American Idol - TV Fanatic

American Idol Review: Pulling An All-Nighter

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 22:29:05 EST

"Last night dreams came crashing down," says Ryan's opening monologue. So did Symone Black and tonight we'll learn her outcome, hopefully sooner than later. Ryan promises that this night, Round Two, aka "Group Round," will be brutal.

Bring it on, American Idol. We're ready.

After Symone's fall from grace, the atmosphere in the Kodak Theater turned serious (as it should have) and the judges eliminated three of the contestants from that group, including Lauren Mink and Ethan Jones who both say they're lucky to be going back to the people who love them.

Symone, meanwhile, moves on to Group Round. Except she doesn't know it yet because she's at the hospital with her dad.

With that, Round One is done. There's singing and laughing in the holding room as many of the remaining 185 hopefuls join around a piano for a rendition of "I Heard It Through the Grapevine." Sure, they're friends now, but they certainly won't be for long. These contestants are heading into Group Round.

Ryan calls this round "the critical challenge that truly separates the pack." Historically, Group Round has always been a harrowing experience for Idol hopefuls. This year, Executive Producer Ken Warwick hands out the rules - some of the contestants from Day One had already formed groups and begun practicing. Now they have to break up and regroup to include people from Day Two.

Alesha Bernhardt has a hard time finding a group. Mostly because the only song she'll even consider singing is "Joy to the World." And not the Christmas carol. Except she blames it on the fact that she's a cop and no one likes cops and not on the fact that she has control issues.

Amy Brumfeld thinks she has the flu and stays by herself in a remote corner of the stage. Do people generally get sick when they go from sleeping in a tent to sleeping in an actual bed? I mean, is she maybe allergic to the indoors and that's the real reason why she lives in a tent? I'm tired of hearing her milk her fever and chills and it's been about .02 seconds.

Groups continue to form around the theater and some of them head into the conference center to begin practicing. This causes the tension to rise for those who can't find people to sing with.

Alesha finds a partner with Dustin Cundiff pointing out that "no one likes him either." (CLASSY!) Then she gets on a microphone and drops an F-bomb. (DOUBLE CLASSY!) I'm certain that made people beg her to sing with them.

Phillip Phillips, Heejun Han, and Jairon Jackson team up with Richie Lawson to form what may be the strangest group in all of Round Two. They decide to call themselves "MIT" for "Mostly International." I'm... confused. But I'll go with it because the idea that they have to name their group is maybe the dumbest part of Group Round to me.

Alesha and Dustin team up with Amy, but they cannot find a fourth member. Because Alesha will not change her song choice. She goes around the room being obnoxious and asking people whether or not they like cops and ignoring their requests to sing a different song.

Brianna Bell can't find anyone to sing with and scoffs at group after group after group after...

Jacquie Cera and Mathenee Treco try to recruit Alesha, Dustin, and Amy and Alesha has to walk away because the thought of changing her song makes her that angry. Like, dropping more F-bombs angry. I told y'all she had control issues.

Alesha gets the boot and heads off in search of another group while the other four form a group. Jacquie's only commandment is that Amy cannot get her sick. Then she proceeds to pick Tent Girl up and spin her around as if getting closer to someone is how you keep germs away instead of staying far, far away. (And washing your hands, of course.)

Preparations for Group Round are in full swing now with groups setting up camp all over the conference center. Brianna finds and joins a group who are calling themselves "The Bettys."

Brielle Von Hugel is no stranger to Group Round after having survived it last year. She teams up with Kyle Crews and Shannon Magrane and becomes the de facto leader of the group, much to the chagrin of her group members. Her mom looks on as they prepare for the following day's performance calling her daughter "bossy" and saying the weakest voice is opening the act. Meaning her daughter isn't opening and she's trying hard not to be a Stage Mom about it.

Symone Black and her dad have made it back from the hospital and she's under strict orders to stay hydrated and eat regularly. She finds a group in record time and her dad, who prefers to be called a "mentor" instead of a Stage Dad, informs the other group members that Symone will be a "big asset" to their group before wrapping four of the five girls in a rather skeevy group hug.

Amy's group is hanging back from her so they don't get sick. Because nearly everyone she's been in contact with all night long has gotten sick. Especially Gabrielle Cavissa who is singing into a barf bag.

