American Idol started tonight, as I’m sure you all know. Tonight’s auditions were from Minneapolis. There was one new twist (well, actually, it was the return of an old twist) and a lot of familiar sights.
The guest judge concept was back. Tonight’s lucky celebrity was Jewel. Perhaps she’s warming up to serve as host for Nashville Star.
Tonight’s theme seemed to be the sad (or interesting) story. The first singer was a huge Jewel fan named Jessica Rhode. She was clearly nervous— moreso when she found out she would be singing for Jewel. I was really hoping she would be good. Unfortunately, she wasn’t better than average.
Then, there were the requisite oddballs— the “urban Amish”, the mumbler who you know won’t be able to sing before he even starts, the person who can’t sing but is totally insulted when the judges point this out and then proceeds to try out song after song in an effort to prove it’s the song, the people who can’t remember the words to their songs, the costumes, the gimmicks. There are people that I feel sorry for, but the ones who come in just asking to be laughed at just aren’t the ones I sympathize with. During the painful sections, I’m so glad I record the show and can fast forward through the most brutal parts.
Then there were the inspiring stories. Sixteen year old Denise Jackson was a “crack baby” raised by her grandmother. Her confidence reminded me of Paris Bennett from Season 5. She did a really nice job with her song, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she makes it to the final 24—if for no other reason than she’s a teenager (you know there will be at least a few) and has a story to tell about her life. She was the first one shown who made it through to Hollywood.
Colombian native Perla Meneses was full of spunk. She immigrated to the United States when she was 15 (presumably on her own). I have a hard time imagining that she’ll make it very far in the competition because she has a pretty heavy accent (certainly, I could be wrong), but she made it through the first round.
The military was well-represented by Navy singer Jarred Fowler and Army reservist Rachel Jenkins. Jarred Fowler kind of reminded me of Marine and former Idol contestant Josh Gracin. He is stationed on the USS Reagan and won Reagan Idol, a sixteen week contest held by the sailors on the ship.
Rachel Jenkins is a reservist with a husband stationed in Baghdad. She was just as cute as could be with her husband’s picture worn around her neck. She also had a very down to earth, fun personality. And her song was one of MY favorites of the night. Both Jarred and Rachel made it through to Hollywood.
The singers who made it through to the next round also included Michelle Steingas, a blonde All-American girl with a decent voice, and Sarah Kruger. Sarah sang “Somewhere Over the Rainbow.” In my opinion, it was a much better version than Katharine McPhee’s— of course, it’s hard to say whether that was her voice or the arrangement. Matt Sato was a young singer whose parents couldn’t accompany him to the audition. He wasn’t bad and also made it through.
The final contestant I’m going to mention is Josh Flom. Josh didn’t make it through, but I was impressed with three things. One, he went out and learned an Abba song in 15 minutes when Simon challenged him. Two, he had the cutest personality when they laughed at the way he sang every song the same way (hey, it worked for Chris Daughtry). And, three, he had a great attitude when he didn’t make it. Chin up, Josh. You didn’t make it, but you’ve got the important things in life— character and a family who believes in you and loves you.
So, that was it for Minneapolis. Seventeen made it through. Tomorrow night’s show will feature people who auditioned in Seattle.
