IdolPhenomena

Nia was another contestants name that was on a lot of the rumor lists to have received a ticket to Hollywood. However we are later informed that she has not made it. You may remember she is also the contestant that fell down the stairs exiting her audition but she is okay now. Nia has an incredible, real, down to earth, smoky bluesy sound to her voice I can't wait to see what the future has in store for her :-)Check out her piano and vocal skills below.

Although before the airing of Idol's Milwaukee episode there were rumors of Schuyler making it through to Hollywood. However, when the American Idol site updated with the golden ticket winners we find that she has not made it past this year's judging panel. However, I feel that she is someone we definitely need to watch to see what happens in the future. Check her out signing Bad Romance with Matt Sato below.












Bad Romance

Elise Lauren auditioned for Idol in New Jersey where she received a ticket to Hollywood. Check her out below singing Catch Me by Demi Lovato.

Catch Me

At about this time last year Tyra Juliette Schwartz was singing back up for the Twisted Brown Trucker Band. Miss Tyra Juliette as she is addressed on her MySpac Music Page (here) is an established singer/songwriter out of New York, NY. She is no stranger to the Idol process for she received a golden ticket to Hollywood in Season 5. You might remember her from the Hollywood episodes she grouped with Kinnik Sky, Celeste Scalone and Nicole Turk. She was also a contestant on MTV's Making The Band before appearing on American Idol's 5th season. Check out Tyra below performing at the Conga Room.










Live @ the Conga Room

Hanani or "Nani" was one of the many 15yr olds that made it through to Hollywood in Milwaukee. She's got any amazing voice check her out below.
















On My Own


River Deep Mountain High

This Thursday night Idol went on down to Nashville to the Bridgestone Arena where they saw some where about 17,000 people. From there those who made it past the three rounds got a chance to see the judges at the Ryman Auditorium. Tonight’s episode opened up with Darius Thomas who promises the viewers a really high note. And he opens up and …… god I don’t even know what that was? Was that even a note? Hopefully that’s not a precursor for a bad evening.

Up first is Christine McCaffrey who wants to make the universe a better place. Christine has a bubbly personality and squeaky voice to go along with it this prompts Randy to ask if she does voice-overs for cartoon characters-LOL. Then she starts to sing, I mean butcher Lee Ann Womack’s I Hope You Dance. Randy just shakes his head as she shrills through the song and all he asks is "Really?" Steven is the first to say NO which Christine in turn replies, "Awesome!" With two more no’s she is not going to Hollywood. As she returns to her mother and Ryan she tells them she got two no’s and a yes from Steven Tyler… What let’s rewind that for a moment. Didn’t Steven Tyler just say NO????

Next up are Rob Bolin and Chelsea Oaks. Who are exes that still live together…. Awkward much??? They said they met three years ago when Rob invited Chelsea on stage to sing with him and apparently they’ve been singing together ever since. First off I would like to start by saying they did a phenomenal job with To Love Somebody. Their harmonies were on key and their voices compliment each other so well. Next their asked to sing separately, Rob is up first with Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On. He does a great job; I like the raw husky sound of his vocal. Followed by Chelsea whose chosen Brandi Carlisle’s The Story. Each of these contestants has a good voice but I much prefer them to sing together. Lopez love’s Rob’s voice and Steven felt their harmony was deep. So both are off to Hollywood.

Allen Lewis is a tattoo artist who has chosen to audition with Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Simple Man. While he’s singing Jennifer silently mouths H-E-L-P. Randy feels he’s more of a “band guy” which is then rounded out with no’s from the judges. This beast, per say is then followed the beautiful Stormi Henley. Who just happens to be a Miss Teen USA. Tyler feels she needs to work on her voice and Randy says that she’s just okay. J.Lo on the other hand feels her voice is not strong enough for the competition. In my opinion Stormi has an okay voice but it is her beauty that wins both Tyler and Jackson over while Lopez expresses that she is possibly the smallest voice in the last 5 cities.

