Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Now that we’ve endured the judge blowup heard around the nation, American Idol gets back down to the business of finding the next Phillip Phillips tonight.

Destination: Baton Rouge.

Time frame: Mercifully, just one hour.

I don’t know about you, but two hours of Idol auditions is just too much in one sitting.

However, Summer Cunningham, the singer caught in the middle of that is-she-country, isn’t-she-country dispute did an interview with FOX Savannah today.

Which judge’s input did she appreciate most? Check it out here.

* Megan Miller, 22, Ethel, La.: First up, the current Miss Baton Rouge, who shows up on crutches, fresh off an automobile accident. She’s heading into surgery right after her audition Her leg can fall off, she says, but she isn’t missing her audition. She’ll sing “Something’s Got a Good Hold on Me.” My, my, Miss Baton Rouge has a really nice voice. And a pretty big voice, too. Not to mention a sense of humor. She uses her crutch as a microphone. Nicki calls her an “undeniable superstar.” Mariah calls her “endearing” and “very talented.” And Megan makes Hollywood, of course.

* Charlie Askew, 17, Little Rock, Ark.: Charlie admits to being socially awkward, but said he’s found an outlet in music, and it’s the way he communicates and connects with people. His dad says he was born to perform. He sings Queen’s “Breakthrough” and has a decent tone to his voice, but needs to stop shouting. The second song, he displays a more tender touch. Randy calls him “seeming dark, strange but cool.” Keith says he “loves” his voice. Mariah is trying to say she can relate to Charlie. Nicki is making all sorts of faces as Mariah talks. You can almost read the thought bubble: “Like you were ever shy or socially awkward.” In spite of some eye rolls, Charlie is off to Hollywood, too.

* Maddie Assel, 17, Centreville, Va.: Here’s another of the contestants nominated by a relative. In this case, she’s been nominated by her grandmother. And appears to be in the middle of performing karaoke when Randy Jackson shows up. She’s going to sing “Oh, Darling.” Hey, this gal has a nice rasp to her voice. Even if this is a little overdone. Asked who she models herself after, she mentions Beyonce, Adele and … Haley Reinhart. Another Hollywood-bound contestant.

* Paul Jolley, 22, Palmersville, Tenn.: After a string of bad auditions, Paul says he was born to perform. And he wants to model his life after his late grandfather, who he says was a wonderful role model. His song: “I Won’t Let Go” by Rascal Flatts. Hey, he’s going to be one of the best male singers we’ve heard so far … and I don’t just mean tonight. I mean one of the best male singers period. Nicki says she likes his vibe and his voice. Keith likes the “honesty” in his tone. Of course, Paul lands a golden ticket.

Christopher Barthel, 24, Metairie, La.: He says he has an alter ego. He wants a nickname. Nicki gives him one: Mushroom. He’s going to audition with Adam Lambert’s “If I Had You.” Somehow, I don’t think Adam has anything to worry about when it comes to being one of the best singers ever on Idol.
He isn’t Hollywood bound.

* Calvin Peters, 27, Fort Worth, Texas: Next up, an aspiring doctor in the third year of his residency at a veteran’s hospital. He had to put singing on the side to focus on his studies, but says he recently rediscovered his love for performing. He’s singing a Maxwell song. He immediately demonstrates a nice range. Mariah calls him “unique.” Nicki compliments his “technique,” saying he did things lots of people don’t even attempt in an audition. Another unanimous choice for Hollywood.

Then, in quick sucession, we see snippets of Michelle Montezeri, 19, of Orlando, Fla.; Breanna Steer, 18, of Lapllace, La.; and Brandy Hotard, 26, of Port Allen, La. All are off to Hollywood.

* Dustin Watts, 27, Albany, La.: After a string of talented girls, a hunky firefighter walks into the room to sing “She’s Every Woman” by Garth Brooks. He’s a decent country singer who brings a big smile to Nicki’s face. Mariah says he has something “special.” Nicki says he looks like a country song. And the fireman is off to Hollywood.

* Burnell Taylor, 19, New Orleans, La.: This guy has already been billed as a game-changer. He says he grew up in a musical family, and that it’s his grandfather who inspired him to sing. The family was hard hit by Hurricane Katrina, one factor that convinced him to pursue his dream. Turns out his mother was a singer as well. He’s singing “I’m Here” from The Color Purple.” Another really good male singer. This show might have featured the best male talent we’ve seen to date. Before tonight, each episode has seemed like ladies night. Wow. He brought Mariah to tears. Nicki: “That is what we came for.”