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 the female singers we didn’t meet during the New York audition episode.

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.

For a look at other Hollywood-bound contestants for Season 12, head here.

Brianna-Marie Bell

You might reminder Brianna as a member of the feuding “Betties” from American Idol’s Season 11 group night episode — you know, the episode without singing. The gal from Stow, Ohio, is heading to Hollywood again, vowing that she has “more confidence this year.” She says she started singing and performing in 5th grade, when she performed in “Annie.” She credits her mom and family for being amazing supporters of her musical ambition and describes herself as outgoing and “very talkative.” Her favorite past Idol is Phillip Phillips, partly because he went into Season 11 as an underdog, yet won.

“Maybe This Time”
For more music from Brianna, go here and here.

Brooke Villanyi

We didn’t see her audtion, but this gal from Denver, Colorado, says she “scraped through by the skin of her teeth.” Brooke said much of her musical inspiration comes from her grandfather, a jazz pianist. With his help, piano was the first instrument she learned. “He’s an amazing musician,” she says. “I sorta moved through all these different instruments and ended up doing vocals and guitar and song-writing.” She thinks the grit in her voice will set her apart and says she’s been working on music for eight years now and is determined to make it her career, regardless of the outcome on American Idol. Her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood.

“Bridges” (original)
For more music from Brooke, go here.

Cara Samantha

This young woman from Massapeque, N.Y., is another contestant making it to Hollywood in her last year of eligibility. “I know this is my time to do it,” she tells Idol. She says she always wanted to be a performer and praises her husband and family for the support they’ve shown her in that respect. What makes her unique? “I don’t think a lot of curly-haired people embrace their curly hair,” she says, sporting curly hair. Oh, she always thinks she has a unique sound vocally, one that allows her to cross over into a variety of genres. Her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood.

“Set Fire to the Rain” (duet with Nina Siegel, another Hollywood bound contestant)
For more from Cara, go here

“Secret Hideaway”

Courtney Calle

Courtney says she looked at her audition as a “learning experience” because she hopes to make a living as a musician and calls singing her “dream job.” “It’s just the most amazing feeling when you’re on that stage,” says the young woman from Newtown, Pa. She says she has a different sense of style in clothing and music — without elaborating on the latter — and adds that she thinks “being different will get you very far in music these days.” She also says she’s easy to work with and takes advice well. Her favorite past Idol contestant is Kelly Clarkson.

“Jersey Girl”
For more music from Courtney, head here.

Elaine Gutierrez

Elaine, of Maplewood, N.J., says she auditioned at the urging of her boyfriend, his family and her own. She says she’s wanted to be a performer of some sort — singing, dancing or acting — “just as long as I’m on stage for as long as I can remember.” The makes her a multi-faceted performer, she notes, adding she also has a degree in theater studies. She describes herself as quirky, upbeat and very enthusiastic. Oh, and very competitive. “I will fight tooth and nail for this,” she vows. Her favorite past Idol is Kelly Clarkson.

No video located

Elaine Velie

Elaine says she’s been watching American Idol since age 8 and always wanted to audition. The first year she watched also happened to be the year Carrie Underwood won, so it’s no surprise that Carrie is one of her favorite past Idols. Elaine says she’s a fan because of Carrie’s “amazing big voice.” Her other favorite past contestant is Haley Reinhart because of her unique style. That’s something Elaine thinks she’s capable of bringing to the show as well, especially since she’s more of a singer-songwriter type who writes much of the music she sings.

“Taking Steps”

Emily Fritz

Here’s a contestant from nearby Lancaster, Pa. She admits to “blubbering like a little girl” when she got her golden ticket and said that isn’t something she typically does. She credits her family and friends for their support of her musical pursuits and says she also has some weird interests (she mentions quantum physics as one). Why is she the next Idol? “I can tear into a song, put it back together and tear it up again,” Emily says, adding that, “I want to make it my personal mission to really connect with people and unite people (through music).” Her favorite past Idol is Danny Gokey for his vibe, his sound and his back-story.

No video located

Erin Christine

Erin recalls watching Idol last year and says she auditioned for Season 12 because she “was blown away by talent and so inspired.” The gal from Madison, Conn., says Beyonce is her musical inspiration, calling her “the ultimate performer.” Says Erin: “I don’t dance like her, but when I go on stage, I want to get in that zone every time.” Erin also plays piano and thinks she has a different tone. “I like to stand up at my keyboard and go psycho,” she confesses. Her favorite past contestant is Phillip Phillips.

“Say”
For more music from Erin Christine, head here.

Janel Stinney

Tha Gaithersburg, Md., native says she auditioned because of her family and because “it’s time for me to chase my dreams and this is one of the ways to do it.” She says there are lots of performers she looks up to and draws inspiration from. And what inspires her about music? “I want to put a smile on their face,” Janel says. “I want to make people happy when they’re having a bad day.” Her favorite past Idol contestant is Jessica Sanchez, partly because she displayed such an “angelic voice” at such a young age.

“Someone Like You”
For more music from Janel, head here.

Jennifer Albee

This young woman from Pembroke, N.H., credits Mariah Carey for kick-starting her interest in music. After all, Mariah’s “Hero” album was the first CD Jennifer ever owned. Judging from the Idol site, it appears Jennifer is going to Hollywood for the second time. She says she thinks her sound makes her unique. The judges compared it to Carly Simon and sort of a 1970s’ vibe. “I don’t think that’s what you expect when you see me,” Jennifer says. Her favorite past Idol is Carrie Underwood and, regardless of Mariah influences, Jennifer says she loves country music.

No video located