Phillip Phillips is also feeling a little unwell thanks to the four recent kidney stone surgeries he's had and has had to spend some time in his room. His group is kind of falling apart without him thanks to Richie's leadership.

Alesha's new group, Those Girls and That Guy, is also experiencing a case of The Sicks. Their guy, Christian Lopez, has been in his room for two hours. Puking. And once he returns to the conference center to practice with his group, he keeps making trips to the trash can.

Group MIT ends the night without having anything firmly arranged for the following day thanks to an inability to play nice. The Bettys do the same as four of the five group members declare that they need sleep and head to their rooms leaving Jen M to call someone back home at 2 in the morning crying. Let's not forget that one of her group members has been puking into a trash bag and carrying said trash bag around with her, mmkay?

She's rescued, however, when Brianna comes running back into the conference center crying "I'm not leaving! I'm not leaving!" The two create a routine and tutor each other on dance moves and lyrics until the wee hours of the morning, sleep be damned.

It's finally the morning of Group Round performances and contestants are warming up and practicing in just about every location possible.

"I think a little sleep deprivation brings the best out in everybody," says Steven. That's easy for him to say since I'm guessing he got a full night's rest. I felt the contestants' exhaustion vicariously and I kind of want to slap him for that comment.

The Bettys are up first.They take the stage and we hear a bit of music. Jen is waving the girls closer to the middle of the stage. She opens her mouth to sing and...it's a cliffhanger. We'll have to wait until next week to see their performance.

Are you as exhausted as I am after watching that? Or do you really just want to start a petition to never have to see someone throw up on television again? (I'd sign it, in case you were wondering.) What'd you think of the drama and which group are you most excited to see next week?

American Idol Top 24: Revealed?

matt@tvfanatic.com (TV Fanatic Staff) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:04:36 EST

American Idol may have only just kicked off its Hollywood rounds, but it looks like the top 24 has already been identified.

The following names are subject to change, but read on for the rumored list of 12 men and 12 women who will compete for your votes once Idol goes live in a couple weeks...

FEMALES

Elise Testone
Haley Johnsen
Shannon Magrane
Baylie Brown
Hallie Day
Jessica Sanchez
Jen Hirsh
Chelsea Sorrell
Skylar Laine
Erika Van Pelt
Brielle Von Hugel
Hollie Cavanagh

MALES

Eben Franckewitz
Reed Grimm
Heejun Han
Deandre Brackensick
Aaron Marcellus Sanders
Adam Brock
Creighton Fraker
Phillip Phillips
Joshua Ledet
Jeremy Rosado
Colton Dixon
Chase Likens

American Idol Review: Let the Drama Begin

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Wed, 08 Feb 2012 22:05:26 EST

If the first 60 seconds of this week's American Idol were any indicator, we're in for one Hell of a ride during Hollywood week. Let's get to it, shall we?

To encourage the contestants, or at least entertain them, Steven Tyler gave a rousing speech borrowed from none other than the Cowardly Lion about what they would need to get up on that stage and sing... with courage. And with that hair and those jowls, Steven could probably play the Cowardly Lion if there were a modern remake. I mean, I could buy that he's a lion (or tiger, or bear, oh my!) of some sorts. Or was. Or thinks he still is.

Ryan reminded us that half of the hopefuls will be going home during Round One of Hollywood week and gave us the breakdown for how this round works. Contestants will be placed in groups of ten and each contestant in each group will sing one song a capella. They'll find out immediately after all the group members have performed who's staying and who's going.

Johnny Keyser sang first and, y'all, he's a tough act to follow. He's got a great voice and he's easy on the eyes. Heejun Han, with a complete lack of confidence (a lack I think he faked) went second. During Heejun's audition, J.Lo whispered to Steven "I love him!" Color me not shocked that they'll both make it to the second round.

Elise Testone, a contestant we didn't really see during the auditions, sang in the same group as Baylie Brown and Hallie Day who both got a considerable amount of screen time in comparison. I'm not sure I'm feeling any of these girls, but all three are safe for now so I've got some time to decide.

Jen Hirsh said her game plan for the day is just not to fidget. Not "sing well," or "don't forget the lyrics." Just not to fidget. Good plan? I guess? She's got a solid voice, so maybe fidgeting was all she really needed to worry about.

