out? Season 8 of 'American Idol' took a bizarre turn in Jacksonville, where the contestants were crazy and crazy good. And when all was said and done (and oh, was it ever), sixteen lucky wannabes got tickets to Hollywood.
Related Links
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JACKSONVILLE
Naomi Sykes
Age: 25
Hometown: Tampa, Fla.
Occupation: Food server
Song: 'Lovin' You'
Claim to Fame: Brought her friend, who sat in Randy's lap; Paula sat in Simon's lap; and Ryan sat in Kara's lap
Simon Said: "You're telling me this is serious?"
Link: n/a
Status: Staying home
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Anne Marie Boskovich
Age: 22
Hometown: Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Waitress/nanny
Song: 'Bubbly'
Claim to Fame: After singing a song by hero Kara, Simon asked her to come back a few minutes later as a "different person"
Paula Said: "I think you came back with that star persona."
Link: Anne Marie's MySpace Page
Status: Going to Hollywood
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Darin Darnell
Age: 28
Hometown: Houston, Tex.
Occupation: Tennis instructor
Song: 'It's So Hard to Say Goodbye'
Claim to Fame: Unbearably nervous; a former 'I Love New York' competitor who "loves to lick women's toes"
Kara Said: "The music business is not for you."
Link: Darrin's 'I Love New York' Profile
Status: Staying home
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Jasmine Murray
Age: 16
Hometown: Starkville, Miss.
Occupation: Student
Song: 'Big Girls Don't Cry'
Claim to Fame: The youngest sibling in a family of four sisters and one brother
Simon Said: "Cute, commercial and you're a very, very good singer."
Link: Jasmine's MySpace Page
Status: Going to Hollywood
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Michael Perrelli
Age: 18
Hometown: Orlando, Fla.
Occupation: Musician
Song: 'Jumper'
Claim to Fame: Never goes anywhere without his guitar and had a fit after learning he had to audition without it
Simon Said: "You're quite interesting, but your voice isn't."
Link: Michael's MySpace Page
Status: Staying home
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Sharon Wilbur
Age: 25
Hometown: Jacksonville
Occupation: Nonprofit administrator
Song: 'Superstar'
Claim to Fame: Gave her dog Sasha to Simon to hold; Paula and Kara faux-made-out after her audition
Kara Said: "I never thought that on live television, I would have a moment like that."
Link: Sharon's MySpace Page
Status: Going to Hollywood
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
George Ramirez
Age: 18
Hometown: Jacksonville
Occupation: Student
Song: 'Walking on Sunshine'
Claim to Fame: Completely awkward physics geek
Randy Said: "That was by far the quietest audition I've ever heard."
Link: n/a
Status: Staying home
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
Joshua Ulloa
Age: 22
Hometown: Beverly Hills, Fla.
Occupation: Tile layer
Song: 'Let's Get It On'
Claim to Fame: Produced his own sound effects
Simon Said: "It became very gimmicky, it became very corny. Like Inspector Gadget or something."
Link: Joshua's Blog
Status: Going to Hollywood
Related Links
Fox
JACKSONVILLE
T.K. Hash
Age: 23
Hometown: Concord, N.C.
Occupation: Administrator
Song: 'Imagine'
Claim to Fame: Auditioned last season
Paula Said: "Very big voice and you definitely can sing ... you sound even better this year."
Link: T.K.'s MySpace Page
Status: Going to Hollywood
Related Links
Fox
9. Guns and Cellphones. Is that a gun on your belt or do you just plan on making a cell phone call? So went the thought processes when Mark Mudd stood before the judges and then told them to "take care, and be careful" upon his departure. If, as Paula suggested, that's not a normal thing to say, then my family is as weird as it gets. I'll give Paula the benefit of the doubt, though, as I'm sure she's skittish about this sort of thing. Still, I'm sure the show editors took the opportunity to grab a few ratings with this non-scandalous scandal.
