Ten to watch

So AI wraps up the audition round with San Antonio, and a slightly-forced 'clips' show that mixes bad contestants from all 7 audition cities, with a few good ones.

I felt bad for the good ones; they didn't get the same chance to build a fan base as some of the others who made it out of their audition cities and have already been featured. So here's some extra ink on them.

Jimmy McNeal, outof San Antonio, was tagged a 'little fun Ruben' by Simon. He had a bright, charismatic voice, no messing around--just got up there and sang. Unless he screws up Hollywood, which I don't think he will, or can't sing different styles, I think he's gonna sail through to the final 12. My favorite moment was when he told his little girl I'm going to Hollywood; she replied, 'So?!'

Ebony Jointer, the clearly-best member of the carhop trio that auditioned in LA, did Whitney and sounds like a pro. What a great voice--deep, controlled, nice to listen to. A bit odd that she came with her friends in their carhop uniforms, she doesn't need anything gimmicky. She's got the look and voice that traditionally does well in AI. Some websites are also saying she's taken part in things like the Lingerie Bowl... which will probably only enhance her fan base.

Lakisha Jones, outof New York, has a 3-year-old and surprised me a bit--she didn't have 'the look', but did seem like a sincere, decent person. And man, can she sing; in the Mandisa mold, with the same animated, joyful style. I really like her as a person, actually; she seems like someone who's totally serious about maximizing her opportunity, and isn't gonna be forgetting lyrics in Hollywood.

Ashlyn Carr, outof San Antonio, is already famous for being the only contestant FOX has ever shown who was initially told no go on Hollywood, before being pulled back in so the judges could change their mind. That to me demonstrated how seriously the judges take their job; Simon said I think we made a mistake, they took the time to talk about it, and Paula wound up saying we messed up, go get her. I like Ashlyn; she was earnest, and had the same kind of surprising control and bluesy voice as Paris. Unlike the judges, her facial expressions didn't bother me at all; she reminds me of Nadia in that regard, she's just a bit inexperienced and shows everything when she's singing.

Akron Watson, outof San Antonio, isn't someone I'll forget anytime soon--in part because of his cousin's staged angry exit from the audition room right before him (one of the all-time great audition round bits). He strikes me as a good guy, to whom singing is really important; I liked his tone, his pace, his sincerity.

There are rumors online that he's already been kicked out due to a past arrest for marijuana possession. If true, it would really sadden me; AI should be all about second chances--if you've got a great voice and your stuff together, you don't need AI to make it. As long as he doesn't do anything bad while on the show and as long as his past doesn't something like murder, I think it's ridiculous that FOX, of all networks, would pull this holier-than-thou stuff.

And yes, there's definitely a racial aspect to this; believe it or not, there are good, decent people who in their youth grew up in environments where getting busted by the cops was the norm, for the exact same things that in suburbia would get you a slap on the wrist and no arrest record. If Watson's trying to break free of some aspects of his past, FOX should give him a hand--instead they seem to be taking the hypocritical path, wagging a finger and playing to some mythical middle america that supposedly only wants pure contestants. This being the MySpace generation, there's already a site set up to 'Bring" Back Akron Watson'.

Tami Gosnell, outof the Memphis audition, works as a cab driver and seemed a bit freaky--but in a good way, nice vibe. She has a good voice, definitely Janis Joplinish; makes you wanna listen, a lot of life experience in there. Quick google search shows she has quite a musical career already, and a good homepage photo.

Paul Kim, outof LA, makes note of the lack of Asian American males in the competition (Jose 'Sway' Penala is the only one to ever make the final 12). He's got this deep, husky voice that I like, but it's also a bit odd, almost like he's singing in a tunnel; very breathy. A lot of confidence though, and a supportive family; a sadly undeveloped website, which includes the 'rumor' that he makes the round of 24.

Baylie Brown, outof San Antonio, is one of the few contestants who made Hollywood who I disliked based on the audition round. She strikes me as kindof a priss, who looks down on her small town upbringing. Maybe she's just young; she can sing, though, her choice of Faith Hill is just perfect. Simon says you're commercial with a capital C; funnily enough she gets it, asks him if that's a good thing or a bad thing. Maybe she'll grow on me; then again, she could get full of herself once she's in Hollywood and is the type of contestant who seems to draw drama.

Haley Scarnato, outof San Antonio, has a good voice but struck me as maybe a bit generic (I'm having a hard time even visualizing her, just three days later). I agree with Simon when he sums her up as a bit cabaret, nothing so unique, but not bad.
Ashley Cleland, the blonde member of the carhop trio, seemed to have a decent voice--they only showed her singing for like 5 seconds--but it's hard to tell at this stage whether she's more than just another pretty face.

But that's precisely what the Hollywood round is for.

All-Star show may be happening

Great news for all of us who don't think the right person has always won on AI--Newsday's Verne Gay is reporting that an American Idol All-Star show may be in the works.

Nigel Lythgoe, the show's executive producer, Thursday confirmed he has approached Fox about a plan that would combine an all-star edition with a songwriting competition.

