Ryan started building the drama as soon as the show started, telling us that the votes are in (24 million of them) and four people would be going home. He introduced the judges and asked Simon why he’d been harsher than normal the night before. Simon said he didn’t think he had been particularly harsh, adding if you’re judging the show you’ve got to give people advice. Ryan confirmed that Simon believed he was just helping, saying, “you were charitable last night? Thank you,” and moving on leaving Simon looking slightly unsure. Ryan introduced the group number … and this clip will never, ever get old:
Oh, Ryan!
Ryan had the lights dimmed for eliminations, starting with the back row of girls. Siobhan, Haeley, Michelle, Katelyn and Katie were safe but Janell was out and sang her song again.
After the break, Allison Iraheta (whose surname Ryan still can’t pronounce) performed her new single Scars.
Allison joked, “should I give you an awkward interview right now?” then laughed with Ryan about being nervous backstage, thinking she was going to be eliminated.
Ryan asked the front row of girls to stand, then told Paige, Lacey, Lilly, Crystal, and Didi to sit back down and Ashley had to sing again.
Before starting on eliminating two of the guys, Ryan introduced a tape of Tyler in a bath robe, tennis socks and boots. Again starting on the back row, Ryan told Michael, John, Aaron, Todrick and Tim that they were safe, but it was the end of the road for Joe.
Ryan announced Idol Gives Back will take place on April 21st with the support of Exxon Mobil, News Corp, Ford Motor Company, Coca Cola and AT&T.
Kris Allen was just back from Haiti and Ryan asked what it was like on the ground. Kris talked about the devastation and destruction, but also the hope. Ryan asked him to explain why the coming rainy season would be a problem before saying that proceeds from Kris’ performance on iTunes would go to the relief fund and running down other ways to donate.
Ryan asked the final row of contestants to rise before telling Casey, Jermaine, Lee, Andrew and Alex that they were safe and it was the end of the road for Tyler.
There was a journey montage for the four who are going home with Will Young’s “Leave Right Now” playing in the background. That’s hilarious!
Next week it’s the girls again on Tuesday, the guys on Wednesday and the results on Thursday.
Ashley and Janell talked to Ryan after their elimination from American Idol yesterday. Janell and Ashley were roomies and Ryan asked if they were friendly before that. He asked Ashley about making sense of being eliminated this early – she said everything happens for a reason even if it sucks, and said American Idol is the biggest platform she’s had so far. Janell had a feeling she would leave and Ryan asked if she would have done anything differently. She replied would have played guitar first week, perhaps been a little more herself putting a twist on a hip hop song.
Day Two of the live shows and this time it was the turn of the top 12 guys. Ryan opened the show with a little poke at Simon.
Get ready. Are we ready? Are you ready? Let’s go! THIS is American … Simon, stop talking!
This time Ryan was wearing a white shirt with a couple of buttons undone and a grey suit with a pocket square … the suit looks great on him though I preferred what he wore yesterday because he always looks smokin in black.
Simon was also wearing a white shirt, with several butons undone, which Ryan mentioned in his introduction: “Simon, missing a button, Cowell”. Simon actually looked quite smart. For him.
Ryan asked the judges to give the contestants some advice. Simon interrupted Kara’s comment about finding a place that feels safe to you to helpfully suggest, “like Little House on the Prairie,” but his own advice was a bit more blunt: “if you lose it tonight or forget the words, your career is over.” Ryan took that as his cue to bring out the first victim, laughing as he said, “on that fantastic chipper note, who’s ready to get it going?”
Todrick Hall sang his own version of Kelly Clarkson’s Since You’ve Been Gone. Ellen liked his performance but wasn’t so sure about the chorus, Randy told him not to obliterate a song so much, Kara said to pull it back a bit next time, and Simon thought it was a crazy arrangement and verging on stupid. Ryan invited Todrick to respond to Simon’s accusations of murder then invited America to vote for creativity.
Simon thought Aaron Kelly’s performance of Rascal Flatts’ Here Comes Goodbye was quite good, but said he looked embarrassed to be there, Kara said he has great raw natural talent, Randy thought there were a couple of pitchy moments but agreed with the others, Ellen loved how humble he is.
Ryan was all compliments for Aaron too saying that he has an incredibly strong voice for a guy that size (I hadn’t noticed until that point how much shorter than Ryan Aaron is!) Ryan disagreed with the judges about Aaron’s confidence, “he was winking at the chicks when his tape was rolling, up here showing the dimples!” Every time I see Aaron, I think he looks like a young Michael Schumacher — particularly when he smiles.
Next to sing was Jermaine Sellers who took on Get Here by Oleta Adams. Ellen is a fan but didn’t think he was feeling the song, Randy thought he was trying to do too much vocally, Kara told him to make the runs meaningful, and Simon likened it to something a fifty-year-old would request in a cocktail bar. Ryan asked Ellen about a comment contradicting Simon, then asked Simon to explain his look because his smile and his frown are the same! When Ryan brought Michael from the band out, Simon asked him to explain who he is … Ryan pointed out he’d just appeared in the VT, telling Simon, “pay attention to your monitor there, pretty boy!”
After a break, Ryan was in the red room sitting next to Tim Urban, who got to pimp the coke cup. Ryan asked Tim why he kept his call back to Idol a secret from his family. Tim sang One Republic’s Apologize. Simon thought the performance proved they were right not to put him through to the original 24, Kara thought he was buried under the beat, Randy thought it was all wrong, Ellen said it was smart to choose a song people like and people will vote for him because he’s adorable. Ryan asked Tim to defend himself to the people at home.