Up next is Adrienne Beaseley who was adopted at a young age by a white family. She talks a little about growing up on a farm and how it was different for her being racially different from her parents. She sings Lady Antebellum’s American Honey which was quite refreshing but not all that outstanding, at least to me. Tyler feels there’s something special about her voice. Randy said she sounded good and Jennifer really felt her audition and got a little teary eyed. So obviously Adrienne is off to Hollywood. Where would the good be without the bad? After that nice audition we meet Kameela Merricks who has chosen to sing Chaka Kahn’s Sweet Thing. And let me tell you her voice ain’t no sweet thing… I think Simon would call it ghastly-LOL. Tyler suggests she return home and practice while Randy has some other thoughts and tells her just not to do it. Oh wait she’s a Jr.. regional singer for her town… what exactly does that mean??? I think you need to be in tune for that.-;-) And this bad is followed by more bad First ? in a body suit costume, Polina Kozhikova and Patrick Counts. I’d like to dub them What? How? And what were you thinking? Apparently Patrick didn’t like that Randy thought his audition was a joke because on came the waterworks. This dastardly trio… see I used dastardly in a sentence :-) is followed by Jackie Wilson.

Jackie is a 28yr old bartender/singer from Nashville who has chosen to sing ‘Til You Come Back To Me. I think she did a great job… and so do the judges because she gets three yeses and a ticket to Hollywood. Oh wait is Jackie dating the old guy…. make out time epic fail. But remember we all have our own tastes in who we like. However, the next contestant seemed to only like herself ;-) Latoya “Youniqe” Moore was definitely unique –LOL. But not in a good way. She’s a recording artist that is absolutely no good. She sing Tamia’s When I Close My Eyes- I definitely want to close my eyes and my ears based on what you did. Steven says she’s definitely unique and Randy asked if she was sure that was the song she was singing. As she’s asked to leave she remains persistent and sings again and Randy tells her it’s still a no. Where are all the talented people? Oh yeah there in the next montage. First is Paul McDonald with Maggie May, who has an absolutely amazing natural tone in his voice. Jimmie Allen who sings Sunday Morning and Danny Pate who sings Papa Was A Rolling Stone. Tyler felt Danny’s audition was so good. And with that all three are off to Hollywood.

With 15 minutes left in tonight’s episode we’re down to the last two contestants. First up is Matt Dillard who truly is country in appearance who has a surprisingly good voice. We learn that Dillard’s family has had a plethora of foster kids even some with special needs. If Dillard becomes the next Idol he wants to help a lot of people. Over-all wearing Matt sings You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban which is totally not what anyone would expect him to sing. Tyler says yes and that he has a pretty voice. Jennifer thinks he needed to do a better audition and Randy gives him a "small" yes. So Dillard is off to Hollywood.

The last audition of the night is that of 15yr Lauren Alaina (Suddeth). We learn that Lauren has started singing because of her cousin Holly who has inspired her. We also find out that Holly has survived a brain tumor and that Lauren considers her more a sister. Personally I think Lauren is incredibly talented. She has a Carrie Underwood vibe about her. If I close my eyes I almost could imagine Carrie at this stage in the competition several seasons back. Her audition song is Like We Never Loved At All by Faith Hill. Randy said she was the best they’ve seen today and J.Lo cried a little because Lauren had some tears of joy going on. Then she's invited to sing again and this time it was Aerosmith’s I Don’t Wanna Miss A Thing. Lauren get’s Tyler to sing a little with her and at the close of the show Tyler says, "I think we found the one." It seems like the judges are in high support of but they aren’t the only ones endorsing Lauren at this stage in the game. Rumor has it that Nigel Lythgoe could also be endorsing based on something said on Twitter. Lythgoe (Dizzyfeet) tweeted, :We may have just seen a really gifted 15 year old that may well win #AmericanIdol this season. Brilliant talent in Nashville today." We will see if that holds true as the competition continues because obviously Lauren Alaina just happens to be one of the contestants rumored to be in this year’s Top 40. Dare I foresee a girl winning? - definitely to early to tell.

With that said tonight’s episode comes to a close, so here are my ratings for tonight’s golden ticket winners.

