American Idol’s Hollywood is coming to an end, with 100 contestants (out of 327 who were sent to Hollywood) competing as soloists this season. A band had been assembled, and they were given the choice of playing with the band or a cappella. Some of them wanted to accompany themselves, usually on the keyboard or the guitar.
When the show opened tonight, we saw the contestants emerging from their hotels, eating breakfast, meditating and preparing for the day. contention
The first song was Haley Reinhart, who gave a beautiful “God Bless the Child.” This was followed by strong performances from Ashton Jones and Thia Megia, a 15 year olds Who sang “What a Wonderful World.
And there were fighters from the synagogue with the band, and Caleb Johnson. It was noted that it appeared that some were not employed by professional music workers.
Clint Gamboa gave an excellent performance in “Georgia on My Mind.” Others also chose that song, including Kendra Chantelle and Sophia Shorai, who gave good performances.
Rather than choose a “safe” genre of music that everyone else chooses, Chris Medina wanted to be different. “My prerogative,” he chose. Surprisingly, Carson Higgins chose the same song. Carson Higgins has been described as having an “outgoing personality” that dominated the scene during Night Party. A rendition of “My Prerogative” had the audience standing, clapping and singing along. But Chris Medina also gave a good performance, in his own way and in his own voice.
We were then presented with a series of contestants who chose to accompany themselves. These included Julie Zorilla (keyboard), Caleb Hawley (guitar), Colton Dixon (keyboard), Brett Lowenstein (guitar), Robbie Rosen (keyboard) and Casey Abrams (bass). All of those jobs turned out great, but Casey Adams stood out with a huge jazz rendition of “Georgia on My Mind,” complete with a lingering final note.
Until the patient Jacqueline Dunford was from the arc of the plane. This was very disturbing for Chelsee Oaks, who also had to say goodbye to her ex-boyfriend, who was eliminated from the competition during the night of the Group. Chelsee sang “Because of You” in a broken and emotional way.
Lauren Alaina gave great attention to “I don’t want to miss a thing.”
One of the outstanding performances of the day was given by James Lusk, who came out with the surprise “God Bless the Child.” His style includes a powerful mix of music and soul, including scat singing. He had performed so well for himself that he later destroyed it behind the scenes.
John Wayne Schulz had a hard act to follow, but he sang in a soft, beautiful and emotional way; accompanying himself on the guitar.
Ashley Sullivan tried to sing “everything” to her friend who was in the audience. She sang a cappella. She forgot the words, became agitated and fell apart. He feared that this would destroy his chances of being brought to the level of competition.
Good performances were given by Stefano Langone, Jovany Barreto and Jacee Badeaux, who sang “The Time of My Life.”
Scott McCreery and Tatynisa Wilson both sang “I Hope You Dance,” and both had trouble remembering the lyrics.
After everyone had sung, the three judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler, had the task of eliminating half. them This was difficult because, as Randy Jackson said, this year’s group was very talented.
The contestants were divided into four groups and sent to four rooms. The three judges went from room to room and told those present that they had done everything to the point or end of the line for everyone in the room.
Everyone in Room 1 has passed to a higher level. These included Jacee Badeaux, Ashley Sullivan and Brett Lowenstern.
I have to admit that I was very surprised that Ashley Sullivan stepped up after that meltdown earlier in the day. Show business requires steely nerves. Someone who can’t stay onstage, and who presses the buckles, will be eaten alive by the demands of the profession. If the singer wants to have a career, Ashley will have a way to access the inner strength, if she will be able to stand under everything.
Competitors in Room 2 and Room 3 were informed that none of them made it to the next level. These include Brielle Von Hugel, Chelsee Oak, and many others.
Those in Cella 4 were also the good news of what they had done. These included Carson Higgins, Scott McCreery and Jovany Barreto.
Next week, American will get down to some really serious business as the best of the best compete against each other.