Randy looked like he might've been practicing to guide an aircraft to landing with the crazy arm gesticulating he had to do to get Lauren Gray to stop singing. That's what happens when you close your eyes while singing, Lauren. She and Jen will see another day.

After quite a few crash-and-burns we were treated to a montage of ditzy girls asking to be able to sing just one more note. Please? Just one? Pretty, pretty please!?

How 'bout no, ladies?

Yawn. So far Round One of Hollywood is a snoozer.

And then Phillip Phillips hit the stage. It might've been his first time west of the Mississippi, y'all. He'd only been on one plane before his trip to Hollywood and that was a plane he jumped out of. This country boy can survive, however, and he advanced to Round Two.

Reed Grimm sang - hold on to your hats - "I've Got a Golden Ticket." From Willy Wonka. And this is after he auditioned to the theme song from Family Matters. Sure, he's been on stage since he was two years old and he could probably sing the phonebook and sing it well. But really? That's what you're giving us? The quirky songs are working for him, though, because he's also going on to Round Two.

Travis Orlando, who was on his first time in Hollywood but second time auditioning for Idol, was also in their group of 10. And he got cut.

So did Ramiro Garcia. The judges sent home 68 people on the first day.

Day Two of Hollywood Week dawns and Adam Brock, another contestant we didn't really see during auditions, is missing his baby girl. He'll have to keep on missing her because he's sticking around a little while longer.

Oh look, it's Jane Carrey! Except she got cut. It was probably because she chose to sing Credence Clearwater Revival. Poor girl.

More begging. BOO. This never ends well, contestants.

The next group contained Shannon Magrane and the world's youngest looking 17 year old EVER, David Leathers Junior. Want to know how I know this kid cannot be 17? Because he sang Celine Dion and hit notes that no 17 year old boy should EVER be able to hit.

Jessica Phillips and her boyfriend Angelo traveled to LA together. This girl was born to sing. Born for it.

The three of them, along with Lady Gaga wannabe Angie Zeiderman and NBA cheerleader Brittany Kerr, advanced to Round Two.

Erika Van Pelt, mobile DJ, sang "Glitter in the Air." Creighton Fraker, starving artist, sang "Somebody to Love." Aaron Marcellus, music teacher, sang, well, I'm not sure what he sang because it was mostly just a bunch of vocal runs. All three of them advanced to round two.

Lauren Mink changed keys during "Alone" and the judges noticed. It sounded like she tried to make the song her own and failed. (Note to any and all possible future contestants: Only ONE contestant has been able to pull that song off. One. And she's making millions now. You are probably not her.)

Jeremy Rosado gave J.Lo goosebumps with his rendition of "Superstar." All I could think about during his song was whether or not he sanitized the microphone before singing since his day job as a front desk clerk at a doctor of infectious diseases office has made him a germaphobe.

Symone Black really fell for the judges. Literally. Right off the stage and onto a cameraman's head. After singing "Sittin' On the Dock of the Bay" (in order to appeal to an "older" audience) she fainted or blacked out and just fell right off the edge of the stage bringing us to the end of the show.

Well played, producers. Well played. We were shown teasers of this event throughout the entire show and now we'll have to tune in tomorrow to find out what happened to Symone and the rest of her group members. I'm giving you the side-eye for this. And an A for "Attention" because you've got mine.

What'd you think of the first round of Hollywood week? Did you think it was boring until the last five minutes? Who were your standouts of the night?

American Idol Review: Gateway to Hollywood

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 21:44:42 EST

Walter the Taxi Driver is quite unhappy with the number of people who showed up to St. Louis to audition for American Idol because of all the congestion they've caused on his streets. I'm guessing his crankiness has something to do with the fact that he didn't get to drive J.Lo around. Or maybe he's just bothered by the fact that he doesn't get to listen to all these talented people sing.

And y'all, there was some talent in St. Louis.

The first contestant up was Johnny Keyser (pictured). He's currently a server in an Italian restaurant, but J.Lo says he's going to be a star. And he is. After his performance, he's on my "One to Watch" list. It was an easy Golden Ticket for the golden boy from Pompano Beach, FL.