Joe Muñoz sang You and I Both by Jason Mraz. Ellen thought he looked comfortable on stage, Randy didn’t think it was the perfect song choice, Kara thought he’d been the best so far and Simon thought it was “all a bit limp. A bit forgettable. Rather like our host…” Ryan ignored him, and went to Ellen instead.
Next was Tyler Grady singing American Woman from The Guess Who. As Tyler stopped singing the camera went to Simon, who winked at someone to his left then seemed confused about whose turn it was to speak. He said people would remember the performance for the wrong reasons, Kara thought he needed to bring it to this decade, Randy said it was style over substance and Ellen thought he lacked a little charisma. Tyler looked to Ryan for help, but when Ryan asked where he’d go he replied he’d have to go to the mall!
Lee Dewyze sang Chasing Cars by Snow Patrol. Ellen thought it was a good song choice, Randy didn’t like the song for him, Kara agreed with Randy, but Simon totally disagreed calling it the best performance so far. Ryan asked Randy and Kara what they were not hearing that Ellen and Simon were, and asked Lee what he was feeling on the stage. When he answered, “it feels like I don’t ever want to lose this feeling”, Ryan laughed, calling him a charmer.
John Park’s version of Billie Holiday’s God Bless The Child left Simon flat. Kara agreed, Randy thinks he has a voice, and Ellen liked the performance but didn’t think it was the right song. Ryan asked John why he chose the song. John said it has meaning because of his parents, because money is something they have to worry about and that song explains why he’s there. Ryan replied, “I thought you were going to say it’s all for the money!”
Michael Lynche sang This Love by Maroon 5 and played guitar. Ellen thought there were a few pitch problems but he has a great personality, Randy liked the energy he brought, Kara thought there were some good things about it but he could challenge himself more, Simon said he’s like the support act before the main act. Ryan asked Michael if he had any final thoughts for Simon or wanted to just go hang with him. Michael flexed his muscles and Simon warned him not to mess with him!
Simon could be seen leaving his seat as Ryan cut to a break and when they came back Ryan was sitting next to Kara and Simon was standing awkwardly alongside him, rolling his sleeves up and sticking a hand in his pocket. Ryan asked Simon who he’s always winking at. Simon replied, “my girlfriend,” then added to camera, “thank you for making Idol a part of your evening,” as Ryan mouthed “woah!”
Ryan introduced Alex Lambert’s VT then quipped to Simon, “I thought you were taller!” After the clip, Simon put in his bid for ‘least sincere introduction of the year’ and Alex took to the stage to sing James Morrison’s Wonderful World as we saw Simon recover his seat on the judges’ platform. I could get used to Ryan sitting there! I truly believe Ryan would make a fantastic judge, particularly in the X Factor format with mentoring, but I don’t think Simon should give up the ‘day job’. He’s so awkward standing up! But thanks Simon for showing everyone that Ryan’s job isn’t easy — he just makes it look that way. Simon was back in his comfort zone when Alex finished, telling him he didn’t know who was happier for it to end, him or Alex, because it was so uncomfortable. Kara wanted to give Alex a hug and sees a lot of potential, Randy loves his tone and Ellen said she likes that he’s holding onto the mullet … then compared him to an unripe banana. Ryan asked Alex how many times he’s performed in front of people, so we all now know that he’s much less experienced at this than many of the others.
Casey James sang Heaven by Bryan Adams. The judges were still teasing Kara about her Casey crush, Ellen joked that she could feel Kara undressing him with her eyes but apologised for the distraction, Randy liked him too, Kara recovered herself to say he’s ear candy as well as eye candy and Simon said he chose the right song, before taking a poke at ‘the cougar’. After giving Casey a chance to respond to the judges’ comments, Ryan said he’d looked ahead at the schedule: tomorrow is the results and Friday is Kara’s HR meeting.
Last to sing was Andrew Garcia with Fall Out Boy’s Sugar, We’re Going Down. Simon had been looking forward to him more than anyone else but was disappointed, Kara likes him and wants him to stay around for many weeks, Randy thought it was a little try-hard and Ellen thought ‘Straight Up’ will carry him for a while. Ryan asked about his approach to choosing this song in comparison with Straight Up.
I was mostly underwhelmed with the performances — tomorrow’s show should be great though as Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta will be performing. My favourite of the guys is Todrick, who wasn’t great because he overcooked it, but I think he showed huge potential. I agreed with the judges about Andrew Garcia, but hopefully he’ll be back stronger next week (anyone else think he sounds like Sting?) I sort of agree with Simon about Lee Dewyze too though I didn’t enjoy his performance, and I think both John Park and Big Mike would be okay if they could escape from blandness. Too many to choose from for bottom two, and I think the girls are definitely stronger (which I didn’t think I’d say after last night’s show), but I think I’d send home Jermaine Sellers and Tim Urban based on the performances.
It’s the moment we’ve been waiting for — the first live Idol show of the year. As the start of the first episode approached, anticipation was running high about the important questions. What will Ryan be wearing? Casual or smart? Light or dark? Is he still obsessed with tie bars? If he’s wearing a jacket, will he have a pocket square … and will he have eaten his words about peaks meaning “I’m yesterday” and worn it pointy side up. So many questions! And we haven’t even started on his hair. It was all a little too much, but finally the wait was over and the she show started … in the control room, teasing us with a tiny Ryan in the middle of the screen. We could see he was wearing a dark shirt and a tie … and fortunately, before the squinting to see could cause permanent damage, the director said “Cue the Queen!” “Cue Ryan!” and the full treat-sized Ryan was there for our viewing pleasure.
And was it ever worth the wait! Ryan looked HOT with a capital everything.
Looking drop-dead gorgeous in black shirt and pants and rocking a Burberry tie, Ryan walked along a corridor fashioned from nervous contestants and started to build the drama:
This is not just a stage. This is a platform that will launch one of these 24 faces into superstardom!
