The other contestant that stuck out to me was 25-year-old Paul McDonald. He sang "Maggie May" by Rod Stewart. He has this soulful, raspy tone to his vocal. I really loved his voice.
No, 15-year-old Lauren Alaina was not one of my personal favorites from Nashville. She’s good, I will give you that. However, producer Nigel Lythgoe had said that she’s the next Kelly Clarkson. Um, how about no she’s not. She has similar vocal inflections like Kelly, but she’s not even in the same league as the original Idol. I also thought that Lauren comes off as more confident than she originally let on, bordering on cocky. Basically, this girl knows she’s good. I’m calling total BS on the story that it was her cousin told her she was good.
Adrienne Beasley was not as good as I wanted her to be. The 22-year-old was kind of like a lame version of season three’s Vonzell Sullivan. And she already has the crying her way into the next round down. (Oh yes, I did.)
I really take issue with the male judges on the panel letting former Miss Teen USA, Stormi Henley go to Hollywood. She was alright at best. She had a couple really bunk notes during her audition. I liked that Jenny from the block told her no, yet the boys let their hormones do the talking and sent her through to the next round. So much for wanting to succeed based on your talent huh, Stormi?
It was an alright week of auditions, however I am praying “Hollywood Week” gets here soon.
Alright Idol fans, who were your favorite contestants this week? Do you feel like Idol should not have exploited Chris Medina’s fiancé like they did? And what are your thoughts about Rob Bolin and Chelsee Oaks previously appearing on a singing competition ran by the same people that run Idol?
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Article comments
1 - barbara barnett
Hey! Hailey was in my son's graduating class (2009) from Wheeling High School, which has a fantastic music/theatre program!
2 - Toni Schram
I agree American Idol is pulling out all the stops on capitalizing on the sob stories of some of these contestants.
At the same time, I believe singers who have incurred personal tragedy are better equipped to exude true heartfelt emotion that really connects with the audience.
Just wait for the floodgates to burst when Carmen Salicido auditions in SF. Don't know if you're familiar with her story. Back in the mid 80's, her father murdered seven people. He took his
three girls (2,3,4) to the dumps and slit their throats. Carmen
miraculously survived.
The question is will she be the last contestant of the
day vying for that golden ticket?
Great coverage Kristen!
3 - Butch
I think the "sob stories" are generally acceptable. Idol has never really been just a "singing competition" - they've got to make it a compelling tv show. If these folks have interesting stories to tell, I don't think there's really anything wrong with it.
In the case of Chris Medina and his wife, I thought it was actually really cool of them to feature that story and give his wife a moment in the spotlight. A true cynic would say that it was Chris himself exploiting his wife's situation, knowing the sympathy card would be in his favor as long as he sang passably. And truth be told, his audition itself was just okay.
Interesting point about the ex-couple being on the other 19 E show... Who knows, but it certainly wouldn't be the only case of the show featuring someone with pervious connections (Carly Smithson anyone?)
Kirsten - what did you think of that Scotty McGreery, the 16 year old country singer? Personally I'm not a big fan of that kind of music, but man that kid was impressive!!
4 - Kirsten Coachman
@Butch: I do think sob stories are always going to be apart of Idol, but there used to be one sprinkled in between auditions, and now it's like everyone that tries out has a story, and it's just ridiculous.
I don't feel like Chris purposely exploited his wife, but I feel like he should have stopped the show from exploiting her. Because that's exactly what they did. This was very much in tune with Danny Gokey's situation during season eight. He was the guy known for his wife passing away, rather than his talent. And while Chris's story is heartbreaking, his audition was alright at best. If I was a judge, I would have passed on him going to Hollywood, because honestly, he's not going to win.
The 16-year-old country singer was good. He wasn't one of my favorites, because truth be told, I'm not a fan of the country genre, but the kid is talented.
5 - Butch
I think Chris and his wife, and their families, were probably thrilled to see her story told. I think the producers did a dignified job explaining what happened and how it has helped inspire Chris.
My guess is that they are quite proud of being featured in such a way. I doubt we will see much of Chris again, because as we both agree his singing wasn't that strong. But I think its awesome that they and their families have that special moment to remember when millions of people heard their story.