Rob Bolin 2.5-Stars

Chelsea oaks 2-Stars

Stormi Henley 1-Star

Adrienne Beaseley 1.5-Stars

Jackie Wilson 2-Stars

Paul McDonald 2.5-Stars

Jimmie Allen 2-Stars

Danny Pate 2.5-Stars

Matt Dillard 1.5-Stars

Lauren Alaina 3-Stars

Wayne auditioned in NJ where he received a ticket to Hollywood. Tried out two times before his third time was definitely a charm because it got him to Hollywood.
















Idol Interview

Courtney has been seen on shows like Fox's American Idol and MTV's Making the Band. This Chrisitan/Neo-Soul artist is currently signed to Premier Musique Group with whom she is a actively working on an EP to release this summer. Here's a link to her website as Courtney Salter & as Ari Lennox.












Pursuit of Happiness as Ari Lennox


Say Yes


@ the Nu R&B Showcase

Danielle auditioned for Idol this year in East Rutherford, NJ. For this young performing singing has always coming naturally for her. She has a lot of experience on the stage already under her belt while she was lead singer of FYVE which was her old band. She has done a lot of growing since then check her out below singing My Own Hands To Hold. Check out her YouTube. She has a great voice... I only expect it to get even better as she matures vocally.













My Own Hands To Hold


Danielle & FYVE Use Somebody

Caitlin auditioned for Idol in NJ where she received a golden ticket to Hollywood. Check her out below. She has an incredibly bluesy and soulful voice... I wish they would have shown her audition.
















Caitlin Koch & the Jamie Moses Band


I Will Always Love You


At Last

Blaire auditioned for Idol in East Rutherford, NJ where she received a ticket to Hollywood. Check her out singing the National Anthem below.

Tonight Idol visited the city of Milwaukee, WI which produced Idol Contestant Danny Gokey, and Sumerfest and…. apparently that’s all.-LOL… At least for now. The locals are excited Idol is there but all they really need is their cheese and their beer. ;-). This year Idol planted their cattle call audition at the Bradley Center where they saw thousands of people. The first to start off the evening was 16yr old Scott “Scotty” McCreery. He impresses both the judges and me with his incredibly deep natural country voice. The first song he chose to sing was Your Man which made Jennifer smile. Then the panel wanted to hear his upper register so he chose some Travis Tritt, Put Some Drive in Your Country. Steven Tyler’s surprising reaction was, "Will hellfire save matches? **** a duck and see what hatches!" Oh Steven you crack me up. And Randy liked how he’s a throw back country singer. His impressive audition gets him a golden ticket to Hollywood.

We’re next introduced to Joe Repca. A 19yr old University of Toledo student who’s Grandmother is tone deaf and I hate to say but I don’t think the apple falls far from the tree. Not only does he have dreams of being the next American Idol he also aspires to be a radio announcer. Ryan starts the segment with some comment about being able to picking your friends and picking your nose but you can’t wipe your friends on the couch…. Oh Ryan… I hope that wasn’t on a cue card-LOL. He has chosen to sing For The Longest Time … he definitely should have stuck with just claps and snaps :-). Tyler tells him not to quit his day job. Lopez tells him to pursue the mic thing and Randy suggests he not sing and stick to radio. And for Steven’s second comment of the night he suggests he and Joe form a new type of band, a rubber band that is SNAP…-LOL oh this is priceless humor that I still don’t think is all that funny. Then he follows it up with a silent wow as Joe leaves the audition room.

For our first 15yr old of the night we are introduced to Emma Henry. Emma and her family traveled all the way from Colorado just to be here. Now that she’s recently got her learners permit can she top off the good things with a golden ticket??? Her song choice is Cyndi Lauper’s True Colors. Personally I feel that Emma’s voice is nothing great or spectacular. You can tell she’s nervous. Tyler likes that she has a lot of character. Jennifer express that she is not ready and should work on developing her voice. Randy agrees and feels she isn’t ready for the competition. Next it’s time for the vote Tyler is a yes Lopez is a no… that leaves Randy who just happens to be on the fence. Then come the characteristic water works and expressing about how this is their dream speech and Randy gives in and says yes. So now Emma is on her way to Hollywood.