This seems like the season of don't let your (ex) husband hold you back. Rachelle Lamb said she gave up her dream of pursuing music for her the man she used to love. J.Lo said "We do things for love sometimes..." and fiddled nervously with the rings on her fingers. Rachelle's daughter Maddie came into the audition room to watch her mama chase her dreams. She sang "Find Somebody New" by Faith Hill while Maddie did a little boot scoot. Steven says she's got "moxie." Welcome to Hollywood, Rachelle.

Walter the Taxi Driver's still complaining about all the people who've turned up to audition. I think his "I wouldn't want to listen to that many people" is classic deflection. It's okay, Walter. It's okay.

Hometown boy, Reis Kloeckener, said he found his place when a chorus teacher overheard him singing in the hall at school one day and asked him to join the choir. Sounds like a certain someone from a fictional group of musically talented outcasts, doesn't it? He was so good he made Steven tear up. Easy Golden Ticket for Reis.

Ethan Jones dropped out of school to join his dad's band. He found himself at the helm of that band when his dad went to rehab. It's clear that this has been tough on Ethan, but he hasn't let it hold him down. He sang "I'll Be" and while I thought it was an unoriginal performance, his voice is solid and he's clearly talented. The judges loved it and effortlessly sent him on to Hollywood.

We got a sneak peek of Madonna's newest music video. My take? Glee did Madonna and now Madonna's doing Glee. I'm not impressed. And because we had to make room for Madonna, we only saw two of Day Two's hopefuls.

Mark Ingram didn't have to go very far to make it to his audition. He just had to go to work. And after that audition it's back to work for Mark. No Hollywood for him.

We closed the night with Lauren Gray, the daughter of a Southern rocker who also runs a one-stop wedding business. (Seriously! They can cover everything from flowers to food to entertainment at the reception! Convenient, right?) Lauren sang Adele's "One and Only" and blew the judges away. J.Lo got a little choked up. Lauren said "This is the biggest thing that's ever happened in my life" to which J.Lo replied "It won't be the biggest thing ever." Truth bomb, J.Lo. I'm putting Lauren on my list. Golden Ticket for her!

Overall, 46 hopefuls from St. Louis are going to Hollywood, bringing our total for Season 11 to 255 Golden Tickets handed out. We got to see clips of some of the contestants we've seen audition this year, plus some previews of the upcoming drama. Next week it gets real.

Which contestants do you want to make it through Hollywood and into the Top 24?

American Idol Review: Stories and Dreams

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 21:43:28 EST

On American Idol's first time in Portland, the show opened with the handy, dandy Contestant Cam. My friends tell me I shouldn't be as annoyed by this gimmick as I am, but it gives screen time to people I'll never see again and I'd rather watch more of the contestants who are going to Hollywood. Anyway, enough about that.

Ryan said that everyone in Portland has a story and a dream and that was clearly the theme of tonight's show. Here are the highlights:

"Tripster the Hipster," aka Brittany Zika, made an unforgettable entrance which prompted Steven to quip, punnily, "Did you fall for me"? Oh, Steven! Brittany told us the story of the time she sang a duet with Sara Bareilles and how that experience was her motivation for auditioning. She nearly yodeled which makes me think she should be singing Jewel. However, she had a decent voice and is welcome to keep on singing, but until she gets a better bra, she needs to refrain from dancing. We'll see her in Hollywood.

Ben Purdom made his way onto my TV screen for being good at blowing his nose, apparently. It certainly wasn't because he could sing. Dream crushed.

Jermaine Jones is a church singer who was born to sing (and born singing) according to his mama. Apparently Mama does know best. While I was only somewhat impressed and wish he'd chosen a different song (Barry White could totally be his wheelhouse), the judges loved him and handed him a Golden Ticket for his gentle spirit and soulful voice.

Mom of two, Britnee Kellogg, who looks a little like Miss Britany herself, opened with the tearful story of giving up her dream to help her ex-husband pursue his only for him to cheat on her. She sang, quite fittingly, "You're No Good." J.Lo added a backing track to Brittnee's audition and said "I am FEELING YOU right now!" Makes you wonder what was behind the J.Lo/Skeletor split, doesn't it? Britnee asked J.Lo how she does it being a mom and J.Lo said she never leaves her kids behind. Britnee's going to Hollywood and taking her two sons with her.

