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Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2010 > January > 20 > Entry
Ex-convicts, ripped pants and more surprises on “Idol”
Orlando — the place where dreams come true … at least for a few.
About 10,000 “American Idol” hopefuls headed to Mickey territory to show off their skills, but only 31 advanced to Hollywood week.
Judges Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi were joined the first day by guest judge Broadway superstar Kristin Chenoweth (loved her on “Glee” by the way). Here’s a look at some of the highlights from tonight’s (Jan. 20, 2010) episode:
Superstar potential: Seth Rollins, 28, whose modern interpretation of “Someone to Watch Over Me” by Frank Sinatra moved me to tears for more than one reason. This father of an autistic child is hoping his vocal talents will not only help fulfill his dreams of having a music career, but also help his family better afford expensive treatment for his son.
The very likable Jermaine Purlfoy, who auditioned while in college for Season 7, gave it another shot with a little Tony Bennett. Randy said it was the best audition of the season so far. Simon predicted, “the chicks will like you.”
These ladies didn’t get much air time, but Janell Wheeler, Brittany Starr James and Kasi Bedford all had fantastic voices and star quality.
And tonight’s major dose of triumph-over-adversity came from 25-year-old Matt Lawrence, whose performance of “Trouble” was pretty appropriate considering he spent four years in jail after he robbed a bank with a BB-gun while a teenager. Matt’s hoping for a fresh start. Kara predicted he’d make the Top 12.
Not too shabby: Despite getting a little nervous and forgetting the words to “Turn Me On” by Norah Jones, the judges saw the potential in Shelby Dressel, 18, and gave her a golden ticket. If you need a refresher, Shelby was the recent high school grad who can’t use the right side of her mouth due to an undeveloped nerve.
Jersey sisters Bernadette Desimone and Amanda Desimone certainly make up for in style and spunk what they may lack in raw vocal talent.
I’m not sure what to think about Jay Stone’s beat-box version of the Beatles’ classic “Come Together.” I was rolling my eyes until he actually started singing. He had a decent voice behind all that noise. But somehow I don’t think he’ll make it as far as Season 6 runner-up Blake Lewis.
Shame of a nation: Theo, the sequined cape-wearing “superhero” complete with sequined-feather mask who sang Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker” in superhero fashion. I wonder what his purposefully blurred T-shirt said. Backward baseball-cap wearing Jarrod Norell, whose “Amazing Grace” was neither amazing nor graceful. He couldn’t take no for an answer and had to be escorted out by security. Yep, definitely a “no.”
In a league of his own: The best part of the show by far came when Cornelius Edwards ripped his pants by doing a split during his energetic performance of “Proud Mary.” I don’t know if they just liked his voice or if he got the pity golden ticket.
Up next: Dallas auditions to air Tuesday, Jan. 26, 8 p.m. (EST) Fox.
»»Photos: American Idol season 9
Speaking of vocal skills, where do you like to show off yours? Vote in this week’s Best of Dayton Poll for Best Place to Karaoke
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January 21, 2010 12:12 PM | Link to this
Shout out to Mandy & Bernadette Desimone. Hope you go all the way!