Finally, we're getting to the good stuff.
After enduring three weeks of mixed nuts, American Idol 4 is down to just about 200 contenders. This season, there were so many finalists that the first round of solo auditions had to be split over two days. While half of the performers sweated it out in the Orpheum Theater, the other half went on a bus tour of Hollywood. The first group seemed to have it easier, and it must have been nice to get the hard part out of the way before kicking back to relax. Let's take a look at how the singers stacked up.
The Losers
Tamesha Foote started off weakly, but found her voice about halfway through her rendition of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." While she may have promised her twin babies that she'd make it all the way, that promise didn't hold any sway with the judges, who sent Tamesha packing. Post audition, she blamed the pianist for playing in the wrong key. Previous odds: None
Richard Molfetta has gotten plenty of airtime the past few weeks thanks to his and his twin brother J.P.'s repeated auditions, first together, then separately. While the judges were willing to give Rich a chance after his second appearance in the first round, he completely choked in Hollywood, thus closing the book on the Molfetta saga. At least until next year's auditions. Previous odds: 50:1
Patrick Norman lost the farm boy look that he pioneered in his first appearance, and he also lost any shred of the talent he displayed then. After a lackluster performance, it was a cinch for the judges to send him home. Previous odds: 40:1
Michael Liuzza got a chance to compete when he wowed the judges in New Orleans with his unique style a voice. Unfortunately, Mike could not pull off a repeat victory with an incredibly shaky version of "Unforgettable." Though the judges didn't select him for the next round, he took the rejection well enough. Previous odds: 30:1
Regina Brooks was the unqualified recipient of tonight's most heartbreaking rejection. We were reminded again of how she sold her wedding rings to make it to the first audition, which she passed after some intense scrutiny from the judges. How horrible for her then to flunk out so early in the process. It makes for a good story, but a sad one. Previous odds: 20:1
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Article comments
1 - Aaman
The production and editing of this episode really sucked, IMHO - except for a few singers (the rock guys were pretty good). This could possibly be due to the largely empty hall, as well as the need to showcase a lot of people in a compressed time. American Idol seems to have as many subplots as "24"
I thought the first rocker (long hair, beard) was really good. Nadia Turner is good too.
2 - Scott Pepper
The whole thing seemed about on par with previous seasons to me. I think the fact that there were more finalists this year necessitated moving much more quickly through the auditions to get it edited down to one hour, which meant we really did not get to see enough of any one singer to form a decent opinion yet.
3 - AIAIAIAI
It'll be interesting to see if we get a chance to hear Jennifer Todd sing tonight.
If early indications are correct, she'll trigger one of the biggest controversies of AI4. After all, I've already heard people openly say that she's got no chance to be the American Idol, and that no one will vote for her.
This will ignite discussion because this opinion is racist towards white people, especially fat white women, especially in light of the same people who felt Frenchie (fat black woman) could have done well in AI if she hadn't been booted, and Ruben (fat black man) won AI2.
It seems like the racists who think Jennifer Tood has no chance will have a lot of explaining to do, especially if she does even better than she did in her Las Vegas Audition.
Hopefully tonight's episode will showcase her wonderful talent and prove the racists wrong.
4 - Eric Olsen
interesting point AI(etc), worth looking for - and why would society sooner accept overweight black performers over white?
5 - AIAIAIAI
Perhaps AI is a microcosm of our society.
It seems like in our society it is ok to be black and fat, but white and fat? No way.
In fact while most of us could name off dozens upon dozens of black fat celebrities, the number of white fat celebrities (held in the same light, not ridiculed like Rosie O'Donnell or Rosanne) would pale in comparison.
This in and of itself is racist. Just as racist as people voting for John Stevens last year simply because he was white. To say nobody will vote for Jennifer Todd even if her singing blows everyone else out of the water is to say people won't vote for her because she is white.
Imagine if were fat and black, like Frenchie Davis. Scott Pepper (and many others) would right now be giving her 2:1 odds to win, instead of 500:1.
Think about it. For some reason we are un-racist enough to accept talent from fat white women.
6 - AIAIAIAI
I meant we are not un-racist enough to accept talent from fat white women.
7 - Eric Olsen
I understand what you are saying and it could well be true - my question is why is it like that?
8 - AIAIAIAI
Ask the famous Scott Pepper. If I remember correctly, this guy thought Frenchie and Ruben were great, but doesn't think Jennifer Todd has a chance in hell to win.
Furthermore, it appears even if Ms. Todd continues to blow Scott away with her talent, he won't be outraged like he would had Ruben not won AI2.
(It's also worth noting that Scott Pepper tends to have a soft spot for black female singers if you look at his track record, but I digress from the central point of people like him who are racist towards Jennifer Todd although many will say she gave one of the best auditions period)
9 - Matt Egan
I like the rockers. They tore it up last night. But they'll never make it cause they don't fit Simon's opinion of a pop idol.
10 - Matt Egan
BTW--screw Regina Brooks. "If I can't express myself through music, I'll probably die." Give me a fucking break. Go sing in the shower. You can express yourself there. You just want the fame, babe.
11 - AIAIAIAI
I clearly remember a few "rockers" who got to voting rounds of AI in seasons past. It was the voters, not Simon, who stopped them from advancing.
Another thing to point out is that in that contrived "World Idol," the Belgian Idol, who was a "rocker," placed third behind the Norweigian dude and Kelly Clarkson.
12 - Matt Egan
Don't you think Simon looks at them quizzically, like they are some circus act? I don't think he takes them seriously. I agree with you though. Pete Doherty from the Libertines wouldn't stand a chance with the public.
13 - Temple Stark
Scott, I put up all your most recent American Idol posts up at Advance.net.
As a true obsessive (in a good way) you're doing a great job and making the show interesting in words.
- Temple