Sam Gershman is a "motivational dancer," whatever that is. Her audition was all kinds of trainwreck. They mistakenly said her last name was "Gershwin" when she walked in, prompting her to crack a joke about how her Dad's name was Ira. No one laughed. Steven cracked wise no less than three times about her boobs and said she would make a good Easter bunny, to which she replied she was Jewish. AWK-WARD.

David Weed. Auditioning in Oregon. His last name is weed. In Oregon. Steven said it's a wonder no one's nicknamed him Smoky. The possibilities for jokes are endless with this one. But we only have one hour and he didn't make it to Hollywood so, moving on...

Liberian refugee Romeo Diahn told the cameras that while in the camps waiting to come to the United States, he saw so many people perish he never thought he and his family would make it. That while in the camps he sang for his life. He went with Bob Marley's "Is This Love." Steven loved his heart. J.Lo was worried about where his unique vibe would fit into the competition. All three voted yes and gave him a Golden Ticket. Good move, judges. Good move.

Naomi Gillies got gutsy and sang Aerosmith's "Cryin'." No one sings Steven like Steven and most people just shouldn't try it. Ever. I was unimpressed. The judges, however, were impressed and their votes are the ones that count right now. She's going to Hollywood.

"Adorable" (not) Ben Harrison was, well, I'm not sure "hyper" is quite a strong enough word to cover it. He sang Queen's "Somebody to Love." He tried to hit a note so high I'm surprised my dog didn't start barking. The judges did not love him. I didn't either. But hey, at least he didn't puke or pee his pants, right? He's not going to Hollywood, but his parents got him some pizza.

Jessica Phillips had to give up her dream of pursuing a career in music when she unexpectedly became caretaker to her boyfriend of five years after he suffered a massive stroke. While her voice wasn't the strongest of the night, her heart might've been. If for no other reason than because she's given up a lot of her life to help with his rehabilitation and deserves this chance, we'll see her in Hollywood.

Stories were told tonight and dreams are being realized for the 45 contestants who made it through to Hollywood. Ryan and Co. should've stopped in Portland a little sooner because it's quite the talented place. From tonight's episode, Britnee Kellogg's going on my "One to Watch" list for Hollywood. What'd you think of Portland? Who's going on your list?

American Idol Review: A Good Day in Galveston

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 21:50:00 EST

Instead of Ryan's usual opening voice-over on American Idol this week, we were treated to a greeting from Commander Dan C. Burbank aboard the International Space Station. After seeing the auditions, I'd totally believe that the contestants from Texas were alien life forms gathered by the space station and sent to Earth solely for the purposes of confusing my face off.

Randy said it was "a good day in Galveston." I think Randy's definition of "good" differs greatly from mine. As Ryan reminded us, this is Idol's ninth time in Texas. But tonight's contestants were most certainly not Kelly Clarkson.

We opened the night with Houston native Phong Vu singing "Unbreak My Heart." Now I need professional help to unbreak my ears and eyes. This guy is most definitely not the next American Idol, "iconic" dance moves or no.

The next few auditions were just crazy cakes. CRAZY CAKES, I tell you! It's like there was a Scotty McCreery convention at the same location that day and the convention-goers all got confused about where they were supposed to be and suddenly found themselves standing in front of the judges singing "Baby Lock Them Doors." Horribly.

God did, however, bless Texas, and our ears, with Skylar Lane who likes to ride her four-wheelers through the mud and has the head of one of the deer she's killed mounted and hanging in her bedroom. For kitsch, there's even a feather boa around the deer's neck. She sang "Hell on Heels" with a great country sound. Hooray! A contestant who isn't awful! Golden Ticket for her!

Baylie Brown came back after auditioning in season 6. We were treated to footage from her original trip to Hollywood where she was ousted after forgetting her lyrics during the group round. Randy said she'd gotten "significantly better" (and she has) and, not surprisingly, they sent her back to Hollywood.

Kristine Osorio, who is currently in the process of getting divorced and is now a single mother of three, bought a plane ticket to Texas to audition for Idol instead of paying her attorney. And admitted that on television. It took the judges about .02 seconds to say yes to her and hand over her Golden Ticket.

