IdolPhenomena

Since being cut from Idol Chris Medina has been signed by American Idol/19 Recordings and released his first single called "What Are Words" written by Rodney Jerkins.

Download it on iTunes [here].

Next is the first hour of the long and out drawn announcement of this year’s Top 24. So as stated previously the Top 40 were invited back to California where they sang one more time for the judges to earn their spots in the Top 24. Tonight the first 5-Members of the Top 24 are revealed along with some surprising cuts.

Naima Adedapo – SFYL Song Choice: Put Your Records On by Corrine Bailey Rae[2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Hollie Cavanagh – SFYL Song Choice: No One by Alicia Keys [ 2/3- Stars] Cut

LaKeisha Lewis – Cut

Alexander Ryan – Cut

Clint Jun Gamboa – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Haley Reinhart – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Deandre Brackensick – SFYL Song Choice: Turn Your Lights Down Low by Bob Marley [2/3- Stars] Cut

Paul McDonald – SFYL Song Choice: Original Song [N/A] Made Top 24

Ashthon Jones – SFYL Song Choice: I Wanna Dance With Somebody [2.5/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Chris Medina- SFYL Song Choice: Fix You by Coldplay [2.5/3- Stars] Cut

Jerome Bell – Cut

As promised this two hour long episode would finally reveal all of this year’s Top 24.

Karen Rodriguez – SFYL Song Choice: A Track from Selena [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Robbie Rosen – SFYL Song Choice: Sorry Seems To Be the Hardest Word by Elton John [2.5/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Brittany Mazur – Cut

Jimmie Allen – Cut

Tim Halperin – SFYL Song Choice: Original Song [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Julie Zorrilla – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Scotty McCreery – SFYL Song Choice: Long Black Train by Josh Turner [2.5/3- Stars] Made Top 24

John Wayne Schulz – Cut

Jovany Barreto – SFYL Song Choice: Angel by Jon Secada [3/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Lauren Turner – SFYL Song Choice: Steal Away by Etta James [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Erin Kelly – Cut

Tiwan Strong – Cut

Rachel Zevita – SFYL Song Choice: Speechless [2.5/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Aaron Sanders – Cut (Not Aired)

Kendra Chantelle – SFYL Song Choice: Fallin’ by Alicia Keys [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Jordan Dorsey – SFYL Song Choice: So High by John Legend [3/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Lauren Alaina – SFYL Song Choice: Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers [2.75/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Stefano Langone – SFYL Song Choice: Original Song [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Jackie Wilson – SFYL Song Choice: Because of You by Kelly Clarkson [1.5/3- Stars] Cut

Jacob Lusk – SFYL Song Choice: Song For You by Donny Hathaway [3/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Pia Toscano – SFYL Song Choice: Doesn’t Mean A Thing by Alicia Keys [3/3- Stars] Made Top 24

James Durbin – SFYL Song Choice: Change Gonna Come by Sam Cooke [3/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Casey Abrams – SFYL Song Choice: Why Don't You Do Right? by Kansas Joe McCoy [3/3- Stars] made Top 24

Thia Megia – SFYL Song Choice: You Raise Me Up by Josh Groban [2.75/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Jessica Cunningham – Cut

Colton Dixon – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2.5/3- Stars] Cut

Jacee Badeaux – SFYL Song Choice: Gone To Soon by Michael Jackson [2/3- Stars] Cut

Brett Loewenstern – SFYL Song Choice: Original Song [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Here are my Top 12 Finalists in no particular order: Jacob Lusk, Thia Megia, Jovany Barreto, Casey Abrams, Paul McDonald, Jordan Dorsey, Pia Toscano, Karen Rodriguez, Julie Zorrilla, Lauren Alaina, Clint Jun Gamboa and Ashthon Jones.

