The "AI4" machine hit Sin City tonight in what can only be described as a major letdown after the good, bad, and downright ugly auditions in New Orleans. Yes, there were Elvis impersonators and, yes, there were showgirls. Neither group fared particuarly well.
Viewers were also "treated" to Kenny Loggins, who was even blander in his role as guest judge than Mark McGrath was during the premiere. Kenny, who was so thin he appeared to be dying of consumption, added absolutely nothing to the show. There was no reason for him to be there, particuarly in light of Gene Simmons' excellent commentary and critiques during the New Orleans episode.
Mikalah Gordon started things off on the right note. Only 16 years old and wracked with nerves, Mikalah managed to maintain her composure enough to impress the judges, who commented on both her poise and her perfect pitch. By a unanimous decision, Mikalah was on to the next round.
With a necklace and T-shirt combination that spelled out "Pick Me," Amanda Avila seemed to be trying for a gimmick that she didn't actually need. She had that same old pop princess look that the judges love, not to mention a solid voice that seemed to soar more on emotion than talent. Almost no discussion was needed — Amanda was also a unanimous choice to go on to Hollywood.
We first met the Molfetta twins in New Orleans, where, despite a dead-on rendition of Boyz II Men's "I'll Make Love To You," neither one made the cut. Both were positively livid that they were paired together rather than being allowed to audition separately, so Rich Molfetta actually did something about it: he showed up in Vegas without his twin. Again, he sounded straight out of a boy band, and, again, Randy and Paula were impressed. With Simon holding firm on his "no" vote, it took Kenny Loggins to undo Gene Simmon's previous rejection and send Richard through to the next round. Simon's reaction: "Whoopee."
Emily Neves from Houston bounded into the room and belted out a somewhat shaky version of "Girls Just Want To Have Fun." While Simon thought her voice was like nails on a chalkboard, the other judges saw a bit more potential. It took one more song to convince them, though, that Emily could cut it in Hollywood. We'll just have to see if the camera loves her as much as she loves the camera.
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
Scott,
Not too sure if I'll remember to post all your AI episodes but this one is up on Advance.net, including at Cleveland.com
As I thought would happen I haven't, yet, watched another episode after the first.
Thanks for the post.
2 - Temple Stark
Yep, I effed that one.
This one is up on Advance.net, including at Cleveland.com
3 - GLORIA WHITE
HELLO JUDGES. THIS MESSAGE IS FOR SIMON. I KNOW IT DOESN'T MATTER TO YOU BUT, YOU REALLY IMPRESSED ME WED NIGHT 2-09-05. WHEN YOU GAVE THOSE 3 GUYS A SECOND CHANCE AND ONE OF THEM STARTED CRYING. SIMON I HAVE A PICTURE OF YOU IN A FRAME THAT WAS GIVEN TO ME BY MY CO WORKERS ON MY FORTY SOMETHING B-DAY. YOU SPEAK YOUR MIND AND I HAVE ALWAYS LIKED YOU AS A CELEBRITY. I ENJOY AI. SIMON YOU DESERVED A BIG BIG HUG WED NIGHT. TAKE CARE. GLORIA
4 - Scott Pepper
Gloria, I doubt that Simon Cowell is reading this page, but I do agree with you about his giving the three guys a second chance tonight. They went out on a limb with their song choice, and I think that risk was what got them through to the next round.
5 - Jeffrey
I would love to see any of these three judges get up and sing!!!
What do ya say Simon?
6 - A.Z.
Just want to say, I hate the program, because it only promotes pop. Im still glad you guys encouraged a country singer, "Carrie Underwood". Now THIS is what I call singing. No show offs, and the right attitude. No extra movements. The rest can sing, but, I hate the new pop. Its more of an image than music. Do you think people would still listen to it if there was no vision media?
Also, Id like to add, I loved the way "Amanda Avila" came with that necklace that said "pick me". I would like to have that as a video, can someone upload that performance, or send me in email? thanks!
7 - Eric Olsen
A.Z. - there's nothing "new" about what they sing - it's all oldies they pick from a list
8 - Keninvegas
Good book on Vegas for dummies but come on with all the information on Vegas on the web, who really needs a book.
Great resources
http://www.myweekendinvegas.com
http://www.prvegas.com
Keninvegas