The Hollywood Round of "American Idol" had an extra significance this year, as it also marked the arrival of Ellen DeGeneres as a judge.
For as fun and encouraging of a judge as Ellen was, Simon Cowell was equally grumpy. I guess the reports are true that this was the day he announced his departure from the show at the end of the season.
Let's start with the contestants as they are shown:
Katie Stephens and Skiiboski: Katie Stephens still is getting play from her sappy story, whereas Skiiboski is just a nut who "frightens" Ellen. Congrats to Ellen for making me laugh with her first quote. Katie made it through, whereas Skiiboski finally was sent packing.
Vanessa Wolfe and Andrew Garcia: I loved Andrew's audition, and I love him even more after taking on Paula Abdul's "Straight Up" and owning it. (Kara just compared him to Adam Lambert.) Vanessa, meanwhile, fell victim to her own nerves. Pastor Tasha Layton, also joined the group going on.
Amedeo Derocco and Janell Wheeler: I'm mainly just depressed that Amadeo didn't make it on, primarily because of his bigger-than-life personality. Meanwhile, Janell's rendition of "American Boy" was enough to get her through.
Haeley Vaughn and Mary Powers: The 16-year old country star may have needed some more substance to her performance, but she was a blast to watch. Both of these singers were thankfully good enough to make it through.
Jay Stone and Lilly Scott: I think Jay Stone is actually fantastic, but apparently the judges don't agree. On the other hand, Lilly has a unique voice, and that was certainly enough to get her through.
Michael Lynche: The more I see this guy, the more that I wish he hadn't decided to spill the beans on the outcome. He had the potential to win.
Justin Williams and Tim Urban: Where did Tim come from? The guy has the Justin Bieber hair and a voice that came out of nowhere. All Justin got was an "interesting" and the shaft -- he was the only person in his row to be sent home.
Maddy Curtis and Casey James: Maddy had an inspirational story with her four autistic brothers, but I really didn't feel she had a great audition. Casey James, meanwhile, managed to overcome his weird shirtless audition to give a guitar performance that was great for the blues.
Didi Benami and Crystal Bowersox: Didi did a brave thing -- sing a song by Kara DioGuardi. She managed to hit it out of the park. Crystal, along with Didi and Andrew, were easily the highlights of the night.
Who were your favorites from Hollywood Week? Feel free to share your thoughts and stay tuned for more "American Idol" news.
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Comments
I think Crystal's rendition of Natural Woman was so amazing. The standouts were all playing guitars: Crystal, Andrew, Didi and Casey. Didi's style is more appealing to me because it is something different, quite refreshing. And I dig Casey's bluesy style and his guitar playing is just WOW! Hope he makes the top 12 because he's quite a looker. Katie is very good too. I'm waiting to see Tyler Grady and Aaron.
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