J.Lo, Steven, and Randy had a little kerfuffle mid-way through the first day of auditions. It seems like J.Lo was voting with her ears and Randy and Steven were voting with their eyes. And by "seems" I mean they were. A string of great singers came through and the boys sent them home. A pretty face with a mediocre voice came through and the boys were momentarily stricken deaf

After that we were treated to the portion of the night I'd just as soon forget ever happened. Alejandro Cazelas is bringing The Revolution. Or The Revolution is here. Or he is The Revolution. Or something. I'm pretty sure I watched his entire audition in a state of slack-jawed confusion. He wants a revolution where "unique people like Lady Gaga can become platinum sellers" and where "a man like Barack Obama can become President." As J.Lo and Steven conveniently pointed out, that's the world in which we already live. Except I think perhaps Alejandro does not.

College student Cortez Shaw sped up and R&B'ed Adele. It was weird. And good. I didn't expect to like his version, but I'm glad he took a chance with the song. I like his underdog story and want him to do well, but I'm not sure he'll make it out of Hollywood.

We closed out the night with Ramiro Garcia (pictured) who was born with a birth defect that could've prevented him from ever making it to audition for Idol. After Ramiro was born without an ear canal on the left side of his head, his parents were told he'd never hear or speak. At four years old, he underwent the first in a series of surgeries that discovered he had an ear drum and doctors would be able to restore his hearing. He sang a worship song that was so good it nearly brought the judges to tears. He almost restored my faith in the talent pool in Texas.

I thought we were getting away from the auditions episodes that highlighted the freakish above the fantastic, but tonight was certainly a return to Idol's old ways. However, despite the auditions we were shown, 54 more contestants were sent to Hollywood.

It's a toss-up for me between Kristine and Ramiro for who's on the "one to watch" list. Who from Texas is on your list? What'd you think about the bizarre contestants of the night?

American Idol Review: Family Vacation

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 21:49:46 EST

Following a DVR debacle on Sunday evening (thanks a lot Giants/49ers and stupid playoff overtime!), I was more excited than ever to get my American Idol back on last night. Let's take off for the mountains of Aspen, shall we?

Overly-energetic Jenni Shick is most certainly energetic enough for kindergarteners but way too energetic for me. J.Lo liked her energy, though, so she got a Golden Ticket. And a kiss from Steven.

The Contestant Cam is apparently big on showing us people who are barely awake and still caked in drool. I'm not a fan of seeing people barely awake and caked in drool. Curtis Gray was tonight's Contestant Cam... um... contestant. I think the judges heard something I didn't. To me his performance was mediocre at best, but they liked him and sent him through.

Richie Law reminds me too much of Scotty McCreery, Devan Jones had a really smooth audition--and scalp--and Mathenee Trego BUTCHERED THE BEATLES. Butchered. He changed the arrangement so much for his audition the song was nearly unrecognizable. All three got Golden Tickets.

"I could be amazing, too!" cried Tealana Hedgespeth. She says she's been living in her twin sister's shadow their whole lives. She should probably find a different way to get out of that shadow because singing isn't how she's going to do it.

Haley Smith described herself as a "vegetarian working in the meat department," which is maybe the biggest oxymoron of the night. Hollywood will devour her like a lion on an antelope, I'm sure of it. I suppose we'll see when she gets there.

Something I never thought I'd hear on Idol? The phrase "Rocky Mountain Oysters." Alanna Snare is a bartender/waitress who works in an establishment famous for that particular dish. That'll probably be her only claim to fame.

Shelby Tweten is one to watch. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at 16, she credits American Idol with helping keep her healthy. I think tonight's episode was made better by having her on it and I can't wait until we see more of her in Hollywood.

Any time contestants say they're going to sing an original song, my jaw clinches up a little bit. Jairon Jackson, however, did a great job of impressing the judges with both his voice and his lover's personality. And then he did a scissor kick while exiting the building and broke a light bulb with his head. Let's hope the ceilings are a little higher in Hollywood.

Angie Zeiderman, a self-proclaimed "Vintage Glitter Queen," compared herself to Lady Gaga. Then she sang "When You Got It, Flaunt It" from The Producers, complete with a Swedish accent. J.Lo fought for her despite Zeiderman's awkward writhing on the floor and asked her to sing again, so, of course, she did. Her rendition of "Blue Bayou" showed that she's slightly more than just a show-tune crooner and helped sway Randy's vote to "yes." She went to Hollywood.

