Was it even worth it for "AI4" to visit the Big Easy? You'd think that New Orleans would have more than its fair share of musical talent, and probably also more than its share of freaks. Unfortunately, you'd only be right on one of those counts. Unlike St. Louis, which is apparently filled with tone-deaf singers with delusions of grandeur, most of those turned down in New Orleans didn’t seem all that surprised. And there were quite a few turned down: out of more than 9,000 auditions, only 16 contestants made it on to Hollywood.
Appropriately enough, the guest judge was KISS's Gene Simmons. Unlike Mark McGrath, whose bland, mind-numbing commentary dragged down the Washington D.C. auditions, Gene offered honest, constructive criticism to nearly every contestant, often upstaging the regular judges with his insight and accuracy. Here's hoping that the rest of this season's guests will bring as much to the table as Gene did.
The performers highlighted in this episode were incredibly diverse, running the gamut of musical styles, from country to gospel to incomprehensible. But four singers had something in common: they were very, very good.
Nineteen-year-old David Brown kicked off the episode by showcasing his amazing voice, clearly influenced by his years in the church choir to which we later see him bid a fond farewell. David's gospel-infused style was simple, yet elegant, and the judges pick up on that elegance immediately. It's to David’s credit that he wasn't too showy: he just stepped up, let his talent speak for itself, and, with that, he was off to Hollywood.
Lindsey Cardinale, from Pontchartrain, Louisiana, had the look that we've seen these judges go for again and again. In her pink camisole and pinstripe pants, she was the very picture of the next Kelly Clarkson. Her rendition of "Standing Right Next To Me" was solid, though her voice seemed almost muted, and, though it may have been the heavy eye makeup, she almost looked ready to fall asleep standing up. The judges read this quietness as purity, though, and Lindsey easily made it on to the next round.
Article comments
1 - Eric Olsen
thanks Scott, we had it on but I was coming and going - I certainly had the impression that the ep most primarily a freak show, the very reason I dont' pay all tha much attention to the audition rounds because the producers positively revel in the crappy and the damaged. From what I heard, I agree Simmons was rational and judicious - he seemed to be making a concerted effort to alter his image a bit.
2 - Scott Pepper
While the freaks certainly make for great TV, I'm still hoping that the producers make good on their promise to follow more of the truly talented contestants' stories in-depth. So far, we've seen a little more background on the few folks who are likely to make it on to Hollywood, but nothing extensive yet. I'm trying to focus my commentary less on the losers and more on those singers who we'll be seeing in the next round.
3 - michelle poole
Watching the crappy singers is the best part for me. And I didn't like the background info. They'll be enough of that once the real competition begins ad naseum.
I thought Gene Simmons was an ass. He didn't come off as a nice person and seemed like he wanted to be in charge of the show instead of being a guest. But I don't really know anything about him, so maybe as Eric says, this was him making an effort.
4 - Eric Olsen
Michelle, Simmon's past includes being literally tossed off of talk shows for being an appalling chauvinistic ass so this was a step in the right direction.
5 - noneya
Daron Beck from Denton Rocks
6 - Mandy
Daron Beck from Denton was sooooo cool.
7 - SCOTT
I WANTED TO CORRECT PEOPLE ON LINDSEY CARDINALE, SHE IS FROM PONCHATOULA, LA NOT PONCHATRAIN.
8 - Susan Williams
David Brown is very talented. I was sorry to see him leave AI. His talent will be missed from the show but not from the world, when he sign a great record deal.