IdolPhenomena

So my X-Factor audition experience was a long couple days, I traveled by car, train and even subway but although my about a minute of singing at about 11:00PM got me cut first round it was worth all the time I put into it. My favorite part of the audition process is meeting new people and getting to be around people that have the same love for music that I have and some are even more passionate about it. It is always incredible to see so many talented people. So my Journey started on 4/13 leaving my home in Central CT and taking a train to NYC. It was there in NY that I got to have a couple hours to myself before meeting up with a friend from HS who was having his Masters Recital for the degree he’s been working on at Julliard after an incredible performance and some catching up I hoped NJ Transit to Park Ridge to meet up with my friend who I would be attending X-Factor auditions with. We traveled back down south to Newark to register and get our red wrist bands. We went back to the house where we were staying and got what sleep we could get before leaving to be at the Prudential center for a bright and early 7AM. There were X-Factor and Pepsi Logos everywhere. We waited several hours outside before getting in and taking our seats in the stadium. In the meantime the production team shot a bunch of promos and there were all sorts of reporters interviewing people in line etc… So first I don’t mean to knock one of my favorite music shows on TV but I felt the X-Factor Auditions are definitely a place for past American Idol Contestants that did not make it to the Top 24 Semi-Finalist rounds. There were America’s Got Talent and American Juniors alumnae there as well. I didn’t physically talk to all the people that were there I wish I had but those people I did meet that day were enough. Some of the people I saw there were; Kelli Glover (American Idol Season 1, America’s Got Talent Season 4) Chauncey Matthews (American Juniors), AJ Melendez (American Juniors, American Idol Season 10), Travis Orlando (American Idol Season 10), Ty Glascoe (American Juniors), Jesse Stearns w/Odysy (American Idol Season 10), Aaron Sanders (American Idol Season 7 Top 50, American Idol Season 10 Top 40), Nate Marshall (American Idol Season 8 Top 32), Antwan Michael (American Idol Season 8), Danielle Pease (American Idol Season 10), Wayne Smith (American Idol Season 10) and Erica Colon (American Idol Season 10 Top 168). Many of these contestants at least made it to the second round but I am unaware of any of them making it any farther into the competition. We will just have to wait until the show airs to see just how far these Newark auditioners made it. So as for the structure of the auditions they were very similar to American Idol auditions you sing in a cubicle for a producer or Sony exec and then they judge you. However, they asked you questions to get to know you and your “story” a little before saying no or moving you on. I unfortunately got a no but my friend got a golden ticket to the second round where she was cut. X-Factor Auditions were definitely a positive experience for me. It helped me develop more confidence in my singing and has helped alleviate more of the nervousness I get when singing in front of people. My past experiences auditioning for Idol for both Season 7 and Season 10 were so much more a blur than this one. Yet, this time I had my eye on the prize sort of speak and it has only made me stronger as a performer. However I definitely met some incredibly talented people including Erica and Alexa Colon, Carl(os)? And friend, Danielle Pease, Guy with Glasses, Blonde Haired Guy with Blazer singing Adele, Wayne Smith & Friend, etc… Yea, now the names get kind of fuzzy so I am going to stop hear.-LOL. I do have some videos of people singing at the Prudential Center during the Audition process but I won’t post them until it gets closer to the X-Factor premiere. And as usual thank you for choosing IdolPhenomena ;-).

Sometimes


Price Tag by Jessie J


Wanted by Jessie James


Reality Show by T.A.T.U.

So I’ve been a little disgruntled with Idol since the public voted Pia Toscano off however, she clearly will be successful even if she is not this year’s winner. I also feel that Paul’s departure was the right decision I just hate the fact that he was one of a couple unique performers in the competition and now he’s gone. I do recognize that everyone’s talented but have a new take on the music scene. Since just recently going to X-Factor auditions in Newark I have developed an affinity for singers who aren’t your run of the mill cookie-cutter pop stars for example Adele and Lykke LI. I really don’t know where that came from and it’s definitely not because my audition song was Someone Like You by Adele. But X-Factor is for another entry on the Blog…

