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Last night’s episode of American Idol was the first installment of Hollywood Week’s semifinalist winnowing process, and boy did it seem like not a lot had changed at all since we were last in the cozy confines of Southern California. Barry Manilow as a mentor who basically gave an inspirational speech! There was a Ford commercial by a bunch of unnamed hopefuls who haven’t even made it through to the second part of Hollywood Week yet! Well, I guess Fox needs to squeeze as much money out of its sponsors as it can in these rough times.
AND WE’RE OFF: The singing part of the evening started off with Lil Rounds, who took a risk by singing Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You”; what could have been a kinda bad move was hailed by Kara as “bold” and “brave.” (No doubt she’s seen this show before.) Her audition was followed up by Dennis Brigham’s, which came along with some slightly over-the-top facial expressions—and a singing exit capped by him saying “y’all suck as judges” and an extended rant on the price of Simon’s clothing.
THE DIMINISHING OF SIMON’S INFLUENCE, THE RISE OF THE INTERNET: Von “Famous On The Internet” Smith’s audition was more of him opening his mouth like King Hippo (see above) and sing-yelling, and his performance was rightly trounced by Simon, who broke out the old “nonsense” epithet and called him annoying. But he made it through to the next round! I know everyone wants to make it big on Digg, but come on. On the bright side, I now have a least-favorite contestant who isn’t Bikini Girl.
IT’S ALL ABOUT SONG CHOICE: The weird thing about the aforementioned Ford ad: It started off with Manilow Michael Bublé’s version of “Feelin’ Good,” the song that has been a minefield for many a past Idol hopeful. (2007, you seem so long ago now.) Perhaps this was supposed to be a lesson in what separates the real singers from the pretenders, but given that it was then cut off in favor of Barbadian pop sensation Rihanna (who, much as I love some of her songs, is more “personality” than “singer”), maybe it was just a case of a new producer being in charge of the edit.
MY FAVORITE CONTESTANTS: There are still a lot of people shuffling on and off the stage at the Kodak Theater, but a few personalities and voices are starting to stick out (video links via MJ): The raspy-voiced
, who seems like a less unhinged (and better-coiffed) Amanda Overmyer; , who has a big, sweet soul voice; and the aforementioned , even though she went the Whitney route. (Just don’t do it again!)
REVEALING DIOGUARDISM OF THE NIGHT: “You had me for a moment thinking maybe I was wrong, but actually, I think I was right,” Kara said to Bikini Girl. Who once again split the judges’ panel and made it through to see another day, even though her voice isn’t that great and her midriff was covered. (Yay, America!)
So, all in all, 104 contestants made it through to tonight’s round, the drama-filled group sing. There’s gonna be crying! But you probably figured that.
American Idol [Official site]
[Von Smith pic via Rickey]
Was there a Leneshe Young spotting last night? I was looking for any indication of whether she made it through the first day. I didn’t see one.
I saw a lot of pimping of Lil Rounds though. Meh.
She was on there but she has curly hair now. I was pretty excited to see her!
I really, really wish that all contestants would get chyroned. Can it really be that much extra work? I’d like to be able to put names with all of the faces, whether they make it through or not.
I hope Lil Rounds (should she make it to The Big Show) can strike a happy balance between some of Nadia’s artsier, less orthodox choices, and the general Whitney/Mariah/accessibility choices. So far, she seems to be a little bit cooler than the average “diva” contestant.
Bonus points for the King Hippo love.
@Cam/ron: How about Jorge Nunez as Don Flamenco?
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@Rory B. Bellows: I’m trying to put her out of mind, so i don’t end up broken hearted.
i liked that indian dude who they showed singing for 4 seconds. i think he’ll go far.
@manuk210: Anoop Dog. He’s made to go far. Likable, slightly nerdy, interesting name, decent sing, plus the X factor of the Indian voter bloc.
i was so bored last night. maybe i’m getting jaded? i need drama!
Best part: when the Day 2 contestants filed out of their hotel in the morning, got in the fleet of Ford Uglyboxes, and cruised around Hollywood before pulling up at the Kodak Theater. Why is this my favorite moment, you ask?
Because anyone who lives in LA knows that the contestants’ hotel (the Renaissance at Hollywood & Highland, obvious from the shot of the front driveway) is literally ONE BLOCK AWAY from the Kodak. They even share a parking garage! I guess Ford and the AI producers feel the need to chauffeur their contestants the whole 25 yards from their hotel to the theater.
Next week, I expect them all to get helicopter rides to the bathroom.
@Rory his name’s Anoop Dog? haha, that’s so awesome
And I think I might be late on this one, but OMG I just found out that the chick with the pink hair (Emily) that sang “Excuse Me Mr” last night by No Doubt is the lead singer of LA band Go Betty Go. wtf. i know that’s not against the rules, but she’s had mild success with that band and is signed to side one dummy records (although not sure if they are anymore). She’s toured Europe and everything and even played at a Quentin Tarantino/Fergie party. Let’s hope Quentin doesn’t act as guest judge again b/c that would be some serious bias. All that said, I like her – she’s like this year’s Carly Smithson.
@manuk210: His name is Anoop Desai. But it lends itself pretty easily, doesn’t it.
@manuk210: She’s already gone.