Hollywood “week” has finally arrived. This is one of my favorite phases during the American Idol season because we have weeded out the “bad” auditions and know the real talent is left fighting it out for the select spots. I think these episodes give us the most “reality” during the entire season.
The producers are shaking things up a bit, starting Idol boot camp on day one. The contestants are getting styled, vocal coached and Barry Manilow!
First up, “Lil Rounds,” an early audition favorite sang “I Will Always Love You ” and she sailed through. America will be calling in votes for her in a couple of weeks.
Nerves play a big part of Hollywood week and this year is no exception. Hollywood is the first time the contestants come in contact with their competition. If they haven’t realized it yet – sitting in your first meeting, everyone around you is talented and wants a spot on the show yet very few will actually get to become Idols. It is very unnerving to really comprehend your odds. I never had this problem in the early rounds because I never expected to keep going through. I never unpacked my bags the whole week! I took each day as a blessing from God and tried to have fun, making as many friends as possible.
The producers make light of everyone becoming friends, but it is true. Chris Sligh was my roommate during this week and I now consider him like a brother. I actually became pretty good friends with many of my season’s top contenders during this short period. I actually had a nice steak dinner with Sanjaya and his family at some point during the week. My wife had to point out after I got home that eating a medium rare hunk of beef probably wasn’t the most sensitive thing to do in front of someone with a Hindu father.
Enough about my season…
Speaking of nerves, Nathaniel Marshall and Rose Flack were great examples of nerves grabbing ahold of a person. Nathaniel has a nice voice but at the first hint of criticism allowed his emotions to take over. I didn’t quite understand his “it is on my skin and bursts out” comment. Rose is the resident hippie and may have a hard time conforming to the machine that is American Idol. If you have trouble performing under strained timelines and pressure – Idol is torture. But Nathaniel and Rose are getting another chance and make it through.
The judges think Nick Mitchell aka “Norman Gentle” actually has some skill and put him through one more round. I think he is well on his way to a red carpet gig – I can already hear Jay Leno or Jimmy Kimmel calling.
I feel like Danny Gokey was the real standout of tonight’s show. Watch out for him. I feel like we really got to see him shine during his song “Kiss From a Rose.” He is able to translate his emotions into music very well and I am big fan.
Also, Jackie Tohn, Jeremy Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and Jasmine Murray were some other great talents that should do well!
104 contestants are left after the first rounds of Hollywood week. Tomorrow we get to see the groups perform – the height of craziness during Hollywood week. Don’t forget to go get your Melinda Doolittle CD! It came out today.
7 Comments
Yay! Hollywood Week!
My only complaint about the production tonight is that they did not show some of the singers who were not highlighted in the audition process but who made it through. There will be dark horses like David Cook in there somewhere and I would like to get to know them now!
Based on the audition, I think Lil Rounds had a bit of a Melinda Doolittle personality and that is a good thing. I must admit, however, that I abhor screamers and I especially abhor screamers who sing Whitney singing Dolly. I thought it was AWFUL! I hope she does more than scream in future performances as I agree she will be going a long way.
Ack…Nathaniel don’t cry!
Poor Rose…I love her. She is only 17, however, and I’m not sure she has any professional experience at all. This is NOT David Archuletta who has been singing in front of audiences since he was 3 years old. Maybe this is not her year. If not, I hope she goes out..does some local gigs and gets more confidence and comes back.
I like Danny Gokey too, but I’m not ready to call him the winner yet.
I really don’t look forward to the group sessions. I always feel terrible for people who get stuck with slackers or drama queens and kings who make it difficult for them to learn the number and perform well. I wonder and perhaps you can shed some light on this Phil…do the judges know what goes on in these prep sessions and who is being *difficult* and pulling down the group or not?
I’m really looking forward to hearing them sing with instruments or the band. I don’t have a good enough ear to discern what is really good and what is just OK when they sing acapella.
I was wondering what happened to Jason Castro’s brother…does anyone know? Did I miss it?
Good Question Cindi D, maybe ‘they’ are saving that for a future episode of Ta Da.
I am not sold on anyone yet but, the boohooer’s have got to Buck Up. This is nothin’ kiddos!
Definitely can side with Monica on the group session thoughts. But then again, you have to show how you can maintain yourself or manipulate a situation with other forces. Again a learning experience and chance to show your chutzpah.
I half watched and half listened to the show last night. Its kind of interesting actually. Because I was judging on sound not look.
Let me tell you now, Bikini girl needs to freaking go away!!!!! She was terrible and i was so waiting for Kara to jump over the desk and pummel her!
Norman whatever his name is…if he would have sang a song, he might have been ok. I had to look up for this one because they started talking about his shirt…and oh my…more or less i should have put my hand over my eyes.
They went so fast last night, I don’t really know who my favs are. I saw the blind guy from the auditions, but I didn’t get to hear him….I liked Danny ok (he seemed nervous), and there was another guy, but I didn’t catch his name…he’s super tall!
I can’t wait for more bonding time. lol
Just a couple comments about last night. Bikini girl is a joke. And the jolly green giant or Gentle Whatever His Name is….. I think he can really sing. I predict that we will see him soon sans comedic wardrobe and he will wow our socks off. Well, as long as he’s not sans any wardrobe at all. That’s a visual I do not need.
Idon’t know if we will see Jason Castro’s brother anymore. My understanding is that he doesn’t make it through this week but maybe my sources were wrong. He was not seen last night. Maybe tonight.
Go Home Bikini Girl! Go home cry babies…and screamers and Norman Gentle. I agree with most everything you’ve all said. I thought Lil was good but why did she sing Whitney? Lordy, how many times have we heard the judges say you should never try to sing Whitney, Mariah or Celine…No one can compare to them so even if you sang it great, it would pale in comparison. They showed the blind guy several times but they never showed him singing. Wonder why. I am enjoying your take on the shows Phil. Keep up the good work!