American Idol Season 9 Road to Hollywood
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.
What do you think of this season’s Idol? Join the discussion on the Ryan Seacrest Fan Forum
