American Idol Mania in New York City  1/25/07

By Marcus

Tonight, singer and lyricist Carole Bayer Sager joined the sometimes loveable three judges in the Big Apple. Together these four would listen to, comment upon and occasionally insult thousands of American Idol hopeful. And so, let's being a recap.

What is your dream? What makes you passionate about life? And what would you do to make that dream a reality? Would you give up everything for it? Would you shake off non-believers and naysayers as you single mindedly pursue that dream? Would you lie to your dad and tell him that you were spending the night with a friend? Would you blow off school just for this one shot on American Idol? If your dream is strong and you are equally strong enough to make it real, then you have the soul of Sarah. Sarah did all the wrong things to make tonight right by winning a ticket to Hollywood. She then tearfully called her dad, confessed her lies and asked him to not be mad. How could anyone not forgive a daughter like that?

Ashanti has been to Hollywood twice with an American Idol gold ticket. And since then she has been preparing herself for another chance to earn her third ticket. She has focused on getting her body in shape, her mind sharp and her spirit tuned. But what about her voice? She struggled to find that voice, the voice that would excite both judges and audiences, but she didn't succeed. We were actually a little bored.

Best friends who dance on sandy beaches, shop in the mall and sing duets, Amanda and Antonella respectively impressed the judges. They both won gold tickets to Hollywood. But in the land of honey and salt their friendship will be tested. Will they bond closer with mutual support? Or will that friendship fray?

I really don't want to mention the lime color hair singer, or the spaceman, nor Phillip whose screaming voice would scare the dead.

So, onto another real singer, Kia, whose gentle vocal range is sending her to Hollywood. And this woman could be a finalist.

Then handsome Henri with his sculptured Greek body wowed everyone with perfect tune. Can he really be only 16? Well that is what his mother says and I gotta believe her. Her son can really sing. Here is Marcus' prediction, Henri will be a finalist.

Please, let's try to forget some Frank Sinatra wanna be and cowgirl Sarah who thought that being tone deaf would make her a singing sensation instead of the vulgar crybaby that she really is. Even jolly and energetic Nikea failed to please.

Ranger Joe has a sister and her name is Marabou. For the past twelve months she was daily pushing herself like an Army grunt suffering through basic training. She prepared her body and her mind for this spotlight called American Idol. And that training paid off big time with a ticket to Hollywood.

Operatic student, Rachel, was the big surprise. This multi-talented, self assured and determined woman could be a major competitor with her Hollywood ticket.

A Simon Crowell look-alike, Chris, sounded more like a Christine. No ticket for him. But another Chris, this time from Virginia, won a ticket and with his looks could win many female hearts in Hollywood.

Remember last season when Nicholas couldn't memorize "Buttercup" and quit American Idol? Well he returned for an audition and is again heading to the land of opportunities. Let's hope that he is more focused. Maybe he can use crib notes.

The last contestant, palm reader and street performer Isadora evidently had a religious experience during her number because she sang in tongues.

And that is a wrap on NYC. New York produced 35 gold tickets and some of them will be in the final count. And that is something that you can count on.

Survey - Who Is Your Favorite American Idol Judge?

see also:

1/31/07 American Idol Mania in LA

1/24/07 American Idol Mania in Memphis

1/18/07 American Idol Mania in Seattle

1/17/07 American Idol Mania Returns