"American Idol" - Episode 407 - San Francisco Auditions

After three brutal weeks, we've finally reached the end of the longest round of American Idol auditions to date. The show wrapped up its opening round in San Francisco tonight with guest judge Brandi. Aside from the usual crop of rejects, there were at least a few singers who'll be worth watching in the next stage of the competition.

Last season, young John Stevens proved that, to a certain extent, crooners can do well on American Idol. Two contestants picked up tonight where John left off with old school stylings and more than a bit of talent.

The first was Jamie Koehler, who sang, appropriately enough, "I Left My Heart In San Francisco." Jamie did a decent job, but he didn't have much of a look to go with his voice. It's doubtful he'll make it far in the next round.

Likely to fare better is Ross Williams, whose Fedora added just a bit of personality to what ultimately was an above-average performance. Ross seems different enough from the other contestants we've seen so far that he could carve out a niche for himself in this contest. Still, if he wants to make it far, he'll need to find a way to acquire a significant fan base.

Dressed like a hooker in a too-short-skirt and body fishnet, it seemed at first as if Elizabeth Pha didn't stand a chance. She looked far younger than her actual age of 24, but the biggest surprise was the powerful voice than came out of such a small person. The judges were split, with both Randy and Brandi turning her down. Paula, ever the softy, decided that Elizabeth deserved a chance. Simon, ever a sucker for a girl in a short skirt, sent her through to the next round. We'll see if she cleans up her look enough to make a decent showing.

Justin Clark's audition was not so much notable for his rendition of "Ma Cherie Amour" as his mother's reaction when he made it on to Hollywood. The poor woman was so excited she nearly fainted.

Article Author: Scott Pepper

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