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.

J’Leigh Chauvin

J’Leigh is heading to Hollywood for a second straight year and says she thinks her love of music from the 1940s and 1950s sets her apart. “I’ve grown up listening to Billie Holiday. Marilyn Monroe. All the old souls. I absolutely love to sing all their music,” says the gal from Larose, La. Not that she doesn’t like rock, soul and pop music. In fact, she sees herself as a versatile singer. “But what makes me unique is I can make my voice sound exactly like the old souls,” she says. Her favorite past Idol contestant is Casey Abrams, because he played several instrument and was a “true musician,” she says.

“The Story”
Hear lots more of J’Leigh here.

Kaitlyn Good

Kaitlyn describes herself as a small-town girl trying to get a break, which is one reason she says she can relate to her favorite Idol of all time, Carrie Underwood. She says an aunt got her interested in music. “When I was young, I used to watch her sing and saw how much fun she had on stage and how much everybody enjoyed watching her sing. She made me want to be a performer,” says the young woman from Pikeville, Ky. Kaitlyn also thinks she could be someone others could look up to. Her goal through music: “Hopefully, I can make everyone happy and have a warm, fuzzy feeling inside whenever I sing.”

“Son of a Preacher Man”
Here more of Kaitlyn here.

Kara Pitre

This gal from Baton Rouge says she couldn’t pass up the opportunity to audition when Idol landed in her hometown. And we didn’t see her audition, but she says she got a unanimous pass to Hollywood. Her musical inspiration comes from the likes of Beyonce, Adele, and Grace Potter and the Nocturnals. “Big voices. With a lot of confidence.” Kara says she’s told she’s quirky and goofy. “I think that helps me stand out. Maybe not always in a good way. But it does make me stand out for sure.” Another quality that could help her … “I like to think I have the confidence to carry me through, but the humbleness to keep me down to earth.” She also takes a go-with-the-flow attitude toward things. “You can get me to do whatever you want,” she says, then adds. “As long as I approve. It can’t be too crazy.”

No video located.

Kelly Casey

Kelly is from Nicholasville, Ky., grew up on a farm in a rural area and says her background has taught her a strong work ethic that should prove valuable on Idol or as she pursues music. “No matter how cold it is or what’s going on outside or if it’s Christmas, the animals still have to be taken care of. There’s no holiday for that.” She says lots of people in her family are musically inclined, “but they’ve always said I was the only one brave enough to get on stage and perform.” She also says she auditioned partly to get people off her back about doing it. “And, wow, I got a golden ticket.” Carrie Underwood is her Idol favorite, partly because she sings country music and that’s what Kelly grew up listening to.

“Stand By Your Man”
For more of Kelly singing, go here and here.

Kendra Vailes

If Kendra does well on Idol, she’s likely to give her mom much of the credit. “My mom is my worst critic. She’ll tell me straight-up what’s wrong or what I’m doing. And I need to fix it right then. She’s the one that’s made me the performer I am,” says this gal from Humboldt, Tenn. Her mother and father both sing in a southern gospel group. Kendra says she has a church feel to her voice too, but also sounds kind of country. In fact, she thinks she might have the “extra umph, twang, raspiness” in her voice. She’s never missed a season of Idol and counts Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood as her favorites.

“Anyway”
For another video of Kendra, go here.

Maddie Hayes

This gal from Bowling Green, Ky., credits her father with her love of music and the golden ticket that earned her a spot in Hollywood. “He’s always been into music, and he got me to come out of my shell and sing in front of people when I was little,” Maddie says. It was also his suggestion that she audition when the Idol bus tour stopped in Bowling Green, and his prodding paid off. Heck, she says he even joined her on stage for the audition. Maddie thinks her jazzier tone will help set her apart. Plus her red hair. Her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood, who she calls a “wonderful role model.”

“Take A Bow”
For more of Maddie singing with One Depression, head here.

Michelle Montezeri

Michelle says she’s inspired by the way music can change people and make them feel better. Heck, it works for her. “When I’m sad, I listen to a happy song to start smiling. Or when I want to be inspired, I listen to inspiring songs that make me feel like I can conquer the world.” Can she conquer Idol? Well, she says she’s ready to take risks with her music. “Bring them at me,” she says in the sweetest of tones. I’ll do it. I’ll work my way around it. I won’t give up.” She’s from Champions Gate, Fla., says music is her dream and she won’t give up until she reaches it.

“Home”
For lots more music from Michelle, head here.

Olivia Gaines

The gal from Enfield, Conn., admits to breaking down into a “big sob fest” in the audition room. Why? Well, Mariah Carey told her she had impressive range. And, coming from Mariah, she considers that quite the compliment. Musically, her father has provided inspiration. He’s performed in bands as long as she can remember. “They’d have band practice as our house, in the basement and I just started sneaking downstairs watching. I started singing from there.” As for her music, Olivia says she likes to push the envelope and look a little different without being too much over the top. Kelly Clarkson’s her favorite Idol. “I’ve seen her live more times than I can count,” she confesses.

“You’re Gonna Miss Me”
For more of Liv singing, head here.