Kellyeann Rodgers had trouble finding her way out of the American Idol audition room, but was impressive when she auditioned. (FOX Photo)
Over two nights this week, we’ll meet the talent they found in this year’s stop in California.
During Wednesday’s episode, Idol introduced us to nine Hollywood bound singers, but the judges reserved their highest praise for the show-closer, Maddy Hudson.
Also especially impressive were a pair of male vocalists, Andrew Bloom and Rayvon Owen and a voice teacher from Tennessee, Kellyeann Rodgers.
Katherine Skinner, 15, student, San Francisco: First up, we meet a 15-year-old who was inspired to audition by her 19-year-old cat, who doubles as a psychic. Katherine says she’s ready to be a rock star, “that’s why I’m here.” She’s going to sing “Shake It Out” by Florence and the Machine. This young lady is pretty annoying. And her vocal is sort of all over the place. Jennifer says she’s talented and “made for a stage,” but doesn’t know if it’s American Idol. Keith calls her “bold and fierce.” Somehow, Katherine is bound for Hollywood. Let’s hope her journey ends there.
Now we meet three Hollywood-bound singers in a montage package.
Erika David, 25, hotel representative, Fremont, Calif.: She’s singing “No One” by Alicia Keys. She’s hoping to show confidence and thinks Jennifer will like her sassiness. She advances by a 2-1 vote, thanks to Jennifer.
Chandler Leighton, 20, student, Los Angeles, Calif.: She’s singing “New York State of Mind.” She gets three yes votes.
Ryan Pinkston, 27, student, San Francisco, Calif.: Harry calls his audition “pinpoint perfect.” He gets three yes votes.
Andrew Bloom, 17, student, Yorba Linda, Calif.: He’ll sing “Too Close” and he’s delivering the best vocal we’ve heard so far tonight. He also seems pretty self-assured. Keith says he “has a good spirit.” Harry calls him a “really entertaining guy.” And he gets three yes votes, too.
Kellyeann Rodgers, 24, voice teacher, Memphis, Tenn.: We don’t really get to meet this young woman, but she has a very good voice, even if she does have a heck of a time finding her way out of the room.
Reno Anoa’i, 16, student, San Francisco, Calif.: He’s one of six sibling and says his mother was one of 22 children. At one point, they had 40 family members living together. He’ll audition with “I Don’t Want to Talk About It” by Rod Stewart. Oh, and he plays the ukulele. Keith, Harry and Jennifer all compliment him on his voice. Jennifer liked it best when he kept the performance simple. He gets three yes votes, too.
Samuel Prince, 22, actor/singer, San Juan, Puerto Rica: He auditions with “As Long As You Love Me.” Unfortunately, his singing isn’t nearly as good as his acting. Oh, if you missed it, the judges pretended to do a little skit from a Spanish soap opera. Yeah, it was as silly as it sounds for a show that’s supposed to be not about the judges.
Rayvon Owen, 23, singer/vocal coach, Richmond, Va.: The guy says his mom is his number one supporter. His mom worked two or three jobs to make ends meet, he says, and he and his siblings didn’t realize they were poor. He’ll sing “Wide Awake” by Katy Perry. Hey, here’s another guy with a really nice voice. Jennifer gets the goosies. Keith calls his tone “beautiful” and says he “loved it.” Harry thought he sounded “great,” too. He’s another unanimous choice to advance to Hollywood.
Twins Ezekial and Jeremiah Cardenas proved more entertaining during their pre-audition interview than they were during their audition on American Idol. (FOX Photo)
Maddy Hudson, 16, student, Pleasanton, Calif: Next up is another singer who says her mom is her biggest supporter. “It’s pretty much always been my mom and I against the world,” she says. Maddy says music is the only place she feels she fits in. “I feel like my sole purpose is music,” she adds. She tells the judges she’s a street performer. She’s going to sing “Resentment.” Jennifer says she was “fantastic” and says she was “blown away.” Harry says she has all the ingredients to “be a superstar.”
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