8. Smackdowns between Kara and Simon. Paula and Simon have a sort of brother-sister relationship. They rib each other to pieces, but you can tell they care about each other. Kara and Simon, on the other hand, seem more like they're headed for a Thunderdome death match. When she stands up and says, "Excuse me, I'm talking!," you get the feeling he'd better shut up -- and pronounce her name right while he's doing it.
7. Girls like Leneshe Young. It's contestants like this Beyonce sound-alike that make American Idol worthwhile. I had to play back her original song, "Natty," a few times because I loved it so much. Is it on iTunes yet? As an added bonus, Leneshe grew up poor and homeless. Well, it's sort of a bonus now. I'm sure it hasn't been up to this point in her life.
6. Awkward scenes with Kara. Uh, before you tell someone their performance is a joke and can you hear the real thing now, make sure that's really the case, Kara. I'm still feeling bad for poor Rebecca Garcia, who burst into tears after Kara's thoughtless comment. Thank goodness Rebecca's mom has her back. "Don't let them discourage you..." Gosh darnit.
5. Jason Castro's brother. I'm still skeptical whether Michael Castro, brother of last year's 4th runner-up Jason Castro, truly had been singing for only a few weeks before his audition. But seeing someone so completely laid back about the auditions when all around him are certifiably crazy people ... it's refreshing. He's like, whatever.
4. Fringe benefits. American Idol leads right into Fringe, so you won't have to change the channel to catch up with the dysfunctional family that is Walter, Peter and Olivia. And after watching all the crazies on American Idol, we can all use a dose of Walter's organized madness.
3. Contestants who shock you. No, I'm not talking about the Big-Bird-outfit kind of shock. I'm talking about the contestants who look like they stopped by the auditions on their way to Chess Club, then surprise the heck out of you with their big voice. Such was the case for Jamar Rogers, who sang "California Dreamin" and Jessica Furney, who belted out Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby." Then there's Matt Breitzke, who looks like a wrestler, but out of his mouth came a soulful version of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." Can't wait to see how these folks do in Hollywood.
American Idol' Best Performances Ever
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
- Worst 'Idol' Performances
- 'Idol' Stars: Where Are They Now?
- Simon's Meanest Quotes
- Biggest 'Idol' Cliches
Kelly ... Ruben ... Carrie ... David ... They may all own the title of 'American Idol,' but winning is one thing -- turning in one of the show's most memorable performances is something else entirely. We scoured through the past seven seasons to come up with the 16 best. Then YOU, the fans, voted for the No. 1 greatest 'Idol' performance of all time. See who topped the list.
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Ray Mickshaw, WireImage.com / Frank Micelotta, FOX
16. Kelly Clarkson
Season 1 | Aug. 6, 2002
Song: 'Stuff Like That There'
Why It Blew Us Away: By the time season 1 hit the top 6, we knew Kelly had some serious chops. But the moment she took the stage on Big Band night, she transformed before our eyes into some 1940s torch singer at a smoky nightclub, giving us sass, style, vocal control and joy to spare in a singular, electrifying performance that's never really been equaled since.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Everett Collection
15. David Cook
Season 7 | March 25, 2008
Song: 'Billie Jean'
Why It Blew Us Away: Performing a cover of a cover during Top 10 Week turned out to be the smartest choice David Cook ever made. Turning the song into a rock-infused ballad showed he had star quality, and that he knew how to play the game. The move was both bold and refreshing, and Randy predicted that David was going to clean the floor with the competition. And indeed he did.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
F Micelotta, Getty Images
14. Ruben Studdard
Season 2 | Feb. 1, 2003
Song: 'Superstar'
Why It Blew Us Away: Ruben's first semifinal performance was an early indicator that the Velvet Teddy Bear's voice was as plush as his plus-size figure. He gave us all chills with this incredibly soulful, tender version of a song already a hit twice over (by the Carpenters and Luther Vandross). Though Studdard's not yet lived up to the title, his performance stole the win from Clay Aiken.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Fox
