“Big Ron” Wilson showed off some big talent, singing mostly only to Jennifer Lopez, during the American Idol Season 14 auditions Wednesday night. (FOX Photo)
I just checked back over the 17 Hollywood-bound singers we met in last Thursday’s episode.
Eight identified themselves as musicians already; two called themselves actors or actresses.
Even some of the “students” entered the audition room with quite impressive musical resumes.
Seems like Idol was serious about assembling a more ready-for-prime-time cast this spring. Speaking of which … we’re about to meet more of those cast members.
“Big Ron” Wilson, 24, accountant, Gretna, Fla.: Our first contestant of the night is quite the character. Most people call him “Big Ron,” but he invites Jennifer to call him “Big Sexy.” He launches into “Let’s Get it On.” And as “Big Ron” sings to Jennifer, Harry and Keith start chatting annoyingly, then get up and leave the room momentarily in a stupid stunt. After all that nonsense, “Big Ron” gets three yes votes.
Next, we hear a guy whose ability to hit high notes isn’t enough to get him past the judges. He’s followed by audition snippets of three singers who did advance, including the should-be-familiar Casey Thrasher, who was an early favorite to make the finals last year, but didn’t.
Ashley Lusk, 15, student, Eureka, Mo.
Josh Sanders, 26, music retail, Kannapolis, N.C.
Casey Thrasher, 23, musician, Tuscaloosa, Ala.
To me, Josh Sanders sounded most impressive of the three.
Joey Cook, 23, server, Woodbridge, Va.: This young lady thinks “originality needs to be brought back into the mainstream and accordions need to be for more than polka music. Free the accordions,” she says. She’s going to play “King of Spain,” using her “squeeze box.” Honestly, her accordion is so loud, it’s difficult to hear her voice over it. But she’s got a quirky look, a quirky sound and the judges seem to love her brand of “originality.” Keith calls her voice his favorite of the day. Jennifer likes her uniqueness and the fact that she looks like a doll. Harry calls her very talented, but tells her to beware of being too “novelty.”
Alexis Gomez, 22, Spanish tutor, Dayton, Ohio: Alexis promises to bring a different kind of country to American Idol. “I never claimed to be a country girl because I don’t ride horses and do that kind of thing. Just because you’re country doesn’t mean you have to wear boots all the time, though I do love boots.” She says she’s like “the hippie, Mexican hillbilly.” She’ll audition with “Little White Church.” She’s got a nice edge to her. Harry calls her audition good but not spectacular. Jennifer likes her style and her voice. She advances by a 2-1 vote with Keith being the “No” for a change. Alexis vows to make him change his mind about her talent.
Anton Bushner’s passionate rendition of a Keith Urban song won him a unanimous golden ticket to Hollywood. (FOX Photo)
Stephanie Gummelt, 18, cashier, St. Joseph, Mo.: A gal with an incredibly high talking voice — especially when she’s excited — auditions with an original tune. I’m not sure what it’s called, but it’s a pleasant tune. Jennifer calls her a “character” and “just a natural singer.” Stephanie moves on to Hollywood by a 2-1 vote. Things are back to normal; Harry provides the “no.”
Ashley Stehle, 15, lifeguard, St. Charles, Mo.: Ashley’s parents are deaf, but her dad just got a new device that allowed him to hear her sing for the first time. So the whole family enters the audition room to hear Ashley perform “If I Ain’t Got You” for the Idol judges. Ashley has a really powerful voice, but doesn’t show a whole lot of control over her voice. And all three Idol judges turn her down. Ashley vows “to get them next year.”
Ellen Peterson, 22, bluegrass band performer, Branson, Mo.: Ellen enters the audition room with a banjo and launches into “I Want to Be a Cowboy Sweetheart.” She immediately demonstrates a really nice voice. Perhaps the best voice we’ve heard so far tonight. And, yep, here comes the yodel. Harry calls her “really, really good.” Keith calls her “a pro.” Jennifer says: “I like everything you did. You’re just about to bloom, I think.”
Then Keith and Harry sing the “Beverly Hillbillies” theme song as Ellen plays her banjo.
Kohlton Pascal, 21, travelin’ man, Auburn, N.Y.: This guy moved out of his home when he was 16, admitting he wanted to be a “rebellious little punk.” He travels around to perform, never staying in one spot more than three or four days. He’s going to sing an original, “Sitting Here Beside Me.” He has a deep, gravelly voice and sings with a lot of passion. Not my cup of tea, but let’s see what the judges say. Keith says he really likes Kohlton’s talent. Harry thinks he’s great. And he heads to Hollywood with three yes votes.
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