Another audition episode has come and gone. We spent the evening with Idol hopefuls in San Francisco.
Before I talk about tonight’s show, I am going to change things up a bit and answer a question that Tamera Karol from Wichita, KS e-mailed me.
Well, Tamera really didn’t have a specific question per se, she just wanted to let me know (in a very kind, letting me down gentle kind of way) that she doesn’t think I’m witty enough or have enough “perceptive critiques.” She said she really isn’t interested in the behind-the-scene info and wants more affirmation that others are thinking what she is thinking.
If I were witty or snarky I probably would insert a tongue-in-cheek comment here… hinting at the fact that when one is a contestant on Idol, he earns the right to say what he wants to say how he wants to say it.
But that isn’t me.
Instead, I think this is a great time to give all of you my personal philosophy for my Idol blogs. There are 29,999,999 critics sitting in homes all across America. I just don’t want to be one joining in on the bashing for bashing sake. I hope that when you and the Idols read something from me, it will be insightful, constructive, honest and with a unique perspective. I actually know and have experienced what is going on, unlike every other reporter writing on this subject. I have been in the contestants’ shoes and know what they and their families are going through.
Now that you know my blogging philosophy you will understand when I say tonight’s show was bad… it was really BAD! There were only really two redeeming auditions and if they were shown on any other night they would be an afterthought.
We started the evening with Tatiana del Toro, from Puerto Rico, somehow talking her way into a golden ticket. I don’t know if the producers felt that they just needed a big personality for Hollywood but I know they turned down much more talented singers.
Next the judges are getting ready to turn down Jesus Valenzuela, but he talks his children into the room. How are the judges going to tell him no in front of his children – holding their homemade signs for Daddy? I understand the power of the backstory including children, but one has to have something to back it up with. So instead of letting Jesus get on with his life they let him through to Hollywood. Now if the producers want real tearjerking drama – they would film the children receiving the phone call from Hollywood that their dad was cut.
The rest of the one-hour show was mostly made up of uneventful bad auditions.
Akilah Askew Gholston actually stood out. During her warm-ups I thought we might have found a diamond in the rough. I quickly realized she was not going to go far but was worried the judges would let her through! All is not lost; she could always give vocal lessons – as long as her students aren’t sticklers for proper pronunciation.
It looked like there were several interesting and promising auditioners that were put through, but the producers just didn’t want to bother us viewers with good singing.
The best of the night was “Wicked” cast member, Adam Lambert. He has a rocker vibe with a little too much Broadway sound but has a great voice. His audition was solid and he has room to grow and improve – just how America likes it!
Kia Kalama was the last contender of the evening. He has put his life on hold to take care of his sick mother and a lot of time is spent getting to know him. His audition was pretty good. I don’t know if he will make it out of Hollywood but we will probably see him again.
OK, let’s put San Francisco behind us and off to Louisville! I know the home of my family and birthplace has to bring out some great talent!
Don’t forget to e-mail me your questions at staceypro@yahoo.com. And thanks to Tamera Karol for being a good sport! She really was kind in her e-mail! Much love to ya…
9 Comments
Yo, Phil. Don’t worry about not being snarky enough; there’s no shortage of it elsewhere. I just like your unique perspective: someone who’s seen the inner workings of the show. Keep it up.
Thanks Dave!
Phil…blog the way you want to blog. I, for one, am happy to hear behind the scenes details. But please allow us civilians to bash all we want! [*bashes bikini girl*]
I agree about tonight’s show. Not enough talent. I’m beginning to think the new producer is going to rely on a little too much T & A and not so much talent what with bikini girl and Tatiana getting through to Hollywood. In visiting the *other* website I see we have another *enhanced* contestant waiting for us…a former Nashville Star contender who didn’t make it very far in THAT competition. Not having heard her sing I should perhaps not prejudge. Having seen her photo, however, I strongly suspect Simon and Randy were not listening with their ears when she auditioned.
I think Akila was just a put up job by the producers. No way that act was real. And, is it downright mean of me to say that I prefer simply to listen to the talent and am not particularly swayed by a compellng back story? One thing I admired about David Cook was his absolute refusal to discuss his brother’s serious illness during the competition. It was only toward the end that serious idol fans learned about it and not from him but from websites and blogs.
These audition shows cannot end too soon for me.
Oh…a note to Leo. You really need to get a life I think. While I respect (but do not share) your opinion that your cultural views are far more refined than those of us who watch Idol, I have to wonder why you seek out blogs like this one to spout your venom. I, for one, am not a fan of Ultimate Fighting nor of Chess but I really have more to do with my life than seek out their fan’s websites simply to insult them. You really need to seek your self-esteem from within.
Phil-CAN I GET AN AMEN BROTHER?!? We’ve have the same discussion that you speak of numerous times…haven’t we Monica? We can say what we want when we want…everyone has the right to their own opinion (bashers included)! The only thing I request is that we stick to the topic of American Idol and not how people are lame for watching it and get a life and blah blah blah!!! That’s just a waste of everyone’s time!
But back to the topic at hand…the only person I really liked last night is Kai. He’s absolutely adorable! I did agree with Simon though…scary thought….but anyway, I did agree with Simon when he said that he could use some polishing and that he was a little cruise shipish. He has lots of potential I think, but chances are he won’t make it through Hollywood. Sad.
Um…Akila….to strange to comment on. Her outfit, the way she pronounced words…to outrageous! Total fake?
Overall, I agree with Phil. Last nights show stunk! Until we get to Hollywood, we will never see anyone’s true potential, we just have to make it through the fluff first!
One last thought….did any of you about die laughing when Akila said that she “sang from the wrong rectum”?????
The best part of last night’s San Francisco edition was when it was over. There didn’t seem to be a plethora of talent out there by the bay. The theater guy, Lambert?, was the lone exception, IMHO.
Love your comments, Phil. Ignore the mean losers who have nothing better to do than post garbage on this site…. the rest of us are enjoying your take on this season.
That doesn’t mean we don’t miss you, Denise. You were wonderful too.
I was wondering why last week we had 2 two hour shows, and then only 1 hour last night… but with all the bad auditions, I can understand why!!
Phil, I personally appreciate your knowledge about how AI runs. I really appreciated your Behind the Scenes blog. I had no idea that everyone auditioned and then they only brought back so many for the cameras a month later. No wonder the people who were really bad thoguht that they were good when they got called back!!! Eek!!
Says alot doesn’t it Bohica!
Hey Phil,
I appreciate your viewpoint and the fact you dont plan to focus on bashing the contestants. I look forward to hearing your take on the future shows. I agree, the show last night was pretty sorry. In fact, I channel surfed alot and really didnt worry that much about getting back to the show when I’d find something interesting elsewhere. I am kinda liking the new judge too. I look forward to seeing her critique the contestants when they get down to business and start showing the real talent.