13. Frenchie Davis and Kimberley Locke
Season 2 | Hollywood Week, 2003
Song: 'Band of Gold'
Why It Blew Us Away: OK, technically Frenchie Davis wasn't an 'American Idol' contestant, as she was disqualified before the competition started. But her tight, toe-tapping duet with Kimberley Locke during Hollywood Week remains the best 'AI' audition we've ever seen -- and one of the very few times a group number hasn't made us want to wash our ears out with drain cleaner.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Joan Marcus, WireImage
12. Jason Castro
Season 7 | March 4, 2008
Song: 'Hallelujah'
Why It Blew Us Away: The laidback, guitar-strumming dread-head's two upbeat semifinal sets made us smile but not much more. Then he put down the guitar and busted out a haunting, soulful performance of this Jeff Buckley song. Suddenly, Castro transformed from "whatever" to contender.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Frank Micelotta, FOX
11. Tamyra Gray
Season 1 | Aug. 13, 2002
Song: 'A House Is Not a Home'
Why It Blew Us Away: Critics predicted this poignant, near perfect performance would secure Tamyra's place in the finale against Kelly Clarkson. Even Simon said it was one of the greatest performances he'd ever seen. Then, inexplicably, Tamyra was booted a week later, edged out by (gasp!) Nikki McKibbin.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Fox
10. Lakisha Jones
Season 6 | Feb. 21, 2007
Song: 'And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going'
Why It Blew Us Away: By the time LaKisha performed 'And I Am Telling You,' Jennifer Hudson was well on her way to winning an Oscar for 'Dreamgirls.' But in just two minutes, LaKisha gave an Oscar-worthy performance of her own, infusing this classic diva number with new life and energy; it was enough to make us think "Jennifer who?"
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Fox Broadcasting
9. Fantasia Barrino
Season 3 | April 13, 2004
Song: 'Summertime'
Why It Blew Us Away: No matter how intense their performances, it's rare for contestants to exhibit genuine emotion on stage. And that's what made Fantasia's plaintive rendition of this Porgy and Bess classic so moving. By the end of it, Fantasia surely wasn't the only person with tears streaming down her cheeks.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Fox
8. Chris Daughtry
Season 5 | March 1, 2006
Song: 'Hemorrhage (In My Hands)'
Why It Blew Us Away: Daughtry's raw yet heartfelt rendition of the Fuel song won him legions of fans early on -- and even prompted the band to ask him to be their lead singer. He quickly earned front-runner status, leaving everyone shocked when he fell short of making it into the top 3. But he had the last laugh by becoming one of 'AI''s most successful alums, selling more than 4 million copies of his band's debut album.
See It on YouTube.
Related Links
Everett Collection
2. People who try to sing like Minnie Riperton. Really, if you're going to pick a famous singer to emulate, pick someone besides the 5-octave wonder Minnie Riperton. Only Minnie sounds like Minnie, and all the threats in the world ("You guys are wrong, and God's gonna make you pay for it") ain't gonna change that ... Mia Conley.
And the number one reason you should be watching American Idol ...
1. It's the American Dream! Yes, we're still the land of the free and the home of the brave. And judging by this year's flock of Idol wannabees, there are plenty of contestants who are taking that mantra to heart. Rock on, Idols!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
1-28-2009 @ 9:59AM
La-Di-Dah said...
# Fourth Judge: I thought it would take me a while to like the new judge/get used to her, but she blended right in and became weird and priceless very fast. (Also like when people call her "New Judge").
# Cutting back to an hour/cutting back auditions week, was probably a gigantically wise decision, the show is now short and sweet.
# I am finding a lot of antics actually funny this season. I actually have a fun time when I am watching the show.
# Simon is still nice and mean, but I he or editing might have dialed down the mean/cranky a tidbit and cranked up the animal-loving, truth seeking ...nice guy. (You know if animals love this dude, he is probably not cruel).
