January 30 was a windy night at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood… unfortunately for some of the celebs who came out for the “Fool’s Gold” World Premiere. As you can see below, the movie’s star, Kate Hudson, and co-star Matthew McConaughey’s girlfriend (and expectant babymama) Camila Alves were pretty blown away.
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After watching Wednesday’s “American Idol” visit to Miami, another auditioning wave of more than 10,000 mostly horrific hopefuls reminded viewers that Idol can be recreational viewing, or a vice.
Tryout attendees seemed to be more obnoxious, larger, louder and simply weirder than in other cities.
Friends Brittany Wescott and Corliss Smith were, in more ways than one, larger than life. They may have shuffled through to California, but they’ll have greater acclaim for attempts to make a Seacrest sandwich then their stabs at old Motown and jazz.
Venezuelan Gahleb Emachah had tolerable chops and plenty of Latin verve to sweep Abdul off her feet, while Mini-she, 19-year-old Ramiele Malubay gave “Natural Woman” a worthy effort.
Idol is Idol, meaning that contestant back-story of former American Juniors competitor Julie Dubela and rehabilitated father of Syisha Mercado make it to the screen. At least 20-year-old Mercado had the goods, ripping off an assertive Aretha Franklin “Think.” Scratch notes say “look for this one during Hollywood week.”
Dubela, who Cowell found “precocious,” failed to understand the word’s definition – or what a sincere, believable vocal is supposed to resemble. Oddly enough, Cowell’s suggestion “go to Los Angeles and become an actress” was a compliment, or at least a suggestion for a more appropriate career move.
Nineteen Hollywood invitations were given although it seemed like a stream of auditioners received goldenrod passes. Count on half that population to be instantly eaten alive in California.
Idol returns Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. on Fox, when auditions continue from Atlanta.
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After traveling from sea to shining sea, doing the Texas two-step and dealing with the sweet tea, yet bitter auditioners of South Carolina, “American Idol” judges Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell hoped to fare better in America’s Heartland.Greeted by more than 10,000 contest hopefuls, judges found a Tuesday evening Omaha crop of talent that was hearty, albeit a bit corny.
Gift-giving, arm wrestling, blood-curdling giggles and a wave of lyrically challenged entrants may have left viewers at home saying this year’s local Idol harvest was a washout. But, for those who patiently waited, they were treated to a few prospects with blue ribbon quality.
In this case, a goldenrod invitation to Hollywood sat in the hands of 19 hopefuls.
Simon’s getting soft
Thanks to a couple moments of Cowell’s generosity, Jason Rich, 21, of Stout, Iowa, survived a near meltdown and half-yodeler Rachel Wicker, 23, of Richmond, Missouri hit enough serviceable notes to advance.
Elizabeth Erkert remembered the lyrics, but forgot the show’s name. “I can’t wait to … prove Simon wrong and show him that I am ‘America’s Next Top Model.’” Nice job, Liz.
Angelica Puente gained the love of the panel and her father after a very worthy lick of Celine Dion’s “The Power of Love.” It was one of the show’s feel good moments.
The Queen of Idol
David Cook and Leo Marlowe were two of the more unique, shiny apples on the cart. Both had plenty of vocal juice, too. Cook’s bluesy “Livin’ on a Prayer” and Marlowe’s “A Song for You” was likely the pick of the pack. The self-effacing Marlowe made no bones about his effeminate nature, either. “My mother always says she raised a perfect Homecoming queen, too bad it wasn’t one of her daughters.”
He forgot that a Queen is still royalty.
“American Idol” finishes its audition tour tonight in Miami at 8 p.m. on Fox. Don’t miss it!
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More than 10,000 in Charleston, S.C., which was recently named the friendliest city in America. What? Many of this group seemed to have more sneer than civility.
Aretha Gardner, who portrayed herself as ‘the next big thang,’ fit the bill in some ways. Choosing a Whitney Houston song was one, even if singing it wasn’t. Gardner was of the more obnoxious performers we’ve seen all season. Worse yet, the fashion police would have a field day with her.
If Gardner was irascible, Joshua Boson was a shrill, annoying whiner – one that was plain awful to listen to during and after his foul attempt at Dreamgirls tune “I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.”
Interestingly enough, Boson claims the auditions are “rigged.” He’s right, they’re rigged to exacerbate the worst (like him) and inevitably showcase the best. Memo to Josh: don’t hate us for wanting talent.
A pleasant departure from the gnarly norm was Oliver Highman, whose wife gave birth to their first child before he was able to audition, had an adorable girl named Emma Grace. Highman returned with a vibrato- and falsetto-laden take on “Get There”; so much of a vocal gymnastics exercise routine that listeners lost the song’s message and affect.
Had Highman given a more simplistic, sincere rendition, the first-day father may have stuck around during Hollywood week.
But on this day, three glazed looks from the panel were followed by three no votes.
Highman, unfazed (possibly relieved) by the rejection, brought his wife and daughter in to meet the judges, smiled and shook hands and happily departed.
Same goes for classy Air Force C-17 pilot Lyndsey Goodman, who hoped to fly and sing, had a dignified, professional response to the panel’s rejection after a serviceable effort at “Black Velvet.”
Michelle and Jeffrey Lampkin, a brother and sister team, seem whacky from the exterior, but their spin on R. Kelly and Celine Dion’s “I’m Your Angel” was all business. In complete agreement with Cowell, they were “a breath of fresh air.” Both siblings landed a goldenrod invitation to Hollywood.
A total of 23 contestants from Charleston are going to Hollywood. Perhaps there was some talent? Look for show emcee Ryan Seacrest to join the judging panel next week in Omaha. The better news: only one more week of auditions.
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