At this point we are 27 minutes into this 2hr Idol Extravaganza and I am surprisingly entertained. Dare I say this episode is a lot better than the first two?

Up next is the typical montage of tone deaf singers and screamers. Kody, Juanita, Kamil, and Kanisha…. all terrible terrible terrible with a capital T. And please some of you look like you dressed in the dark. You really wore that to your audition???

Up next is Naima Adedapo who I have personally been waiting to hear what she sounds like since a lot of her YouTube videos are all slightly muffled because of speakers and such at live performances. She wants to be able to provide for her family and give them opportunities she never had growing up. Tonight she auditions with a little Donnie Hathaway’s… For All We Know. She has a good voice that has a subtle confidence about it. Lopez says she’s one of the best they’ve seen and Tyler thinks she’s all that. So Naima is on her way to Hollywood.

Cue back handspring on to camera man’s face….. 10 Points ;-)

Next are some more bad people Jovan and a man carrying a giant toothbrush who Randy tells to sing in the car only when the windows are rolled up-LOL.

Up now is Jerome Bell who refers to his shoes as space boots… slightly awkward.. but I get it-LOL. He has chosen Marvin Gaye’s Let’s Get It On. Bell definitely has a powerful voice and a great range. Randy liked his crazy hot vocals; Jennifer felt he was loud, soft, sweet, powerful, and cute. And Steven felt he was so good, SO GOOD. Then there’s 5yr old Valerie who is absolutely adorable who does some Corrine Bailey Rae, Put Your Records On.

Following Jerome and Valerie is 15 yr old Thia Megia, the girl with the movie star name. This “movie star” just happened to be on America’s Talent back in 2009 so she is no stranger to Reality TV. From Mountain House, CA she enters the room star truck and wins the judges over with Chasing Pavements by Adele. She has incredible control over her voice and for such a young age I am definitely impressed. Thia’s audition is followed by a montage of other young contestants who have made it through to Hollywood. They are Felix Ramsey, Ashika Sachdev and Hanani Taylor.

After the commercial break we meet civil war re-enactor Nathaniel Johns whose father is totally not a hippy.-LOL. Nathaniel has chosen The Lion Sleeps Tonight… why anyone would pick this song is beyond me. Randy can’t stop laughing While J. Lo flat out tells him no. Steven Tyler was nice enough to say he liked it but that it wasn’t for Idol. Then there’s Mason Wilkinson who spent some time turned around in front of the judges to collect himself before singing. His audition song mentions something about serenity which is definitely something I am going to need after hearing that.

Following that is accomplished Harvard graduate Molly deWolf Swenson. She seems to have a lot going on for her especially being an intern at the White House. Would her list accomplishments include a ticket to Hollywood? She opens her mouth and presents the panel with a smoky version of Sittin’ on the Dock of The Bay which was unique and amazing all at the same time. Tyler likes her attitude and she knows where to put it. J.Lo was impressed and was surprised as how rich her lower register was. Randy is baffled that she hasn’t been discovered and asks what’s been going on… uhh let me see HARVARD and working out the white house. Oh Randy sometimes I wonder why your still on the show. Oh and Randy didn’t mean to hit you in the face ;-) LOL.

Next is Haley Reinhart who auditioned in Chicago last year and was told to come back when she was more ready. So this year she’s ready and has chosen to sing Oh Darling. At 18 she has an amazing voice. Tyler said she had a beautiful choice of notes and Randy expressed that she has gotten better since last time. However, I don’t think he really remembers her. And Jennifer with the third yes and Haley is off to Hollywood. Then the Idol panel is graced with the twistin’ the night away styles of Tiwan Strong who has a great voice and personality. Tyler liked his voice and the sparkle in his eye. J.Lo said he did a really good job and Randy liked his voice so that means Tiwan is off to Hollywood.