In a conference call with reporters Thursday, Lythgoe said, "Yes, it's something I'm trying to make work this season," while adding that "my idea is [for viewers] to give me 10 songs and then I'll bring back 10 'Idol' finalists to sing them on a special." Lythgoe, however, also said, "I've pitched to Fox and they have yet to come back to me to say yes or no."

Lythgoe also talks about the Courtney Love rumor (false), whether Idol is crueler this year (no), and how he thinks bush babies have beautiful eyes.

Just like Katharine's?!

This is who I'd like to see in an All-Star version:
-Paris
-Elliott
-Bo Bice
-Nadia
-George Huff
-Jasmine
-Clay
-Reuben
-JPL (but only his dancing)
-That Danish guy who 'beat' Kelly Clarkson

On to Hollywood

Glad we got see Lakisha Jones, although there isn't much to say about her that the judges didn't already say - her voice was fantastic, one of the best - I think what will make or break her will be her performance and likability - will she be a personality America will love? Will her story pull at America's heartstrings? Only time will tell.

I'm just so looking forward to getting to know these contestants. All we've seen so far are these short snippets of their lives - I want to be able to pick a favorite, have someone to root for, someone to vote for. Plus, I really enjoy the group auditions - it's the first time we get to hear some harmony - I get a bit bored with the a cappella auditions.

172 people made it to Hollywood - can you believe it? I feel like we only saw maybe 15-20 really great people. And so next wekk, the competition really begins.

"If I Ever Fall In Love" ... I think I just did

Wow... when Paul Kim, the Asian pool boy who talked about how Asian people don't get a chance in the entertainment industry, started to sing... wow... I'm still trying to cool off.

He sang "If I Ever Fall In Love," by Shai, which is one of my favorites, and oh my goodness, I nearly swooned. His voice is sexy, it's seductive... it's just yummy. Even as I type this, I'm replaying the audition for the third time, it was so good.

It seems like the judges always say the words I can't quite formulate in my head. Olivia Newton-John said the perfect word - smoky... that's the best way to describe his sound - it was hot. Cannot wait to see him in Hollywood. Wow.

No gimmicks, just a voice

Not really sure why these people are considered the best of the rest, but I suppose it's early still.

The first girl - forgot her name already - the one who came in with the weird outfit and the funny black hat thing - she was bad, but not so bad that she merited the first spot on tonight's episode. I thought "Eccentric" was way crazier than she was - would have loved to wtach him start tonight's show instead.

And Tami Gosnell, the Colorado girl with the piercing in her lip, can sure sing - her voice has a Janis Joplin kind of sound to sound to it - very raw, raspy. I liked her a lot, but again, she didn't stand out so much that I would have saved her for this episode.

She's cool, though. She's earthy and natural - not painted up, not in some slutty outfit... just jeans and a shirt, she let her voice carry her and it did...

I'd get rid of the piercing though... I found it a bit distracting - it's like right in the middle of her mouth... I don't know - I wasn't crazy about it and it just left me wondering what purpose it served - is it just decoration? Does she derive any pleasure from it? Just seemed weird to me.

More "Idol" arrests

So the arrests continue on "American Idol." Well not on the actual show, but after last night's show in San Antonio aired, reports started popping up that not just one, but two of the contestants who aired had been arrested before. And one of them was told he couldn't compete in the Hollywood round.

According to TMZ.com, Akron Watson, the unemployed guy who went to the auditions with his cousin who took 10 minutes to sing half a verse of "Amazing Grace," was arrested in 2003 on charges of marijuana possession. Apparently, he will not be seen in the Hollywood round.

The surprising one was Ashlyn Carr, the young girl who made weird faces when she sang - the one that didn't make it in, but then was called back and let through to Hollywood. She reportedly was arrested for pouring sugar in her ex-boyfriend's gas tank. Scary.

For the full story, click here.

And now, some 'Idol' news

Need a local Long Islander to root for? Well, here you go...

From the rumor mill -- blogs and bulletin boards are abuzz with news that names of the 24 semifinalists have been leaked. And that list includes local LIer Jared 'JL' Cotter.

From today's article by Ronnie Gill:

Cotter, 25, who tried out at the New York-area session, has not yet been shown auditioning in any of the show's clips. But the R&B and hip-hop artist with Usher-like good looks and style has a Web site that has been temporarily taken down, not unusual for contestants who have progressed to "Idol's" live rounds.

Cotter's musical pedigree seems impeccable according to a biography of him on HitQuarters .com. It states his grandfather James Reese Europe was the first black jazz artist to play Carnegie Hall and that his father, Robert Cotter, played with Nile Rodgersand the late Bernard Edwards in the group Big Apple Band, later known as Chic.

Read the full story here.

In by the skin of her teeth

So, she couldn't control her face, but the judges liked her better the second time around... interesting - I liked her better the first time.

Makes me think they put her through just because she's beautiful, but good for her... she's going to Hollywood.

The night's shocker

Huh... I'm torn on Ashlyn Carr. She's stunning - flawless skin, beautiful smile, it's completely unfair that a girl so young could be so perfectly put together.