This week’s episode of Idol started off with a fairly decent group number done by the members of the Top 13 who have been voted off already. However there were some things about it that definitely did not fit and that was Paul McDonald singing So What along with the rest of the ladies… wrong song choice for mixed voices…. Idol FAIL. Oh yeah and Naima you didn’t need to throw your jacket at the camera or jump around the stage we already know who you are. In terms of groups numbers this was just blah…

Before each contestants performance this evening their fellow contestants took some time to say a few words about each other. For Scotty they all showed us how to hold a microphone the Scotty McCreery way. I know it’s almost like a signature for him I guess but it’s still awkward to look at. I do agree with Lauren Alaina he holds it like a flute. This week out of all the choices within the last decade Scotty chose Swingin by LeAnn Rimes. What would poses anyone to sing this is beyond me and yet Scotty definitely delivers an adequate performance. However, I do agree with Randy that was definitely a safe choice. This is definitely a time to take bigger risks like the judges will continuously express through the rest of the evening. For a great performance this week Scotty you get 2.75- Stars from me.

Following Scotty is James Durbin performing Uprising by Muse. His fellow remaining contestants discuss the scarves and the high notes. I agree with Casey who said it best, what’s up with the scarves James Durbin Stop it.-LOL. James’ performance was definitely theatrically like Jennifer praised for being however I did like it all that much. It was all show and very little substance but it definitely was a great song choice for him. So James that’s 3- Stars for your performance even though it wasn’t quite my favorite. Another contestant who picked a great song this week is Haley Reinhart who chose to take on Adele’s Rolling in the Deep. Obviously her fellow contestants discuss her attitude, her growl and low and behold that weird hand thing she does to accentuate what she’s singing. The song started off great and like Jennifer said there were moments where she brought Haley to the song however they were few and far between. I personally did not like her phrasing and the deviations from the melody she did to insert her signature growl. Rand Jackson is definitely right in saying that this is the perfect direction for Haley to go as an artist. For almost making me a Haley fan you get 2.5- Stars from me this week.
Next up was the DIVA Jacob Lusk performing Luther Vandross’ Dance with My Father. I feel bad for him for the technical glitch at the beginning of his song someone definitely lost their job for that-LOL. But Jacob I know this song hits you in a very emotional place but I felt like there was almost no real melody. You were always above or below the actual notes and I know you’re better than that. I agree with Randy do not hold back anymore, just go for it. Make a statement and prove you’re in it to win because right now for me you’re just a great voice. For being amazingly talented I give you 2- Stars this week.
Since Pia’s departure my remaining favorite is none other than Casey Abrams. Casey came out on to the Idol stage and made a statement. He made Steven swear and he even kissed Jennifer on the cheek. He was a true performer tonight. We got to see genuine artist/musician Casey on that stage. I want to see more performances like this. Maroon 5’s Harder to Breathe was definitely a great song for him to choose. 3- Stars for your performance this week Casey. I do also like how it almost looked like Casey was hitting the audience each time they reached out their hands.- PRICELESS. And I know Case had a beard joke about Ryan but was it appropriate we may never know-LOL.

The sixth performer of the night was Stefano Langone the self acclaimed ladies man as he is known by his fellow contestants. It was too funny how Casey said he had a hot quality. And I can’t believe Jacob said he would flirt with a piece of paper if it may have estrogen in it… AWKWARD. This was an awful song choice this week, Closer by Ne-Yo. However, Stefano definitely did the best he could and he definitely did not disappoint the females this week. I also like how his facial expressions have improved however this performance was all fluff and sexy faces with no real substance. Stefano will definitely need to have more depth if he wants to remain in the competition. I give him 2.5- Stars for fluff and no essence. Last but not least is Lauren Alaina who I agree with Jimmy when he said she has the potential to win it all if she just had the confidence to back her amazing talent. Performing Born to Fly by Sara Evans Laruen delivered a phenomenal performance compared to some of her earlier ones in the competition. Still not a big wow moment for me but she is definitely a contender for the Idol crown. For the potential wow moment I give her 2.75- Stars this week.

So with seven contestants remaining someone obviously has to go home so my bottom three based on this week’s performances would be…

Haley Reinhart……

Stefano Langone…….

Jacob Lusk………

So with that said I so want to say goodbye to Sister Mary Jacob a nick name coined by the amazing Michael Buckley however, I see elimination in either Haley or Stefano’s future….. My thoughts on this week’s results show, X-Factor auditions and CMT’s Next Superstar will all be up like I promised so keep a look out for them.

