The Houston cloud traveled fifteen hundred miles towards hopeful Los Angeles. Randy and Simon were again without the neutralizing effect of Paula, who was still not feeling well enough to face another bevy of Idol hopefuls. The mood was set even before the first contestant entered the audition room. Simon, after showing up late, admits he and Randy were still in a bad mood; a result of the poor display of talent witnessed in the previous weeks auditions from Houston, Texas. Everyone was hoping that the City of Angels could deliver some real talent, but Randy and Simon were pouting, reluctant to raise their own deflated expectations.
It seems they were right to refrain from hope. From the thousands of young men and women who had obviously spent day and night waiting to be heard, the majority of those fortunate enough to make it to the celebrity-judge audition proved to be afflicted with the same disease which has overtaken thousands of young people in America. The fallacious belief that they have what it takes to be the next American Idol. Even if we discount the hoaxers (Kristen Powell from the Atlanta auditions – sent by her DJ boss) who have no talent whatsoever and try to fool us with convincing tears and rebuttals – Hang on, doesn’t that apply to most of the contestants we have seen so far? Pretence of ability, followed by tearful disbelief, ending in antagonistic comments directed towards those (judges) that rejected them? – America, it seems is in short supply of American Idol style talent.
What made things worse was the (natural but non-productive) misplaced belief in the level of talent fostered by family members. The mother who told one crying contestant, “Why are you listening to these morons?” referring to Randy and Simon. Or the father who tells us that Randy and Simon robbed his son – of what, I’m not sure. Another tells a distraught candidate, “You’re gonna make it … They don’t count anyway.” Well, parents, siblings, friends, and comrades if you really think you know better than the judges, then why the heck did you even bother coming in the first place? Oh, that’s right, the hope is that your pride and joy, your brother or sister, will somehow charm the judges with a smile, an act, simple charm, or a few dance steps. People, this IS a singing contest. If you can not sing, don’t bother entering competitions in future. As far as making it without our grumpy judges, yes you might, but not on American Idol!
All was not lost. There were some bright moments. After what appeared to be a fearfully ominous start, we were finally entertained by 18yr old Bao Viet whose refugee parents were obviously pinning all their hopes on his chance to “make it” in America. I think they may be rewarded. His rendition of Stevie Wonders “Lately” was excellent. His voice was probably the clearest and auspiciously melodic solo I had heard so far in the competition. Even Simon had to think of something complimentary to say, so he settled with “Pure”, describing the voice of a very pleased Bao.
Day two of LA brought us Jasmine Arteaga the 18yr old who proves that big things come in small packages. When asked why she wants to become the American Idol she explains because she is different and loves singing, loves people, and, “the whole thing.” Well if humility is on the list of criteria, I think she was probably the most humble of all the contestants I’ve seen thus far; you just had to love her, and she could sing too! Keep your on eye on Jasmine; I think she will go far.
This season we get to see Simon ask some contestants the one question which seems to decide their fate if they are borderline in the singing department. “If I gave you a million dollars, what would you do with it?” A simple question, but not easy to answer when trying to inspire a “yes” from the judges. It seems that Simon likes people who are self-rewarding and admit to it. Draeh, the 50’s retro, said she would buy a pink Thunderbird – she goes through. Rodrigo said he would give some to charity, save a little, then give more to charity, he was rejected immediately – I’m guessing his lack of confidence didn’t help either.
The San Francisco auditions seemed to last about ten minutes by my clock. Probably a good thing too after seeing an example of what we didn’t miss. However, I did catch a few bars of one promising Hollywood bound – Dina Lopez; I’m looking forward to hearing her sing in the next round. Even with Paula’s return, the line of crosses on the rejection list grew rapidly. I’m sure if cheerleader Katie Webber had followed more vigorous competition she would not have advanced.
Hawaii presented use with (all three) refreshed judges, beautiful scenery, and an enthusiastic parade of auditions which befits the spirit of the islands. With the exception of one contestant, Jon Peter Lewis, who expressed all the enthusiasm of a visit to the dentist, but nonetheless impressed the judges enough to move onto the next round.
For all the enthusiasm, none of the contestants I saw on the Hawaii edition really made an impression. It’s a fact there were many capable vocalists we did not get to see. What is interesting in this year’s first round auditions is the unexplainable rejection of some really good singers and the equally curious selection of several mediocre entrants who were put through based on reasons known only to the judges. Recognition of talent and a polished voice is, as pointed out by Simon, subjective. We will see how subjective the next round of increasingly intense criticism will be. At the start of this season, the objective was to find someone different; unique talent with a unique voice. I certainly think that this year we are experiencing a variety of styles and talent. The coming weeks should prove varied enough to keep our interest level at a peak.
Next week we will be privy to the judges favorites from the last few weeks of auditions; including those who we did not see receive the Hollywood invite. Maybe we will witness the depth of talent that will be so much part of our lives over the coming months; progressing through the elimination rounds and live shows, culminating in what is hoped to be another grand slam for the Fox network.
So be prepared for another three nights of American Idol catering. The appetizers are nearing the end, we are eager to see the entrée. Let’s hope it’s a recipe that will fulfill our hunger for quality entertainment without bloating our desire for future Idols.
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