With a fabulous smile, Ryan announced “THIS is American Idol!” and it was time to let the games begin. Ryan walked past the girls lining the stairway and stood at the bottom, so we got a good look at him as the girls filed past and waved to camera while Ryan told us their names. @RSP retweeted a comment that Ryan’s hair needed more gel and to be messier. I thought his hair looked just fine, although it hadn’t quite reached Hollywood Week Day Two proportions of epicness … but if there’s a need for volunteers to muss Ryan’s hair, I’d be more than happy to offer my services. And muss his hair.
The top twenty four will be whittled down to six girls and six guys over the next three weeks, and Ryan introduced the guys as a whole as they get to sit this one out — it’ll be their turn tomorrow. Ryan, ever concerned with health and safety, took time out to warn Big Mike to take a little more care with his clapping as his elbows might take out a chin or two. I wonder if a ‘no picking Ryan up’ rule has been implemented for the live shows.
So we’d met the girls, the guys, and the delicious host. That just left the judges and Ryan introduced them, starting first with Ellen, then Randy, Kara and finally Simon.
So let’s start with Mr Cowell! I heard the big news. I saw the New York Post…
A grinning Ryan captured everyone’s attention with those words, and I swear I heard a pin drop as everyone held their breath, waiting to see where Ryan went with this as the camera panned to Simon, who queried, “about?” as he glanced nervously to his left … is that where a certain someone was sitting?
You’ve said it’s going to be the girls’ year.
Cue lots of laughter from the judges and the audience as Simon recovered, “you’ve thought about that, haven’t you”. Ryan told Simon that was the first time he’s seen him looking nervous. Round One to Ryan … let the sniping commence!
Ryan had a few words with each of the judges, best of which was the clip that explained why Ellen and Simon were no longer sitting together: Simon just can’t keep his hands to himself!
Nice one, Ellen!
Then it was time for the contestants. I suppose “and some people sang badly” would be glossing over that part of the show a little too much even if I do watch the show mainly to see Ryan. It’s so good to see him back interacting with Simon and the other judges!
Paige Miles sang Alright Now by Free. Simon thinks she has the best voice out of the girls but wouldn’t have chosen the song. Kara thought the song choice was brilliant as it gave her a chance to show her soul. Randy agreed with both of them and Ellen agreed and disagreed with them all.
Ashley Rodriguez sang Leona Lewis’ Happy, though it didn’t seem to put a smile on Simon’s face. Simon stared off to the left as Kara and Randy sugar-coated their disappointment. Simon thought it was clumsy and lacking originality.
Janell Wheeler took on Heart’s What About Love. Randy didn’t like the song choice, Ellen did and thought she sang it well other than a few off notes, Simon said she gave it 100% effort but delivered 65%, and Ryan popped into view as Kara said the song was too big for her. Taking the heat off Janell, Ryan went with the song choice angle and got Randy to explain what the contestants should look for when picking a song.
Lilly Scott chose The Beatles’ Fixing a Hole. Ellen thought she was unique, Simon complimented her on choosing something that would portray her as an artist but said she still lacked star power, Kara found her believable, and Randy likes that she’s a genuine indie artist. Lilly towered over Ryan when he joined her in front of the judges. She said she didn’t want to make him feel too short, but Ryan assured her it’d already been done … since he was born.
Katelyn Epperly also went for a Beatles track, choosing Oh Darling. Simon thought it was messy but finds her quirky and interesting, Kara said she knows her voice very well but didn’t like the make-up, Randy liked the make-up and her tone, Ellen found her interesting. Ryan asked Katelyn about the word bubble in her head when Kara commented about the make-over … Kara said she knew, it was ‘bitch’.
Ryan had moved to stand behind Randy and Ellen to introduce Haeley Vaughn. Haeley completed a Beatles hattrick with I Want to Hold Your Hand. Kara told her to work on her technical abilities, Randy likes her unpredictability, Ellen said she shines on stage and Simon thought it was verging on terrible. Ryan asked if they were watching two different shows because Ellen loved it and Simon was apoplectic, but Simon said “it’s called having an opinion”.
Lacey Brown sang Landslide by Fleetwood Mac. Ryan introduced her sitting on the edge of the stage in front of the guys — he sure gets around. Maybe they’re compiling photos for a special version of Where’s Wally/Waldo? with Ryan in the starring role. Randy thought Lacey was pitchy, Ellen thinks she’s better than that, Simon found it depressing, and Kara hoped America would give her another shot.
As Idol came back from a break, we searched the scene for Ryan … there he was! In the red room sitting between Michelle and Katie. We’re getting good at this game!
Ryan asked Michelle Delamor how the other contestants felt after hearing the judges’ criticism and asked Michelle what she did before Idol. Michelle talked about her three jobs so Ryan said, “that’s more jobs than me!” … but she just laughed. Michelle braved Alicia Key’s Fallin’. Ellen thought she had more in her, Simon thought it was professional but nothing that made him think ‘wow’, Kara said she looks commercial, and Randy thought she did a pretty good job.
Didi Benami chose to sing Ingrid Michaelson’s The Way I am. Ryan introduced her from the back of the stage, then stalked by in the background as she started singing. Simon thought she lacked a spark, Kara thought she showed creativity, which Simon interrupted to say you need to be remembered, Randy wasn’t seeing a star factor, Simon chipped in to say ‘no x factor’ .. sneaky name check for his new series! Ellen thought the song was too low key for a first impression.
Ryan: Simon, I get the sense that you’re a bit frustrated
Simon: It’s like your first kiss. Your first kiss has got to be something you’re gonna remember. Not you. But that’s what it is. You’ve got to come out here, do something and prove to everyone watching this show I am different, unique and I’m a star, rather than indulging yourself. That’s the problem.