There also has been many a rumor about there being a wild card round this year. In past years contestants from various parts of the competition have been given a call back. If there is indeed a “call back” would love to see contestants from the Top 100 like Colton Dixon, Schyler Dixon, Sophia Shorai, Luke James, LaKeisha Lewis, Chelsea Sorrell, Casey Schuber, Jonathas Ojeda, Matthew-John Suyat, Symphony Howlett, Hannah Mulholland, Hunter Elizabeth and Matt Nuss be considered :-).

Tonight the Top 61 try their hand at songs by the Beatles performing on the Cirque du Soleil Love Stage at the Mirage in Las Vegas. These 61 hopefuls with dreams of stardom would become cut down to a Top 40 that would be invited back to California for the Sing For Your Life Round which would either secure them a spot in this year’s Top 24 or send them home.

Some of the featured (F) groups tonight are as follows with my ratings and some general comments.

(F1) James Durbin + Stefano Langone = Get Back [2/3- Stars]

(F2) Pia Toscano + Karen Rodriguez = Can’t Buy Me Love [3/3- Stars]

These ladies were amazing tonight. They are both truly stars and its completely serendipitous as Ryan said that they used to sing together in high school.

(F3) Naima Adedapo + Jacob Lusk + Haley Reinhart = The Long and Winding Road [2.5/3- Stars]

It’s phenomenal how three big unique voices can come together.

(F4) Rachel Zevita + Phil Brooks + Symphony Howlett = Eleanor Rigby [2/3- Stars]

Rachel has truly come a long way since I remember her audition back in Season 6.

(F5) Jovany Barreto + Lauren Turner = Let It Be [2.5/3- Stars]

It’s extremely nice to hear how good Lauren is vocally.

(F6) Tim Halperin + Julie Zorilla = Something [3/3- Stars]

Tim and Julie’s duet was incredible tonight. I loved how they started off with a duet on the keyboard. I foresee these two contestants going far in the competition.

(F7) LaKeisha Lewis + Ta-Tynisa Wilson + Jerome Bell = I Saw Her Standing There [2/3- Stars]

I loved this groups energy and LaKeisha is absolutely amazing wish they showed more of her during the show.

(F8) Kendra Chantelle + Paul McDonald = Black Bird [3/3- Stars]

Paul and Kendra’s duet was absolutely breath taking. Their voices complimented each other so well. I really like Paul’s unique voice.

(F9) Clint Jun Gamboa + Erin Kelly = Help! [2/3- Stars]

Like always Clint absolutely kills it vocally but Erin is just okay.

(F10) Ashton Jones + Jacqui Elliot = Ticket to Ride [2.5/3- Stars]

(F11) John Wayne Schulz + Adrian Michael Joseph + Wade Brown = With A Little Help From My Friends [3/3- Stars]

(F12) Thia Megia + Melinda Ademi = Here Comes The Sun [1.5/3- Stars]

Thia is amazing as always but this was truly not one of her best auditions.

(F13) Sophia Shorai + Ashley Sullivan = We Can Work It Out [1.5/3- Stars]

I still can’t believe Ashley got married in Vegas let alone had it broadcast on national television.

(F14) Scotty McCreery + Lauren Alania Suddeth +Denise Jackson = Hello Goodbye [2/3- Stars]

(F15) Carson Scott Higgins + Caleb Hawley = ? [ 1/3- Stars]

(F16) Casey Abrams + Chris Medina =Hard Day’s Night [2.5/3- Stars]

(F17) Robbie Rosen + Aaron Sanders + Jordan Dorsey = Got to Get You into My Life [3/3- Stars]

This group of guys was phenomenal. Even though the judges said that this wasn’t Jordan’s best I certainly liked his portion of the song this evening.

Some of the non-featured (F) groups were made up of the following.

