All I can say is I hope the Kodak Theatre was well stocked with tissues when American Idol’s Hollywood episodes were filmed.
Because many of those dreams Jennifer Lopez hesitated to dash during the auditions are going to be dashed in Hollywood.
By the dozens.
By the hundreds, as a matter of fact.
Last year, Idol advanced about 170 contestants to Hollywood. This year: More than 300 will arrive at the Kodak.
Of that number, about 24 will likely make the semifinals, if Idol stays true to its past format.
The chance of a male contestant making the semifinals is about 10 in 1. The chance of a female advancing … well, it’s far more staggering.
That’s because, by my rough count, Idol advanced about 120 guys to Hollywood compared to nearly 200 gals.
And how tough is Idol’s Hollywood Week?
Well, remember Janell Wheeler, a semifinalist from Season 9. Here’s a tweet from her, sent out earlier this week.
“Just saw an ad for idols Hollywood week! Eek! Sends a shiver down my spine.”
I just hope Idol plans to introduce us to some new contestants in Hollywood Week. Because there are so many talented folks we haven’t even met.
Nope, at least not to start.
Idol goes to one of its favorites, 16-year-old Brett Loewenstern, who sings a very nice rendition of “Let It Be.”
Also making the cut are Rachel Zevita, Thia Megia and Casey Abrams, three other contestants we’ve already encountered.
Now we’re reintroduced to Victoria Huggins, who pretty much grew up performing in Myrtle Beach, S.C., at the Alabama Theater. And the 17-year-old doesn’t make the cut. Shame. If nothing else she would have brought some personality to the show.
Next up, Paris Tassin, the young woman who refused to end her problem pregnancy. And she’ll be followed by James Durbin, the young man with the incredible range we met just last night.
Wow, if anything, he sounds better tonight. I just hope he doesn’t adopt the Siobhan Magnus habit of shrieking in every single performance. But I think this guy is going to be a long-term frontrunner. If you want to hear more from James, go here.
OK, I’ve not been fond of how Idol keeps featuring the same contestants over and over, but Lauren Alaina (Suddeth) just sounded very good on “I Need Your Love.” Beauty queen Stormi Henley, however, did not sound good at all. Shame, judging from the video of her showing off her guitar skills, she’s incredibly charming. Go here to see it.
And we lose the beauty queen, but keep Paris and Lauren Alaina and James.
Another familiar face, Chris Medina, the guy who stuck by the fiancee who was critically injured in a car accident. And, of course, he advances.
Hollie Cavanaugh, who was in tears from nervousness in her audition, handles the Hollywood pressure better than I would have expected. Also advancing, Robbie Rosen and Jacee Badeaux, another of Idol’s clear favorites. Honestly, I don’t get that trio.
Oh, no, belly dancer Heidi Khzam’s 15-minutes of fame ended on day one of Hollywood. Anyone surprised?
Actually, I’m glad to see Rob Bolin again. I think the guy has an excellent voice. And we hear from his former girlfriend, too, Chelsee Oaks, who also sounds very good.
I wasn’t so impressed with Nick Fink and his girlfriend, Jacqueline Dunford, when they were first introduced to us. And I’m no more impressed after hearing them sing this time around.
Judging from the teaser before the commercial break, Idol is about to break them up. And they do. Nick is going home; Jacqueline is advancing. Hmm, I thought she oversang horribly. But I guess Idol needed a storyline.
Scotty McCreery up next. He’s the country singer who sings with the surprisingly deep voice. And, my, oh, my, does he sound good. This guy’s no fluke. Check out his YouTube videos and you’ll soon discover he’s the real deal. He advances as well.
Tiffany Rios, the gal with the stars on her chest, leaves her stars behind for Hollywood Week. Apparently, she left her sense of tone behind, too. Travis Orlando, the guy who spent some of his time showing up in a shelter, displays a nice tone to his voice again, but the nerves seemed to get to him during that performance.
Tiffany stays; Travis goes. Shame, I would have decided the other way around.
Wednesday, it’s time for group round, when I hope we finally meet some new contestants.
Coming up in a few, a rapid-fire review of what I learned tonight.
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