Ryan: I didn’t think of any of that during my first kiss.
Randy: Really?
Simon: I think that probably went both ways.
Ryan was back by the stairs. The producers had made it a little more difficult this time by standing him in front of a background that was almost the same colour as his clothes, but we still found him. Only three more to go — that should put a smile on Simon’s face. Most of the singers have been pretty dire.
Siobhan Magnus said at the end of the clip that she wasn’t sure what a dark horse was … but Ryan assured her it was a compliment. Siobhan sang Wicked Game by Chris Isaak. Kara wouldn’t have picked it but kinda liked it, Randy wanted her to reach for bigger things, Ellen forgot it was a singing competition and was just entertained and Simon thought she’s a funny little thing. Simon said the song was dark, but she might be a dark person … blowing glass all day. Simon asked her to explain why she’d picked the song. After a rambling answer, Simon in his most sarcastic monotone said, “okay, now I understand” as he rolled his eyes and glanced sideways at the camera with a grimace.
Ryan: Randy pointing out that when he first saw you, you could blow …
Camera switched to Simon’s did you really just say that expression and back to Ryan’s cheeky schoolboy face. Yes, he did. There wasn’t much anybody could add to that without getting into trouble, though Randy did try, so Simon just laughed as Ryan said they needed a scroll along the bottom. I don’t think that’ll be necessary … at least he didn’t start talking about glory holes.
With both hands in his pockets, Ryan introduced Crystal Bowersox from alongside the stage. She sang Alanis Morrisette’s Hand in my Pocket, playing both guitar and harmonica during the performance. Randy loved the honesty even though he wasn’t sure about the song, Ellen said she adds something fresh to the show, Simon likes her but thinks there are thousands of her doing this outside subway stations, and Kara thought she was good but has the potential to be great. Ryan volunteered for the job of Crystal’s assistant (he just beat Michelle to it) and asked about the autographs on her guitar.
Ryan introduced the last contestant from the red room and Katie Stevens closed the show with Michael Bublé’s version of Feeling Good. Ellen thought it was a little old and wanted to see her be 17, Simon agreed and said it started to become annoying, Kara didn’t think she could hear herself because she was all over the place, and Randy thought she was pushing so much the notes were going sharp.
From centre stage, surrounded by the girls, Ryan introduced a clip of the boys trying to look cool/funny/interesting ahead of tomorrow’s show. Most of them failed, but it’s always funny to watch them try.
What a fantastic show! Except for most of the singing, but luckily that’s not what we’re watching for! My favourite contestant is still Crystal Bowersox, by a long way. I liked Lilly Scott and Didi Benami and think Katelyn Epperly, Haeley Vaughn, Michelle Delamor and Siobhan Magnus should stick around a little longer. I’d send Paige Miles and Lacey Brown home.
Ryan spoke to Meagan Michaels about next week's American Idol schedule. There will be two hour shows Tuesday and Wednesday with the top 12 girls performing on Tuesday and the top 12 guys performing on Wednesday, followed by a one hour show on Thursday.
The theme will be top ten big hits but the contestants haven't yet chosen their songs.
At the end of this week’s shows, the final 24 will be revealed and the show opened with Ryan piling on the drama and talking about the journey the contestants have travelled to make it this far. The show started as the day finished, with Ryan telling us there was nothing more the remaining contestants could do, but as he couldn’t deliver the ending in the first five minutes of a two-hour show, he rewound to the beginning of the day so we could listen to him tell the story of how 71 became 24.
One thing we knew right from the start is it’s all very, very tense. Even without Ryan talking in his most sincere tone, the background music would have told us all we need to know: we were in for an extremely long wait before anything actually happened. But that’s fine! Ryan can toy with my emotions any time he likes … I kinda like it when he’s being a tease.
So Voiceover!Ryan, sounding very handsome (luckily we know what he looks like, as he seems to have been hidden in a closet somewhere with just a microphone for company), told us the contestants had spent the morning getting ready and made their final performance in the afternoon, this time with no feedback from the judges, leaving them second-guessing themselves for a while. Leave them long enough, and even the shoo-ins will have decided they blew it and start planning their journey home. The producers are deliciously cruel, but as Freddie Mercury once sang, pain is so close to pleasure. In this case, the contestants’ pain is our pleasure, and the longer they’re kept dangling, the greater the chance of an outrageous reaction or two when they finally face the judges.
As the judges went off to deliberate, we were treated to a glimpse of Ryan looking as good as he sounded in a dark shirt and jacket, and showing off his fabulous hair. Hair that good should be seen, not just heard, but sadly the scene cut too quickly to judges playing a game of Guess Who? instead. Once the judges had finished their game (best of three), the mind games began in earnest as each contestant was sent into one of three rooms. The price of Ryan’s fabulous hair became clear at this point as the entire budget for the show had apparently been spent on getting it just right, which meant no money was left for chairs. It’s great to know that the American Idol producers have their priorities in order as it was money well spent.
Ryan used his best poker voice as we were treated to performances from some contestants, and subjected to performances from others, as he tried to throw us off the scent of which roomful of hopefuls was staying, which room was going, and which was … doing whatever it is the third room does. This section of the show had far too many audition clips and talking heads … since when was this show about the contestants rather than Ryan and the judges? Finally we got another look at Ryan, this time talking to Mary Powers who told him her song was cake. Ryan looked vaguely interested at the prospect of cake, but was to be disappointed as it was just a hot air cake rather than the sort he could lick the icing off the top of and torture himself about later.