Closing the night was "Magic Cyclops," a ridiculous stunt of an audition that was a serious waste of my time. And the judges time. And America's time. And even the contestant's time! He appeared under a pseudonym with dark glasses and awkward hair and a fake British accent. Unless his normal gig is being bizarre, I can't imagine what he got out of that audition

The talent pool in Aspen wasn't the best we've seen this year and the producers relied on the usual shtick of showing the awkward and odd auditions to fill the hour. I've been pleasantly surprised with the lack of "bad" auditions so far this year, but tonight left me a little underwhelmed. The judges found 31 more contestants to send to Hollywood, however, so I suppose it wasn't a total bust?

What'd you think? Who was your favorite? Were you as irritated by Magic Cyclops as I was?

American Idol Review: The City of Champions

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 21:49:45 EST

Ryan introduced us to the city of Pittsburgh tonight, telling us that the trip was so successful they all wondered why they'd never been there before. “Everything we do, we do it big,” said one hopeful. (Texas called. It wants its slogan back.)

Without the pomp and circumstance of the season 11 premiere - and without the need for bloating the show to fit a two-hour time slot - we jumped right into the auditions.

Hallie Day Audition

First up was Heejun Han. When he hit the screen I thought “is this guy high?” And then I thought “No, just socially awkward.” And then I thought “No. Definitely high. This is going to be awful.” Then he sang. Somehow we’re supposed to believe that 1) no one has EVER heard him sing before, and 2) he had no idea he could sing in the first place. I'm completely confused by this guy. Hopefully I'll figure it out by the time we see him again.

Reed Grimm, a nanny from Wiscahnsen, has been performing since he was two and auditioned to the theme song from 90’s sitcom Family Matters. Complete with the horns. He’s what Blake Lewis would’ve been if Blake Lewis had done Jazz. He was sent to Hollywood.

Then there was Patty the Pittsburgh Planker and her sister, Samantha Novacek. Samantha feels like she sings best when her sister follows her around and “planks” on the floor in front of her while she performs. I smell a ploy to guarantee some screen time, which isn’t necessarily bad. What’s weird is that the judges gave Patty the Planker a Golden Ticket. JUST FOR PLANKING.

Self-described "starving artist" Creighton Fraker was mediocre at best and made some terrific (read: HORRIBLE) faces while singing and scatting the song he wrote on his bus ride to Pittsburgh. There were entirely too many runs in his audition piece, but Steven and Co. were impressed with his decision to come in there and sing a song he made up on the way over, so we'll be hearing more of them in Hollywood.

Travis Orlando, a hopeful from last year, came back to audition and revealed that in the year since he last auditioned, his mom ran out on his family, he and his brother and their father were evicted and had to move into a shelter, and he dropped out of high school. How do you NOT give the kid a Golden Ticket after that? He's practically the Charlie of the American Idol Chocolate Factory.

There was the gem "A mobile DJ is a DJ that moves around from place to place," courtesy of Erika Van Pelt, wedding singer and, um, mobile DJ. Well, Erika, thanks for clearing that whole definition of "mobile DJ" thing up. She got a ticket to Hollywood.

Going once again where Idol has never gone before, we met Shane Bruce who graduated from high school and went into the "family business." Coal mining. (I cannot be the only person who wanted to crack a Zoolander joke, right? coughBlackLungcough) He didn't make it to Hollywood citing nerves for his poor performance. According to Steven, maybe his "forte" is "singing to them down there." Ouch, Steven.

Closing out the night was Hallie Day. Not to be confused with Howie Day. Hallie was great. Really great. So great Steven asked her to sing again just so he could watch her sing.
She's got a story and everybody loves a good underdog story. We'll see her again and if J. Lo has her way, she'll be singing Blondie songs.

This episode was surprisingly short on tearful rejectees, which was kind of refreshing. All in all, 38 more Golden Tickets were given out bringing our Hollywood hopeful count to 80. We'll add more to that pool on Sunday when the judges stop in San Diego.

What did you think of tonight's hopefuls? Could Hallie be our next Idol? What are your thoughts on Patty the Planker getting a ticket?

American Idol Season 11 Premiere: Savannah Smiles

miranda.wicker@gmail.com (Miranda W.) — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 23:42:54 EST

"Where were YOU when it all started?"

That is, apparently, the question.