Brett Loewenstern. + Brittany Mazur + Chrissy Feliciano

Jimmie Allen +Chelsea Sorrell + Colton Dixon

Jackie Wilson + Tiwan Strong

Alexander Ryan + Molly DeWolf Swenson +Jessica Cunningham

Natalie Hanson + Bekuh Boom

Jonathas Ojeda + Hollie Cavanagh + Matthew-John Suyat

Casey Schuber + Jacee Badeaux + Luke James Shaffer

Jalen Harris + Deandre Brackensick

As promised at the close of the Vegas rounds would become the end of 21 Contestants Idol journey. At this point in the competition Idol says goodbye to…. Carson Scott Higgins, Caleb Hawley, Denise Jackson, Sophia Shorai, Ashley Sullivan, Melinda Ademi, Jacqui Elliot, Molly DeWolf Swenson, Phil Brooks, Symphony Howlett, Jonathas Ojeda, Matthew- John Suyat, Jalen Harris, Luke James Shaffer, Casey Schuber, Adrian Michael Joseph, Wade Brown, Chelsea Sorrell, Natalie Hanson,Bekuh Boom, and Chrissy Feliciano.

Next is the first hour of the long and out drawn announcement of this year’s Top 24. So as stated previously the Top 40 were invited back to California where they sang one more time for the judges to earn their spots in the Top 24. Tonight the first 5-Members of the Top 24 are revealed along with some surprising cuts.

Naima Adedapo – SFYL Song Choice: Put Your Records On by Corrine Bailey Rae[2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Hollie Cavanagh – SFYL Song Choice: No One by Alicia Keys [ 2/3- Stars] Cut

LaKeisha Lewis – Cut

Alexander Ryan – Cut

Clint Jun Gamboa – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Haley Reinhart – SFYL Song Choice: ? [2/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Deandre Brackensick – SFYL Song Choice: Turn Your Lights Down Low [2/3- Stars] Cut

Paul McDonald – SFYL Song Choice: Chose and original Made Top 24

Ashthon Jones – SFYL Song Choice: I Wanna Dance With Somebody [2.5/3- Stars] Made Top 24

Chris Medina- SFYL Song Choice: Fix You by Coldplay [2.5/3- Stars] Cut

To Be Continued…..

Okay IdolPhenomena followers here is my interview with the talented Hannah Anderson.

IP: What was your selected Austin Audition Song? What was your Hollywood Audition Song?

HA: I sang You and I Both by Jason Mraz, Sleeping Sickness by City & Colour, and Terrified by Kara Dioguardi. In Hollywood I sang First Love by Adele!

IP: If you were featured more during Hollywood what would we as an audience possibly have seen?

HA: Well unlike my first audition with the judges, I was actually really comfortable and wasn't nervous at all on the Hollywood stage! So, you guys probably would have seen a really good performance :)

IP: Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?

HA: My biggest Idol memory would be that the judges asked me to break dance for them, so that was so cool! Jennifer Lopez said she could listen to me sing ALL DAY. I'm one of her biggest fans so that was just "Like, wow.. did she really just say that?" haha!

IP: How has the overall audition process affected your life and music today?

HA: The process and just making it to Hollywood really just gave me a boost of confidence and made me think like, 'Wow! I can really do this." It affected me and my life in a great way. It's given me a lot of opportunities to do things I probably wouldn't have if I didn't do Idol.

IP: Who is it that inspires you as a music artist?

HA: There so many things and people that inspire me as an artist, for example just people on the street and even nature are things that really inspire me. You can actually get really good songs out of the simple things in life like that. One of the BIGGEST inspirations, music wise, would be Ella Fitzgerald. I read her biography when I was about twelve and it really inspired me a lot to just sing no matter the setbacks you have in life. I'm also really inspired by my relationship with Jesus Christ. It really pushes me to do what I do, the best I can.

IP: Have you auditioned for any other reality TV show in the past or plan on doing so in the future?

HA: No, this is the only one. This is my first time auditioning with Idol and the first time making it to Hollywood. I saw that Simon Cowell is doing the X-Factor, which looks pretty cool. But I think I'll just stick with Idol :)

IP: I see that social networking has allowed many of the Idol contestants stay in contact is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?