Ryan reintroduced more contestants while I continued to think about him licking the icing off a cupcake (watching Ryan do that could be top of my list of things to do before I die… why didn’t I think of that while he was talking to the cast of The Buried Life on his radio show today!) Finally, Ryan popped up on screen again, nudging me out of my sweet daydream, to say that the judges were on their way and “brutal cuts” were coming up after the break. He’s such a little crowd pleaser! Ryan’s on screen hand mannerisms proved to be my next distraction; I’m always particularly fascinated by the way he holds his finger, presumably when he has nothing for his hands to do and wants to stop them having ideas of their own.
It was time for the judges to put some of the contestants out of their misery and keep other contestants’ hopes alive a little longer. Ellen told room one they were through, Simon told room two they were headed home, and KaRandy told room three they were still in play. Mary Powers didn’t make it. Let that be a warning to other contestants who think they can tease Ryan with imaginary cake. Meanwhile, Ryan had been working on his arithmetic so he was able to confirm that 46 contestants now remained and the judges would have to watch all their auditions again to decide which 24 get to perform for America’s vote.
A new day dawned and Ryan told us it’s the final cut, it’s the final judgement … who else wanted him to sing ‘it’s the final countdown’? Ryan was wearing a white shirt, which is disappointing because he looks so hot in dark colours, but his hair had reached epic proportions and he was still doing that thing with his hands, so it was all good. Ryan explained how the day was going to work … the contestants were in a waiting room and one by one they’d take a long walk up to the stage to find out their fate from the judges.
Mostly the top 24 reveal was the judges toying with contestants, but there were a few fun moments. Michael Lynche was sent out of the room with instructions from Simon to give Ryan a squeeze and from Ellen to pick him up … he duly obliged, swinging Ryan into the air like a rag doll. How many times is this now that Ryan’s been manhandled! There needs to be a montage later in the season to show what Ryan has to put up with. Janell Wheeler came out of the theatre and told Ryan “if I were bikini girl, I’d kiss you right now!” Girl, don’t give him chance to escape! Catch him off-guard and blame it on the heat of the moment!
The 24 contestants through: Michael Lynche, Didi Benami, Casey James, Aaron Kelly, Todrick Hall, Katelyn Epperly, Janell Wheeler, Tyler Grady, Lacey Brown, Ashley Rodriguez, Alex Lambert, Joe Munoz, Crystal Bowersox, Katie Stevens, Lilly Scott, Paige Miles, Siobhan Magnus, Michelle Delamor, Jermaine Sellers, John Park, Haeley Vaughn, Andrew Garcia, Lee Dewyze, Tim Urban.
Next week there are three shows. The top 12 girls up first on Tuesday, and hopefully we’ll get to see a lot more of Ryan from now on.
The ‘Ryan, Rock My Town’ concert featuring Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta and Kris Allen took place in New York City yesterday. Between live streams and YouTube, I’ve seen a lot of the show, and everything about it looked awesome! Props to Sadao and the other organisers for a job well done.
The show wasn’t without drama. Allison started singing what sounded like a different arrangement of Scars, then stopped … saying she’d started in the wrong key and was going to start over! She showed her sense of humour at the restart “can you give me the note, dude, because I’m frickin’ lost!” and using the lyrics to poke fun at herself. Adam was a show-stopper, literally, because someone fainted and they paused his set to get her some help. Not content with making one girl expire in a flailing puff of glitter, Adam proved too much for another glambert during Whole Lotta Love, while others were content to get intimately acquainted with the glambulge (you can laugh at the glambulgegate fallout on twitter … fortunately not the sort of fallout that would have had the rest of the glamberts dropping like dominoes). @rsp tweeted to say Kris was planning to make three girls faint … but in the end, he seemed content to just rock the place out!
Ryan opened the show on a cheerful note: it’s Hell Week and the worst is yet to come! This show covers group day and Ryan pointed out that for the 96 contestants who have made it this far, a bad decision can ruin everything. Some of the early favourites could crash and burn if they make a bad decision now.
We watched groups form, fall apart, reform, argue, bitch, rehearse … and there were the usual power struggles, tears and tantrums — and even a bit of espionage. Ooooh, the drama! Ryan made it all sound very exciting.
Ryan said that, unusually for Group Day, everyone seemed quite calm the morning after … then everything started to fall apart and Ryan noted that a few of them are missing something quite important: the lyrics. That’s bad. Simon Cowell’s bark may be worse than his bite, but he isn’t very forgiving of forgotten lyrics.
Just when we thought this was going to be an episode without sight of Ryan, he appeared on screen. And he was looking good, so it was worth the wait! From this point, several group auditions were shown interwoven with tales of imminent childbirth (fortunately a wife back home, not a contestant) and group squabbles.
Faith: Charity Vance, Ashley Rodriguez and Michelle Delamor all went through and Ryan said group day is off to a good start. It also looked as though group day isn’t going to be brutal, because I didn’t think all three were so good.
Team Awesome: Michael Lynche, Seth Rollins, Tim Urban, Michael Castro all sang, and Ryan told us we’d find out who makes it through …. after the break! I actually laughed out loud. I’ve missed him saying that! Michael Lynche and Tim Urban made it.
Neopolitan: Liz Rooney, Thaddeus Johnson, Jessica Cunningham. Ryan said things seemed to be going well for Neopolitan, but Destiny’s Wild were not happy because they believed Neopolitan had copied their ideas. All three made it through.
Destiny’s Wild: Todrick Hall, Theri, Jareb Liewer, Siobhan Magnus. Ellen told them it was weird, comparing it to Cirque du Soleil, but they all made it through … and continued complaining about Neopolitan.
Ryan fanned the copycat flames a little, saying that Destiny’s Wild have sparked another trend … groups making it through. It didn’t last long though, as contestants forgot the words and weren’t quick enough to make up new ones to cover it.
