Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The number of golden ticket recipients from each American Idol audition city far exceed the number of contestants we meet on the show.

Here are some of the female singers we didn’t meet during the Baton Rouge audition episode. The rest will be featured in a second blog.

I’ve included a blurb on each with information gleaned from their Road to Hollywood videos on americanidol.com.

In cases where a video of them singing or performing could be located, I’ve also included that.

If you know of existing YouTube videos for a contestant who doesn’t have one below, simply let me know and I’ll add it.

And to hear more from American Idol’s other Hollywood bound contestants, head here.

Amber Holcomb

This teen from Houston, Texas, made it to the group round in Vegas before being eliminated last year. Now she’s back with a purpose. “That just ate me up inside,” she says of her Season 11 experience. “I was like ‘American Idol beat me. I’ve gotta come back and beat it.’ I hate losing, and I feel like I lost.” Despite last year’s success, she was relieved to get a golden ticket because “my body just has perfect timing, and I was hoarse today.” Lately, she says she’s been inspired by Karen Carpenter and music of the 1970s. Oh, and she’s got an upbeat attitude. About last year, she adds: “I call it my ‘just kidding’ round. This time, I’m going to bring it 10 times harder and show America what they didn’t get to see.”

“Take A Bow”
Hear more from Amber here

Anna Melvin

If she sparkles on stage the way she sparkles in an interview setting, Anna just might find success on Idol. Her inspiration: Celine Dion. “I have listened to her ever since I was little,” says the gal from Memphis, Tenn. “My mom loved her, so she showed her to me and I just became obsessed. I have all 13 of her albums that are in English. I know every single word. I’ve read her autobiography six times. I traveled to Vegas for my 21st birthday to go see her. I bawled my eyes out. She’s the reason that I’m singing today.” Oh, and people tell her she sounds a little like Celine and a little like Carrie Underwood. So, naturally, she says “I’m hoping to be the country Celine.” She’s also just 4-11, but says people are constantly surprised “this big voice comes out of such a little person.”

“Address in the Stars”

Athena Frangos

This singer from New Orleans is hoping American Idol and her voice can take her “to that level I’m searching for as a performer.” She says she got a little constructive criticism during her audition, and thinks one thing that will set her apart is her ability to handle that. “I have confidence out of this world. Even if I’m criticized, I will make sure I better myself and better my performance.” She also thinks her Greek heritage makes her unique. Her favorite former Idol contestant is Fantasia. And she says music comes somewhat naturally for her because she has musically-inclined people in her family.

She is part of the Bustout Burlesque show, which you can learn more about by heading here.

Brandy Hotard

The third time proved the charm for this gal from Port Allen, La., who admits she failed in her first two bids to get a golden ticket. Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson are her favorite past Idols, and she thinks her music is a combination of the two. “I have a rocker kind of vibe,” Brandy says. “I love Janis Joplin, the more gritty kind of songs. But I also love country.” After all, she confesses to growing up listening to Reba McEntire. “I can remember coming home from kindergarten and just sitting by myself in a corner singing to her.” Says she’s very random. “You never know what I’m going to say, what I’m going to do. And the fact that I’m a psych nurse — my life is never dull, whether it’s at home with friends or work.”

National Anthem

Breanna Steer

Breanna takes all the changes on Idol this year, judging and otherwise, as a sign that it might be her time. “I feel like American Idol is looking for something different with different judges and everything. They need someone different. And I feel like I’m pretty different. I can be what they’re looking for.” From Laplace, La., she said her uncle inspired her up until his death. After his death, she said she quizzed herself on what he saw in her as a singer. Eventually, she decided she had to keep singing. She thinks her voice, her style and her exotic look will help set her apart.

No video located.

Christina Langston

From Shreveport, La., Christina describes herself as a very determined person who will not stop until she gets what she wants and can be at “peace with myself.” In Baton Rouge, that meant snagging a golden ticket. She says music has always been her passion. “It makes me happy,” she says. “I see that it makes other people happy. I want to be part of that.” Besides, as she grew up watching people perform, she decided it looked like “the best job ever.” Her favorite past Idol contestant is Carrie Underwood, because she seems so down-to-earth despite her “amazing” talent and her success.

No video located.

Emily White

She’s from Elmira, N.Y., but works as a street musician in New Orleans. Emily has also been watching American Idol since she was 9 and says it’s been her dream to be the next American Idol. Versatility helps sets her apart, she says, since she listens to all types of music, from Etta James to Mariah Carey to Christina Aguilera and “all the way back to Mozart. I have a lot of different influences.” She also plays piano and guitar, though she admits she picked up the latter just three months before her audition. Her favorite past Idol contestant: Kelly Clarkson, for her spirit and her music.

No video located.

Jada Vance

Jada thinks the fact that she’s bi-racial and sings country music will make her stand apart. Why country music? “I am a country girl. Always. Born and raised. Four-wheelers. Hunting. Fishing. I just had to sing country music.” Besides, her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood, who she describes as lovely, sweet and flawless, “everything I could ever imagine.” From Portland, Tenn., Jada says she was inspired to audition by her grandfather, who passed away the January before the tryouts, and by other family members and friends who have been so supportive.

“Revelation Song”

Jenny Beth Willis

This gal from Owensboro, Ky., says she packs a big, powerful voice in a little body. “A female hasn’t won (Idol) in a couple of years,” she notes. “I definitely think I could be that female.” She’s been watching the show since she was little and always wanted to be on it, but says her real musicial inspiration comes from Martina McBride and her incredible voice. Oh, and her mom. Jenny Beth grew up watching her sing in church. What else sets her apart? “I’m super pale. Not a lot of people are super pale and OK with it. But I really like it. With my dark hair, I think it’s a cool contrast.” Her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood.

“All Is Well”
For a video of her singing with Straight-Laced go here