So here it is the first Idol Sing-Off. What the Sing-Off is where I will present collection of Idol Contestants both domestic and abroad singing the same song. Then you the ever so faithful IdolPhenomena followers will pick your favorite and in a weeks time I will pick the winning version based on your votes and post the new Idol Sing-Off song. If there are songs you've heard on different seasons and want to compare be sure to leave some comments :-) So the first Sing-Off song is God Bless the Child.

LaKisha Jones - American Idol Season 6 Top 24 Semi-Finalist


John Park - American Idol Season 9 Top 24 Semi-Finalist


Jacob Lusk - American Idol Season 10 Hollywood Round 3


Katharine McPhee - American Idol Season 5 Audition


Haley Reinhart - American Idol Season 10 Hollywood Round 3


Devyn Rush - American Idol Season 10 Audition


Theresa Sokyrka - Canadian Idol Season 2 Audition


Jenny Gear - Canadian Idol Season 1 Audition


Kyla Sandulak - Canadian Idol Season 1 Top 30 Contestants


Eva Avila - Canadian Idol Season 4 Top 3 Jazz Standards Night

Me and Bobby McGee


Walkin' After Midnight

IdolPhenomena followers just in case you haven’t heard of Sam Arriaga I suggest you keep his name in the back of your mind because I anticipate a bright career for this aspiring artist. At just 18 years of age Sam Arriaga is a Country Pop artist that made it to Hollywood during American Idol’s 10^th Season. Although he was cut early in the competition he hasn’t stopped chasing his dream. The following is my interview with Sam.

Q. What led you to audition for American Idol?

A. Thanks to my father and my best friends Brian & Gualo, I discovered my talent of singing in my junior year of High School. I began with learning how to play the guitar on YouTube and performing in talent shows in school.

Q. How did you feel earning a chance to audition for the Judges?

A. It was a fantastic feeling. I knew I had to keep the mentality of rejection but fortunately, I passed on to the next round but stayed strong and got stronger.

Q. If we had seen you on television what would we as a viewing audience have seen?

A. I think you would’ve seen my style of music, as in Country Pop. You would've also learned more about me and what makes me unique in the competition.

Q. How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?

A. The audition was a phenomenal stepping stone. I got to improve upon many of my flaws and work on my strengths. I know who I want to be because I chose one path and that path alone.

Q. Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?

A. One memory I must share is that I met so many amazing talented people auditioning for the show as well. We all still keep in touch and even help each other out.

Q. Have you auditioned for any other RealityTV show in the past or plan on doing so in the future?

A. American Idol has been the only show that i have auditioned for.

Q. Is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?

A. Janelle Arthur is the one person I still keep in touch with. We became very good friends since the start and ever since we have gotten along very well and even musically collaborate together.

Q. What other types of projects are you currently working on?

A. I am currently attending Full Sail University to acquire a degree in Recording Arts Engineering.

Q. Who is your “musical” role model and how have they inspired you?

A. My musical role model is Keith Urban. I began listening to Country music with Keith and its funny because Keith and I relate similarly in vocal pitch, song styles and what our songs are about. I have always admired him as an entertainer and have dreamed of singing alongside him one day.

Q. Did you have a have a favorite contestant from anywhere in the audition process?

A. Yes, I’m actually friends with Scotty McCreery but we lost touch since he’s made it so far into the competition. Since he’s keeping those Country roots strong, he has to be my fav. I also love Pia Toscano we met during the first week of Hollywood auditions and she’s a real sweetheart. Congrats to her on her recent deal.

Q. And which past Idol is currently playing on your MP3 player?

A. Carrie Underwood. Period LOL.

Q. Any other additional insights and comments would be great…

A. I want to thank IdolPhenomena for giving me the opportunity to share my experiences with everyone out there and i hope you guys keep watching Idol and appreciate everyone's God-given talents that they practiced so hard for. I admire this show for giving people like us the chance to demonstrate them to the world. Once again Thank you very much and God Bless! Cheers!

Check out Sam’s amazing cover of Georgia Clay by Josh Kelley

For more Sam Check out the Links below…

[YouTube][Twitter][Facebook][SoundCloud]