The Mighty Rangers: Tori Kelly, Maddie Penrose, Mark Labriola, Kimberly Kerbow, Danny Jones weren’t so mighty after all as only Tori and Maddie made it through. Mark asked for another chance, but was shut down by Simon who told him isn’t cool to beg. Ryan gave a visibly upset Mark a hug, then said the next group is had nothing but trouble.
Phoenix: Ben Honeycutt, Jeff Goldford, Moorea Masa, Jermaine Sellers, Kat Nestel. You know it’s not going to go well when a vocal coach tells them they don’t know what they’re doing. Kat jumped before she was pushed, but Simon wasn’t taking any excuses for their bad performance. Jeff and Jermaine made it through.
Next came the montage Ryan had talked about on his radio show … contestants who’d picked Sweet Escape by Gwen Stefani but couldn’t remember the lyrics. I have to admit, I had a go at this after Ryan told us what the lyrics should be … it’s easy! (nothing a bit of auto-tune couldn’t fix …)
Big Dreams: Matt Lawrence and Amanda Shecktman might have called themselves Big Dreams, but it was more of a big nightmare. Simon called it horrific, as bad as he’s ever heard in his life. That was a conclusive no.
Ryan pointed out a few more contestants familiar from the audition shows who were catching the next flight home: Leah Lorenti, Carmen Turner, Kimberly Carver and Dave Pitman.
Middle C: Jenell Wheeler, Jermaine Purifory, Casey James all went through.
3 men and a baby: Andrew Garcia, Katie Stevens, JB Ahfua [plus the third man] all made it through too.
The Dreamers: Mary Powers, Hope Johnson, Margo May, Alex Lambert, Erin Hundley. Ryan wondered if these five big personalities (that’s one way of describing it) could pull it off on stage. The answer was no, as the judges stopped the pain early, but Mary, Hope and Alex still made it through.
Ryan said 71 of the 96 made it through group day and ran quickly through some of the other singers who’ve made it to the final day in Hollywood.
At the start of the show, Ryan introduced new judge Ellen Degeneres and said that from more than 100,000 people who turned up to audition, 181 had made it through to Hollywood Week.
Ryan, looking good enough to eat in his Burberry suit, then stood in front of the Hollywood Week contestants and explained that only 12 girls and 12 guys will make it through what will be the toughest week of their lives. No pressure there, Ry!
We watched Ryan introduce Ellen to the contestants then have a backstage chat to ask her what kind of judge she’s going to be. A damn good one, I should think. Simon needs to up his game or I might have a new favourite judge this year!
Ryan continued to distract us by looking far better than anyone should be allowed to look, so I had to rewind the show to find out that he wasn’t just being pretty to camera and was actually explaining that the first round is ‘sudden death’ for the contestants, so if they don’t impress the judges they’re on their way home.
Skiiboski and Katie Stevens were the first two contestants we’d met before. They both sang, then Ryan explained a few more rules, this time in a slightly hushed voice that wouldn’t be out of place in a wildlife documentary. I guess the similarities are there! Katie made it through but Skiiboski wasn’t good enough.
Ryan said Simon had been on the warpath for the last hour but new judge Ellen knows how to sugar coat with a little humour in the criticism.
Next contestant Andrew Garcia performed an amazing version of Paula Abdul’s Straight Up which made the judges’ decision rather easy.
Country girl Vanessa Wolfe took her first aeroplane trip all the way to Hollywood, but sadly she fell apart on Day 1 and didn’t get to stick around. Ryan talked to some other rejects ahead of a montage of tears and sad faces.
It continued to go badly for the contestants as Simon told Cornelius Edwards he chose a bad song, Kara told Meagan Wright she was a little all over the place, and Amedeo DiRocco just wasn’t good according to Randy. Amedeo asked for a second chance, telling Ryan it couldn’t hurt to ask, though Simon didn’t appear to agree.
Janell Wheeler was another contestant who impressed the judges playing an instrument and singing her own version of a well-known song, then Ryan introduced clips of contestants should maybe have concentrated on singing.
Country girl Haeley Vaughn played her guitar to good effect and Mary Powers did a pretty decent version of a Pink song, both also making it through. Ellen had a little fun with the last group of contestants, making them step forward and backwards until she had two rows of contestants who were all going through. Simon called Ellen a sadist and Ryan said his goodbyes to Stage Manager Debbie as he told us that 46 contestants survived Day 1.
Day 2 dawned and it was time for the second half of the contestants to try to impress the judges and for Ryan to leave his super-hot look behind for regular handsome. Simon gave them a little advice: “don’t be nervous, don’t be boring, and don’t forget the words.” Beatboxer Jay Stone didn’t really have any words to forget, but the judges weren’t impressed. Lilly Scott made it through, Kara liked her individuality, and guitar-playing Michael Lynche also made it through to group day.
Ryan reintroduced Justin Williams and Tim Urban from the audition rounds. Both were a little dull, but Tim made it through. The next batch of contestants were sent home, but Casey James made it through with his bluesy guitar.
We got to see a clip of Ryan wishing the last contestants of the day luck as he sent them on to sing for the judges. Didi Benami sang one of Kara’s songs … and Simon admitted he liked the song. My favourite, Crystal Bowersox, got to play her guitar this time. Both made it through to the next round.
Ryan said round one ended on a high … it did for him as yet again someone hauled him into the air!
Best performance from Hollywood first round auditions surely goes to Ryan’s stylist for his outfit on Day One. If we have to talk about the contestants instead of how hot Ryan looked, Crystal Bowersox and Andrew Garcia were my favourites and I liked Janell Wheeler, Didi Benami and Haeley Vaughn too.
Time to judge the judges … or one judge. I thought Ellen was great! She didn’t shy away from negative comments and there was a good balance between serious comments and humour. The live shows should be entertaining!
