164 Hollywood Singers in a Grueling Hollywood Week 2/13/08 

American Idol, February 12, 2007

“164 Hollywood Singers in a Grueling Hollywood Week”

By Marcus

One hundred sixty-four singers arrived in Hollywood to take their shot at American Idol. This year, the producers changed the format to permit the singers to play an instrument while they sang. And getting a “yes” on their audition is a free pass to the final round. And getting a “no” means “don’t pack your bags yet, you will have more chance to impress” the judges. So with that, let’s recap some of those 164 hopefuls.

First up was a talented but a shy Brooke accompanying herself while singing “You Are Beautiful.” She admits to her lack of confidence, but when she sat down to her keyboard, she transformed herself into an entertainer.

But that cannot be said of dance captain Amy who kind of lost her vocal control with almost a prairie dog yippee. .

There was also a drum player, Jake, who foolishly thought a drum accompaniment would enhance his singing. It didn’t.

And what did Buck, Cardid and Natasha all have in common? They all forgot their lyrics. Really.

Most impressive of first several contestants was David Hernandez’s “Love The One Your With.” He just seemed totally relaxed, assured and polished. There was no overt nervousness and the judges were totally pleased with his performance stating it was the best they had seen tonight. I think that David will be a real contender.

Amanda the 60’s style rocker totaled her car, cracked a couple ribs and needed a dozen staples to her head. But her pain was totally cast aside as she nailed “Come On Baby Light My Fire.”

Then we had Chaleb. He was born in Venezuela and now lives in Miami. This man speaks four languages but tonight his singing and guitar playing made him a bore.

He has one more chance and he wants to win that “yes” to receive have another hug from Paula.

Keyboard player and singer Josiah was one of the few self-accompanied contestants who really connected with the instrument and the audience. Before he won a gold ticket to Hollywood, he was literally sleeping in his car. Now he has a clear sail to the final round. And that kind of personal strength and commitment cannot be taught. It is deep inside like a smoldering ember giving life and fire to his determination.

The last contestant of the day was Kyle who nerd-ish appearance won’t make him an Idol. But it seems that every year we have someone like him in the final dozen. So, don’t be surprised to see him for many many weeks. In fact, he was so bad that only redeeming comment from Paula was that he brought “spirit” to the show. And with that, a disgusted Simon walked out.

On day three, one hundred sixteen “no’s” returned for their very last chance to impress the judges. One of those was the above mentioned Amy who not only is her school dance captain but is also an abstinence counselor. Well, she will have more time to pursue dance and counseling as she was sent home.

Another singer cut was single parent Angela whose father was killed shortly before she came to Hollywood. Angela wanted a better life for her little daughter, but she will have to find it outside of American Idol.

Meantime, big Jeffry’s sister was cut but he made it to the final round only to be cut on the final day.

One singer showed incredible courage and determination. That was Syesha. She was battling hoarseness that was compounding her painful sore throat. But this woman reached down deep where her spirit soars and sang brilliantly. If she can continue to connect with that power, she will be a contender.

And what can we say about Michael’s “Bohemian Rhapsody” other than “fantastic.”

In total one hundred forty contests will be told that it was the end of the line and they are going home. They just did not have what it takes to continue in the competition. Many of them were in shocked disbelief that their dreams and all their hard work had been crushed like dried leaves. But this is American Idol. This is not the small town talent show but the real deal where competition is brutal, nasty, and takes no prisoners. This is the place were stars are made and where dreams can come true. But only for a tiny few. And for the rest of the them, it is back home to be consoled and hugged by family and friends.

What about the remaining twenty-four contestants? They will be announced tomorrow. Will your favorite be among them? Or will they pack their bags for the flight back home?

see also:

1/31/08 American Idol in Miami

1/30/08 American Idol in Omaha

1/24/08 American Idol in Charleston

1/23/08 American Idol in San Diego