The next to audition is CPA Steve Beguhn. He has an incredible country voice which I didn’t expect. Lopez was also pleasantly surprised. Tyler thought his audition was disturbingly great. Yes the big goons going to Hollywood. Then there’s Vernika Patterson who said she sang so much better than anyone else there and that she is being discriminated because of her appearance. She chose to sing Luvin’ You which I totally wasn’t luvin’-LOL. After the judges tell her she isn’t ready for Idol she just walks out of the room choosing her own future which is not to go to Hollywood.

30 Minutes left in tonight’s episode and the next contestant is Albert Rogers III. He’s been compared to artists like Ruben Studdard, Luther Vandross and even Usher. He has chosen to audition with Stand By me. I don’t know who told him he sounded like the previously mentioned artists but this guy is seriously all over the place and he may be even tone deaf. Tyler said he squeezed it out so slow that he isn’t sure he’s for Idol. And Randy felt like the audition was terrible and a complete joke. So did I.

Next in to see the judges was Scott Daingerfield whose audition is surprisingly refreshing. Tyler said he was blown away. Lopez felt he was one of the best they’ve seen and Randy said this is crazy followed don’t judge a book by its cover. J.Lo expresses to Scott to keep the hair keep glasses and not to change a bit. Then next is Megan Fraizer the Packers super fan who sing’s a version of Baby which is far worse than Justin Bieber’s original.

Now that we’ve reached the last two auditions of the night… the first is Alyson Jados. Alyson has an edgy rock vibe and has chosen to sing Come Together by the Beatles. S. Tyler thinks she’s pitchy and that she looks like she could be one of his…. Lopez likes the great quality in her voice and her performance. Randy doesn’t think she’s ready yet. However , Alyson wins her Idol over and receives two yeses and a ticket to Hollywood.

Overall 53 contestants made it to Hollywood from the Milwaukee auditions. To close the night is 26 yr old barista/care giver Chris Medina. Whose personal struggles with his fiancé’s accident are extremely heartfelt and emotional, If you haven’t seen the song he wrote for Julia while she was in a coma I suggest you check it out here. Chris is incredibly talented. His chosen song was Breakeven by the Script. You could tell that the song meant something to him because you felt what he was singing. Three yeses and Chris is off to Hollywood. Thus concluding tonight’s episode, Thursday night Idol heads to Nashville, TN. And here are my ratings on 3-Star scale :-).

Scotty McCreery 3-Stars

Emma Henry 1-Star

Naima Adedapo 2-Stars

Jerome Bell 2.5-Stars

Thia Megia 3-Stars

Molly deWold Swenson 2.5-Stars

Haley Reinhart 2-Stars

Tiwan Strong 2-Stars

Steve Beghun 2-Stars

Scott Daingerfield 2.5-Stars

Alyson Jados 2-Stars

Chris Medina 3- Stars

This Thursday Idol moves to Nashville, TN. Here are some of the people rumored to have auditioned there.... watch out for them.

Ashthon Ahmirr' Jones (Top 40)

(Michael) Colton Dixon (Top 40)

Deandre "Kamele" Brackensick (Top 40)

Jimmie Allen (Top 40)

Kendra Chantelle Campbell (Top 40)

Lauren Alaina Suddeth (Top 40)

Miss Jackie Wilson (Top 40)

Paul McDonald (Top 40)

Janelle Arthur (Top 60)

Laura Mayo (Top 60)

Sarina-Joi Crowe (Top 60)

Schyler Dixon (Top 60)

Anton Jones (No Photo)

Benjamin John Vredevelt

Bryan Dixon

Briana Tyson

Chase William Gregory

Chelsea Chandler (Made It to Hollywood Season 9)

Chelsea Sorrell

Corbette “Alan” Jackson (Made It to Hollywood Season 8)

Danielle Lauderdale

Danny Pate (Rumored To Have Made It to Hollywood Season 9)

Jalen Harris

Jeremiah Flockhart

Jessa Lee (Yantz) (Made It to Hollywood Season 2)

Johnny Drennan

Kameron Keechle Boedeker

Kenzi Lewis

Megan Pflueger

Rob Bolin

Sarah Jane Huskey

Stevie Flockhart

Walker King Shell