But her voice was not as great as I expected it to be. She said some big girl beat her up because she had a good voice... That story made me believe I'd be hearing something along the lines of Celine Dion or Christina Aguilera. Instead, it was just passable, and a bit dull. Plus, her face was real animated while she sang, and not in a good way.

Glad to see the judges are confused too. And how appropriate that after Paula and Simon say no, Simon chimes in that he would have said yes.

I feel so bad for her and the judges look so pained by it, I almost wish they'd come back after her and change their minds.

HA!!!!! Get out! They're bringing her back in!!! The suspense is killing me... Thank God for TiVo - I can fast-forward through the commercials.

Where can I buy her album?

If Baylie Brown put out an album tomorrow, I'd buy it.

The 16-year-old, the city girl stuck in a small town in Texas, has that perfect country-singing voice. I'm not a big country fan, but I do love me some Dixie Chicks and Baylie's voice reminds me a little bit of Natalie Maines. She has that cute twang, but still has a softness to her voice. Carrie Underwood should be shaking in her boots right about now, because Baylie may be coming for her pretty soon.

Simon's on top of his game tonight, because he nailed it again with her. He said that she's commercial with a capital "C." She totally is - she's cute and innocent looking, thin, blonde, fashionable, and her voice is good enough to entertain people. Plus the small-town angle will work wonders for her, I think.

I'd say we'll be seeing her for a while, unless she really messes up in Hollywood, which doesn't seem likely.

A dime a dozen

What's up with Haley Scarnato? Was her outfit that hot that it warranted personally shaking the hands of the judges even before getting to sing? I don't know - seemed kind of odd to me.

But yeah, let's get it out of the way - I can admit it... Haley is beautiful. Her outfit is tight without being too clingy, sexy without being too trashy. She comes across as intelligent and together - doesn't seem to have delusions about her talent, acknowledges that there are people out there who may be better, but she's just looking for a chance. She's pretty likable right from the start.

And her voice is mesmerizing. So clear, so rich and soothing. Really perfect. But while I really enjoyed it, I have to say that I've probably heard a few voices like hers just in the past couple of weeks.

And there it is. Judges hit on the same thing - she's not very original. I'm surprised, though, because I thought for sure, they'd go ga-ga over her. Well, she's in either way - wonder how long she'll last.

It's a scream

San Antonio is the last stop in the audition round. Thank God - I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm getting tired of the obviously horrific singers. I'm ready to get to the talent.

And based on the mobs of people - 11,000, according to Ryan Seacrest - in San Antonio, you've got to imagine that there will at least be a few good singers on tonight's show.


Alas, the first guy up is not among them. Bryan Kyrish, of Texas, claims that he sounds like Billy Idol and AC/DC, and he may be right - they're all pretty bad in my book, so it doesn't seem fair for me to compare.

But as usual, Simon comes in with the not so nice, but perfectly honest remark. He tells Kyrish that it was a lot of shouting without a lot of melody.

Stalk of fame

If you were there for the debut of Nadia’s mohawk, or when JPL saved his season by busting out to Elvis, then you qualify as an Idol-fanatic.

In which case you’ll definitely want to check out Newsday reporter Ronnie Gill’s latest article, Stars in residence: Where 'Idols' live:

Entering the sixth season of "American Idol," it feels as if we've seen it all - both off- and online.

So it came as a surprise to discover MapMuse.com's "American Idol" site, find.mapmuse .com/interest/ai_contestants, an interactive locator map of "American Idol" finalists (some are actually semifinalists) from all five seasons.

On the site you'll find a map of the U.S. mainland with pinpoints for each finalist. Click on a part of the map to zoom in on a specific area. Easier still, or for finalists who reside outside the mainland, such as Hawaii's Jasmine Trias, you can use the site's windows to enter a city, state or ZIP code.

Ah, Jasmine; while some may remember her as perhaps the least-talented contestant to ever make the top three, I prefer to reminisce on her Aloha spirit (and Hawaii’s startling display of bloc voting).

The map is very much still a work-in-progress--it doesn't seem like you can enter someone's name and look them up, and they need to add things like what the contestants are up to now (or at least a link to their wikipedia page)--but it's a fun way to kill a few minutes.

And it really shows how the South--and California--have dominated. The Great Plains states, actually, are entirely shut out... maybe somebody from Nebraska will surprise us this year?!

From runner-up to runway model

As the audition rounds of this season's 'Idol' come to a close, last season's runner-up strutted her stuff on the New York Fashion Week runway in the Heart Truth's "Red Dress Collection 2007."




Katharine McPhee, donning a Swarovski dress, was one of more than 20 to hit the catwalk on Friday morning to raise awareness for heart disease, the number one killer of women. Other non-model models included the First Lady, Laura Bush, Kelly Ripa, Tony-award-winning actress Kristin Chenoweth and TV chef Rachel Ray.


Click here to read the full story. And here to check out more on Fashion Week. And here to read our official Fashion Week blog, Tent Talk.