Ryan promised that they’d saved the best until last, which is good, because I still hadn’t picked a favourite before this show!
Ryan said they’d seen a lot of talented singers but the one audition everyone remembers is General Larry Platt. According to Ryan, they knew it was going to be popular, but were surprised how big it got. Ryan used Larry’s memorable song as a lead in to clips relating to the importance of song choice.
Jessica Furney
Jessica was back for another try at American Idol, and this time she’d thought carefully about her song choice, deciding on one that is co-written by Simon. The judges liked it well enough, Simon liked the song, and Jessica is through to Hollywood.
Ryan said getting through on American Idol takes ambition (cue begging contestant), perseverance (delusional contestant back for a seventh attempt) … and a great voice.
Amanda Shectman
Ryan said there were a lot of attention seekers trying to stand out from the crowd, including Amanda who did a Britney impression. Ryan looked suitably impressed for a second, then deadpanned “now do Lil Wayne.” Her performance was a little OTT, as if she was trying too hard to be earnest, and the judges commented on the drama. Simon did a hammy dying swan impression before giving her a yes, putting her through to Hollywood.
Ryan said contestants bend over backwards to demonstrate their talents, and there’s never a shortage of musicians, some of whom bring their instruments along even though they can’t use them at this point in the contest.
Lee Dewyze
We only saw a brief clip of Lee, but he moved on to the next round.
Crystal Bowersox
Kara wanted to know why Crystal wore a guitar.. She explained it was a comfort blanket but went on to show she has a great voice. The judges put her through to Hollywood. I wish we had heard more of her, but at this point I think she’s my favourite contestant.
The next montage was contestants pretending to their family that they haven’t made it, before producing a cleverly-concealed golden ticket. The best two had a little help from Ryan and Simon. The first with Ryan following the contestant out to reveal her golden ticket and the second Simon walking out and telling the waiting family and friends that the contestant didn’t make it. Ryan explained that grouchy Simon needed a botox break, then lo and behold a happy contestant bounces out waving his ticket. Hilarious.
After nine seasons, there are a lot of contestants who’ve tried out several time and Ryan introduced some of the familiar faces … some of whom think Simon will remember them. Anyone who has watched Simon on The X Factor knows he struggles to remember the names of the contestants he’s currently mentoring, so unless a contestant has triggered the pound or dollar signs in his eyes and the ker-ching in his ears (identifiable by the shit-eating grin these phenomena trigger), it seems unlikely.
Lacey Brown
Lacey made it to the final 50 last season but lost out to Megan Joy. She has another shot this year as she’s through to Hollywood.
Stephanie Fisher
Stephanie has a crush on Simon and thinks Victoria Beckham is the most beautiful creature she’s ever seen, but unfortunately she blew out in front of two people she admires. Her singing was terrible and her outfit a disaster. Victoria was very kind, and quite diplomatic when Simon asked her to comment on Stephanie’s outfit.
Things started to improve from there as Ryan introduced some of the sixteen year olds who are able to enter American Idol for the first time. Rachel Hubbard, Thaddeus Johnson, Genesis Moore all sailed through though we didn’t see a lot of them.
Adrian Chandtchi
We’ve seen the next teenager before this season — towering over Ryan by a foot, it was hard not to notice him. Adrian is quite a curious character. His singing was awful … and awfully high … but the judges were quite kind in their criticism, giving him a no without telling him he’s horrible. Adrian wasn’t discouraged, telling the judges and then Ryan that they have his number if they want to recall him.
Michael Lynche
The next contestent was also huge — a personal trainer with a lot of muscle. The judges put him through and after he left the room with his golden ticket, Michael lifted Ryan up into the air as if he weighed nothing at all. Everyone wants to pick Ryan up this year! It’s kinda cute, but I wonder how he feels about it! I guess it could be worse … didn’t Simon get picked up by a giant pink bunny last year?
Didi Benami
All four judges put Didi through after a good audition, but Simon’s was just a small yes.
Aaron Kelly
Simon thought The Climb was a good choice of song and Randy loved that his voice came out of someone shy. He looks the part, so if he holds it together in Hollywood I think he could be an early favourite. All four judges said yes and Aaron mused that he might even be a role model some day.
That was followed by a montage of what other contestants want out of fame. The next contestant, Kimberly Bishop, would be into recycling and into helping kids in Africa.
Kimberly Bishop
This was possibly the worst singing I’ve ever heard. Kara decided that Kimberly was naughty, but said no to the singing — as did the other judges. Kimberly might be a lousy singer but she has impeccable manners, asking “may I be excused or would you like me to sing another song now.” Simon thought she would be fun on a date … or perhaps not.
Shaddail Harris
Shaddail’s mom had a vision that she’d be a singer, but if her talent is a god given thing, maybe it’s time for a new god because it’s truly awful.
Hope Johnson
I didn’t like Hope at all, but the judges did and she’s the last contestant through to Hollywood.
Next week is Hollywood week and Ellen DeGeneres joins the panel, which I’m really looking forward to. My favourite from this show, and from all the auditions we’ve seen so far, is Crystal Bowersox and I think Aaron Kelly is one to watch too.
Ryan said on his radio show that he didn’t realise how many references he’d made to Denver being the mile high city until he watched the show back, and said viewers could play a drinking game as they watched.
Okay…
“We’ve reached new heights in the mile high city”
“Prepare yourself as the altitude brings out the tension”
There was a great shot of Ryan in the crowd to open the show — how many shots is that now? — And we found out that Victoria Beckham is on the judging panel.
“The altitude left the judges a little confused”
I’m starting to feel a little that way myself. Bottoms up!