HA: Yeah, there were SO many great people at Idol this year. There was so much talent and I've been keeping in touch with several people from Idol. No one in particular cause I met so many talented and awesome people.

IP: What type of project are you currently working on?

HA: Right now I'm home-schooled and working on graduating high school in May!! YES. I'm working on recording and getting out an EP or album by the end of the year. I'm doing shows here and there and am pursuing making music my full-time career. I'm also planning on getting a certificate in Graphic Design since I've already been doing some graphic design work on my own.

IP: What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?

HA: Definitely the number one advice I would give is show that you have confidence - even if you don't! Second, pick a song that REALLY showcases your voice. Go in with a purpose and let that flow through your voice when you sing. Also, you have to be ready for anything!

IP: Do you have a have a favorite contestant from anywhere in the audition process?

HA: Oh geez, I don't know if I have a favorite! That's such a hard decision....but I can list like top 10! haha! Umm okay so.. I would say number one is Olivia Rodenbaugh. She's awesome. We became really good friends during Hollywood Week. Some of my other favorites who I still keep in touch with are: Andre Dobbins, Jonathas Ojeda, Jacqui Elliot, Hunter Steketee, Nick Fink, Jacqueline Dunford, Sam Arriaga, Janelle Arthur, and Casey Abrams. They're all so amazing!!

IP: And which past Idol is currently playing on your MP3 player?

HA: Hmm...I really like Jordin Sparks. Jason Castro is also really good as well as Carrie Underwood. Oh! And I loved Alex Lambert. He only made top 24, and I actually cried when he was voted off the show.

IP: Any other additional insights and comments would be great…

HA: The process was a lot more intense than what I had expected, I mean A LOT. But it was one of the best experiences I have ever had. Hands down. So for anyone planning on auditioning, some advice I would give is to be ready for anything and just have fun! Don't stress out about it. Just do your best and forget the rest :) Also, if you don't make it as far as you wanted, don't let it get you down. When I was let go from the competition it was really, really disappointing and made me just want to give up. Then I realized that it wasn't the end for me but only the beginning. I believe you'll be seeing a lot more of me in the future. :)

Check out Hannah covering The Blood by The Middle East

To check out more music by Hannah Anderson Check out her YouTube Channel [here].

Like her on Facebook [here].

Follow her on Twitter @hannahandersonn

IP: Describe what the audition process was like for you.

AN: The audition process for American Idol was definitely....strenuous. Waking up at the crack of dawn to drive to the audition sites was pretty crazy, but I never once complained of course because it was the start of something amazing in my life. A huge chance to be what I always wanted to be. I took it as just the beginning of waking up super early to go record or something, lol. I was a nervous wreck most of the audition days, but my family did a good job or calming me down and reassuring me that I’d do great. :)

IP: What was your NJ Audition Song? What was your Hollywood Audition Song?

AN: My audition song for NJ was At Last by Etta James. Pretty typical, (lol) but the judges loved it, so I don't regret the song choice at all. My Hollywood Audition Song was I Wanna Dance With Somebody by Whitney Houston.

IP: How has the overall audition affected your life and music today?

AN: The overall audition has affected my life and music today in such a HUGE way. Before Idol, I wasn't really sure of what I wanted to do with my life and what career I really wanted to have. Of course I LOVED singing, and the dream of becoming a singer still occurred to me, but I never really believed that a singing career would be what I pursued. After Idol, I find myself looking high and low for opportunities to get closer to my goal. I look to find local shows to perform in; I've been trying to make my name known by finding gigs all over the city, and ultimately trying to really capture my dream. I think Idol really has helped me figure out exactly what it is that I want to do, and I'm trying my best to do it! :)

IP: Do you have a notable memory to share with the IdolPhenomena followers?