Reply
1-28-2009 @ 9:42AM
grga said...
watch full AMERICAN IDOL episodes @ http://www.watch-american-idol.com/
Reply
1-28-2009 @ 10:26AM
willy the impeached said...
"Yes, we're still the land of the free and the home of the brave" Ahhh no there was an a little while ago that cured that. Now the American Dream is to make a lot of money to give to Barry.
All these changes to the format have fixed it up for me. It may be putting lipstick on a pig but damn I love that bacon.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 6:07AM
Georgie Porgie said...
There are some really hot boys on there this year. Cody Sheldon, Adam Lambert, and Von Smith are my favorites. Once they're gone, I'll stop watching, like I did last year when Danny Noriega got the boot.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 6:26AM
Menachem said...
American Idol is one of the stupidest shows I have EVER seen.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 6:43AM
Vicky said...
Re: Bikini Girl, Simon is thinking with his head, just not the one on his shoulders!
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 1:44PM
lore said...
re:bikini girl - the guys are so wrong on this one, she can't really sing, her attire just showed she had no figure (a poster child for anirexia), her dress along with her stance made her look like a Bratz doll, her display of affection was unneccessary as well as a bad example to our youth (what's the next stunt? in bed with Simon or did that happen already), she comes off as a spoiled brat that uses suduction of any form to get what she wants and you wonder why our kids are the way they are.
2-04-2009 @ 7:39AM
Bill said...
I do watch the show only for the occasional talent that appears. I realize it is a very widely watched show bu I sincerely belive that if Simon would dissappear, it would be sooooo much better. Paula could go too without being missed by many. Needs more new blood.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 7:40AM
Mike Oxgood said...
I banged Kara D not so long ago (sorry, husband-to-be) and I've got to say, that ho can go! Not only do good things come OUT of her mouth, but... well, you get the idea
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 7:50AM
DJ said...
sure you did
2-04-2009 @ 7:46AM
Gina said...
binkini Girl must make her mom proud. She is too stupid to know that she is thought of as the girl who would do anything.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 7:54AM
maggie said...
The apple doesn't fall far from the tree.
2-04-2009 @ 7:52AM
DJ said...
Anyone who is desperate enough to audition in a bikini, has a real problem. She's better suited for Survivor. I hope the voting public doesn't fall for her gimic and gives her the boot real fast
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 11:04AM
Lynne said...
I think bikini girl sets a poor example for the teenage girls in America. She really can sing and it's a shame that she has to resort to
actions that are in very bad taste. I just wonder if she isn't a plant to keep people talking about the show. IMHO, shame on her. Based on her drama, I hope she doesn't make the finals.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:05AM
Irene said...
The bikini concept should not even be allowed or photographed. One of the great things about AI is that is about going the distance, showcasing singing skills, and taking advantage of an amazing opportunity. Showing butt skin is sooo beside the point.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:05AM
SKFORBACH said...
Bikini girl wasnt even that good...The judges disappointed me on that one.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:05AM
judy schneider said...
I don't like the new judge - just as much as I don't like Paula. They are not listening to singers - they are going on looks, sad stories and gimmicks. I am assuming they couldn't get a "Real" personality to sit on the panel so they settled for this Kara. She's trying way to hard to get her gimmick line "Nice Chops" something people will notice - instead it's just annoying. Sorry there are some very good singers this season - however - I haven't seen a super star. Nothing unique. They sound like every other talented singer. Maybe one will emerge from the bin of average.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:14AM
LOUIS said...
The 3 stooges make me laugh,who gets paid to put on the worst show on earth and gets away with it.you guys should do the show for free not getting paid at all.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:17AM
Glo said...
I was disappointed that they would pass the girl with the bikini to the next round and sent better home. I am really surprised at Simon and Randy being that weak. It discourage me to view the future shows.
Reply
2-04-2009 @ 8:16AM
russ said...
This bikini girl really turns Simon on. And what is this "thing" between Kara and Paula? I envision a carpet munching contest between these two before very long.
Reply