While Kara and Victoria took their seats, Randy and Simon discussed Victoria. Randy said he likes her so Simon said Randy fancies her. Randy didn’t deny it and pointed out the obvious similarities between him and David Beckham. It’s true. The first time I saw American Idol I thought, wow! David Beckham’s caught a little sun! Then someone said that David was Randy, which I thought was a little awkward…
Mark Labriola
Ryan said the first contestant also had problems with mistaken identity because people think he looks like Jack Black. Mark is interesting because he likes cheese and has a family history that confused the hell out of Simon. Victoria was surprised by his voice, saying she had thought he was going to be a joke act. All four judges said yes, and Mark left with a golden ticket and Simon was left wondering where Mark’s mom was.
Ryan gave the next contestant a long intro. He said they all hope to make it through the audition but it’s a big deal with lights, cameras, Simon … so it’s normal for people to get anxious, and anxious contestants deal with their nerves in different ways, including a queasy little laugh.
Mario Galvan
Simon picked up on the nervous laugh straight away and started aping poor Mario, which just made it funnier and made everyone else giggle. Isn’t that laugh just the real world version of writing LOL after everything you say online? Mario’s audition wasn’t great so it was a no and he left … meanwhile back in the judging room, Simon was still giggling!
Where are the mile high references? I need a drink after that…
Ryan said the air is always clean in Denver (that is because of the altitude, eh… cheers!) … until Idol shows up, which led nicely into a montage of people turning the air blue. Does everyone else play the “what did they say” game? I’m far more aware of cursing when it’s bleeped out … I don’t even notice it otherwise.
Kimberly Kerbow
It was hard to tell whether Kimberly was auditioning for American Idol or to be Simon’s next girlfriend as she sang sweetly to him … about buying him Rogaine. There’s nothing like suggesting to a vain 50 year old that his hair is thinning to win him over! All judges said yes, and Simon decided she is trouble which he clearly thinks is a Very Good Thing. As Kimberly left with her golden ticket, the judges discussed whether or not she was wearing a wig.
Ryan said the judges were giving out a lot of golden tickets — and it certainly looked as though almost everyone got through to Hollywood!
Danielle Hayes
Danielle hosts karaoke and sings in a covers band, but is hoping for more. Simon thought she was almost broken and said she’d come in just in time to rescue her from corporate hell. The judges all said yes, and we saw a smiling Ryan waiting outside the room as she came out with her ticket.
On the voiceover, Ryan said that with Posh on the panel it’s important to come dressed to impress … followed by a montage of people dressed in all kinds of weird and wonderful outfits.
Casey James
His face is prettier than his voice and Simon stopped him saying it was a bad audition because he has no charisma. Kara disagreed and Victoria asked him to let his hair down, literally. Kara got him to take his short off, then said yes. Imagine if Simon and Randy asked a female contestant to take her shirt off! Simon mumbled it was getting like project runway (which sounded like an admission he watches the show). Simon said no, the girls said yes, and Randy said yes to please the girls, putting Casey through to the next round with advice to get a personality.
Tori Kelly
Ryan asked Tori if he was interrupting a kindergarten class and it looked like the place was teeming with ankle biters. One midget told Ryan she was going to be on the show when she’s sixteen and Ryan said he is going to be really old when she’s sixteen. She agreed. Then the show stopped while we watched a kid give drawings to the judges. Kara liked it but Simon preferred the kid who’d given him the drawing, calling Tori’s voice annoying. Victoria loved the way she looked, arguing with Simon that appearance is important … Simon grumbled something about a human orange. Kara, Victoria and Randy put Tori through but Simon thought they were mad.
Ryan said Tori and fourteen other contestants were through, while Simon helped the kid write “to my favourite judge” on the drawing. Why can’t the contestants bring in puppies instead of kids? It would still show how fluffy Simon is and be much cuter.
“As the talent reaches new peaks”
Austin Paul
Austin loves himself, which is lucky because the judges didn’t. Kara thought he was cocky, Simon thought he could be very annoying, Victoria found him arrogant and Randy said no. Austin told Ryan he was shocked, but believes he could still be a star.
“Just when we thought the confidence couldn’t get any higher in the mile high city”
Kenny Everett
Kenny howled his way through his audition. Simon said it sounded like he was screaming after being punched. All four judges said no, but Kenny wasn’t having it. He told the judges he’s a great singer, and started singing again. Simon told him it was getting worse. As he left Ryan wondered what Kenny had learned form this experience … after listening to Kenny’s post-audition comments he had his answer: nothing!
“The air is thin and so is the talent on day two”
There was a montage of really awful singers. The last one was totally incoherent so Simon joked that it was like having Paula back on the show.
Nicky Nix
The judges were impressed that Nicci had travelled from Florence to audition. As she spoke in a squeaky voice, Simon wanted to know if she’d had any helium. Simon thought her song choice, Something Kinda Ooh, had meaningful lyrics … The judges liked her and put her through.
“Nicci’s off to Hollywood on a high”
Haeley Vaughn
She doesn’t have a bad voice but what an awful song! Simon called her a cute little thing and pointed out her lisp. He thought she stood out. Victoria called her bubbly and Kara said there aren’t many black country singers, so that gave her an edge, but advised her to start lower in her register. Haeley’s sister and mom went into the room for the verdict and Ryan was watching a monitor.
“Leaving the mile high city with a sky high total of 26”
Ty Hemmerling
But it wasn’t quite over, unfortunately. Ryan said the last contestant was the ultimate in notoriety who was going one better than bikini girl … cue bikini boy and a lot of swearing from the judges. As soon as Ty started singing, Simon walked off set. Kara told Ty not to move his hips that way as the rest of the judges followed Simon. Ty looked dejected as he pleaded with Kara to stay, or give him a hug, while Ryan grinned at a bemused Kara.