AN: On my day off, my mother and I decided to go sight-seeing, like a lot of the other Day 2 performers who had the chance of relaxing for the day. We went into Hollywood and walked on the Boulevard and took pictures with some of the celebrity's stars. While walking, we ran into a man in a SpongeBob SquarePants costume. He walked over to us and said "You two beautiful women look like you got yourselves lost. Can I be of any assistance to you fine ladies today?" in a creepy SpongeBob voice. My mother simply answered "no" as I gave him the stank eye and we continued to move on, but the SpongeBob replica thought it'd be funny to follow us up the boulevard. A few steps later as I got fed up with his SpongeBob giggle trailing behind us, I turned around and said in the sweetest voice I could muster up "Would you PLEASE stop following us? There WILL be a problem if you continue." He continued to do his SpongeBob giggle, said "Sorry ma'am" and left us alone. I will absolutely never forget that day, LOL.

IP: What was group day like for you since there was near almost no glimpse of your group?

AN: Wow. Group Day was pretty nerve racking. They aren't kidding when they say it's the most difficult challenge out of the ones presented to the contestants. The night before could have definitely been improved on for me. I was tired and cranky and my voice thought it'd be the perfect time to give out. It was hard to be a good team mate to my group when I felt like everything that could go wrong was going wrong, in the way that we didn't always agree on one thing and sometimes it was frustrating. I woke up in not the greatest of moods, but the California sun did its magic and I became more bearable to be around throughout the day. Shannon, Krista, and I were practicing our group song, Irreplaceable by Beyonce over and over, and I got a bit more confident and excited about our performance. When the time came, of course, the jitters came back to haunt us and in the end it affected our performance as a whole, but I think I can say for all of us that we're proud of how far we got. :)

IP: Have you auditioned for any other reality TV show in the past or plan on doing so in the future?

AN: I haven't auditioned for any shows YET! Lol! I do plan on auditioning for any singing RealityTV show in the future though. Look out for me! :D

IP: I see that social networking has allowed many of the Idol contestants stay in contact is there anyone in particular that you like to keep in touch with?

AN: Gosh, definitely Shannon, one of my group girls. She is just awesome. SOOOO sweet and she helped me cheer up a whole lot during Group Day and when we found out our results after performing. We keep in touch over Facebook and we're definitely going to see each other soon. After all, she doesn't live too far away! :)

IP: What type of project are you currently working on?

AN: The thing I’m most excited about is this coming summer vacation. I am going to be enrolled in one of Berklee College of Music's Summer Programs! It's called the Five-Week Summer Performance Program. I'll be taking classes such as Musicianship, where I’ll learn to develop my "musical ear" and my "performance in reading skills", Theory in Performance, where I’ll study the rhythmic, melodic, and harmonic elements of music, Songwriting, and etc.. I am looking forward to attending!

IP: What type of advice would you give someone that wants to try out of Idol?

AN: To anyone who wants to try out, JUST DO IT!!! Haha. Honestly, you've got absolutely nothing to lose. I never would have got where I did if I didn't try out in the first place!

IP: Who is your role model and how have they inspired you?

AN: My mother, of course. She is the most hard-working woman I have ever known. She's taught me that life is tough, but you stand your ground, do what you need to do to succeed, and be tough right back.

IP: Do you have a have a favorite contestant from anywhere in the audition process?

AN: Keonna Evans, who not only has an absolutely GORGEOUS voice, but who was really chill and had a great personality. She was in my line during Hollywood Auditions and was really a genuinely cool person. I hope she succeeds on the show. :)

IP: And which past Idol is currently playing on your MP3 player?

AN: Fantasia Barrino's Bittersweet and Truth Is have literally been on repeat for days. I cannot get enough of them. :)

IP: Any other additional thoughts?

AN: Idol has been SUCH a great experience and I cannot wait to go back again next year. In the meantime, keep an eye out for me! ;D

Check out Arnelle's cover of Jordin Sparks' One Step At A Time below...

To check out more music by Arnelle Nonon Check out her YouTube Channel [here].

Follow her on Twitter @EllyEloquent