To answer, American Idol opened with clips of contestants' home videos, showing them as wee children singing along to Kelly Clarkson during season one. Ryan, through voiceovers, kept talking about how this - tonight, this season - has been 10 years in the making. Except I counted the winners we've had so far and this year's champion will be number 11.

I fully admit to being less-than-spectacular at math, but we're in year 11, Ryan. So this has been 11 years in the making, no? Ryan also told us that some of these contestants had been waiting their entire lives for this moment. All 15 years of their lives. They were practically born for this very moment. Yesterday. All of them.

New this year is the "Contestant Cam." Some contestants have been given small camcorders to record their journeys to auditions and beyond. And the first time the Contestant Cam is debuted we're given a lovely shot of a car full of sleeping people headed to Savannah. Nice! I'm sure they're all loving that their drool stains have been immortalized forever. I know I'd love that.

Not new this year are the crazy antics of Steven Tyler, starting with this gem:

News reporter: How's Savannah treating you?
Steven Tyler: Oh, Savannah's treating me great, but I didn't know you knew her.

And then there was "This is the earliest I've ever been late."

(Excuse me, what?)

But there was also: "You got the confidence, but you ain't got the song. Your pitch is all over the place, but you threw the ball."

Well, Steven, that almost sounds like a lyric. A bad one, but still. A lyric. Go run that past Joe and the boys and see how they like it. Y'all are due for some new music, right?

And how about that time former MLB pitcher Joe Magrane showed up with his daughter, Shannon Magrane, and asked Steven how "Beantown" was. Steven's reply?

"Beautiful! Hot, humid, and happening. Just like your daughter."

Yes. That happened. And no. Joe Magrane didn't look pleased that Skeevy Steven had just called his 15-year old "hot." But she, like Idol winner Jordin Sparks, whose father was also a professional athlete, she had talent and received a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Oh, Steven. I do love you in a somewhat unhealthy way, but could you please stop hitting on everything in a skirt under the age of 25?

Phillip Phillips Audition

Other notable contestants from the Savannah round were:

Amy Brumfield. She lives in a tent. All the time. Sort of on purpose. And she can sing. She reminds me of Crystal Bowersox without the toddler. (And, speaking as a mom, the idea of a toddler living in a tent gives new meaning to the term "wild child.")

Colton and Schyler Dixon. A brother-sister duo who first auditioned last year. Both made it through to Hollywood but were cut before the live shows. Tonight Faux Hawk and Feathers, respectively named thanks to their coifs, made it through to Hollywood once again. Except Faux Hawk hadn't planned to audition and was all but forced to sing when Feathers revealed that her brother was out in the hall for moral support. I don't expect that either of them will make it to the live shows this time around either, but they weren't bad.

Lauren Mink. A day camp operator for adults with special needs. It's my own personal Idol rule that if they show me someone whose story makes me cry, that person better be able to sing. There is nothing NOT Kleenex-worthy about a woman who devotes her time to working with special needs adults and watching them all interact. That is prime tear-making television. Luckily for me (and Idol), Mink delivered, so Randy and Co. delivered her a golden ticket.

Finally - and I'm calling it now, this guy's going far - Phillip Phillips (Junior). While I don't think his parents, or rather his grandparents, bothered to say his name out loud more than once before signing his birth certificate, Phillips is one to watch. He started with a rendition of "Superstition" that was great. And then he brought out his guitar and got REALLY great singing "Thriller." I'd buy his album, people. In a heartbeat.

Overall, 42 contestants received tickets to Hollywood from the auditions in Savannah. I think we saw less than 20 of those actual auditions, despite the fact that this was a two hour show.

Of those we did see tonight, who were your favorites? Did the judges get any wrong? (Not even the Laker girl??) Are you totally grossed out by Steven or do you just laugh at his crazy?

American Idol Season 11 Teaser: Watch Now!

matt@mediavine.com (Matt Richenthal) — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 14:26:12 EST

Might the next American Idol be featured in the following preview?

Fox has released a new promo for season 11 of TV's highest-rated show and, unlike the previous teaser, this one includes an actual look at contestants.

From Steven Tyler counseling one over how difficult this industry can be, to the Aerosmith frontman dancing with another, get an advanced look now at the celebration and the heartbreak that is a part of every season's opening audition rounds. The fun begins again on January 22.

American Idol Season 11 Promo: An Incredible Journey