Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol kicked off Season 18 by introducing us to eight golden ticket winners and three singers who didn’t quite make the cut Sunday night.

Along the way, Nepal native Arthur Gunn was labeled a “rock star.”

Francisco Martin was labeled a potential Top 5 finisher, in spite of his nerves.

Luke Bryan predicted Louis Knight could be the biggest star the show has produced in its three seasons on ABC.

And Just Sam, a young woman with a difficult past, found three new friends in Luke, Katy Perry and Lionel Richie.

Here’s a recap.

Douglas Kiker, 27, Mobile, Ala., garbage man: He would have been the first artist we heard in Season 18. But when he told the judges he had no experience singing in front of a crowd, that he just sang on the back of the garbage truck, they sent him out to perform for a crowd, accompanied by Ryan. He returned and impressed them with a powerful version of “God Bless the Broken Road.” With a little assist from Luke Bryan when it came to showing off his range. Douglas said he auditioned in hopes of providing more opportunities for his 2-year-old daughter.

Camryn Leigh Smith, 16, Acworth, Ga., high school student: Thanks to Doug’s detour to get “experience,” she wound up being the first contestant we heard. Camryn said she grew up singing in church and is now a worship leader. She auditioned with “Big White Room” by Jessie J., showing off a really sweet tone with some power behind it. Lionel said she shocked him into believing there’s something better than last season. And she received three yes votes for a golden ticket, though she wasn’t quite certain where Hollywood is.

Francisco Martin, 18, San Francisco, college student: He’s studying pre-law in college. When it comes to music, he admits he struggles with self-confidence. And he’s nervous as hell in the audition room, so Luke and Lionel try to help him calm down. He sang “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers, showing of nice range once the song swelled. He also sang a snippet of an impressive original, inspired by a female friend from Australia. Katy predicted he’s Top 10. Luke wrote winner on a card at the judge’s table. The judges sent him to Hollywood unanimously, but recommended a no caffeine diet.

Hunter Gibson (aka The Comeback), 23, Arcadia, Calif.ride share driver and background actor: He describes himself as an in-your-face rock performer. In fact, he calls himself “the people’s star.” He performs “Swing Swing” by the All American Rejects with tons of energy and tons of off-key vocals. He doesn’t get a golden ticket, but promises to return next year.

Nick Merico, 23, Woodland Hills, Calif., server: He got a golden ticket last year, but dropped out of the competition before Hollywood Week because of personal issues. Looking like a male model, he slid behind a piano and delivered a fine version of “You Say” by Lauren Daigle. Luke said “you’re still dreamy and you can sing.” But Nick sparked mixed reactions from the other judges. Katy told him his “ego might get in the way” and Idol “doesn’t tolerate egos.” Lionel pretended not to like Nick as part of an Idol ploy to convince him he needs to approach the competition with a sense of humility. The other judges echoed that sentiment.

Arthur Gunn, 21, Wichita, Kansas, musician: He was born in Nepal before moving to America, which he calls a “land of great opportunity.” He auditioned for Idol for a chance to make his American dream come true. He covers Bob Dylan’s “Girl from the North Country.” When the judges suggest a second song, he responds with a more lively version of “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. The judges clearly love the fact that Idol discovered a talented singer from Nepal — real name Dibesh Pokharel — in Kansas. Katy says he has a “great story-telling voice” and calls him a “rock star.” Yep, he’s Hollywood bound.

Alisa Ermolaev, Queens, N.Y., actress: She was born in Russia, raised in Queens and predicts the judges better have their umbrellas ready to shield themselves from the shattering glass when she cuts loose vocally. She struggles to explain who she’s compared to vocally; in terms of her look, she suggests Taylor Swift. Oh, as for her acting, she was Russia stripper number two in “Hustlers.” She sings an original called “Say Goodbye,” then offers to make the judges smile with a comic bit. Responds Katy: “I don’t want to rain on your parade, but we’re going to do a little sprinkling.” She doesn’t get a golden ticket.

Louis Knight, 19, Philadelphia, Pa., pizza delivery man: He was born in London and moved to Philly at age 10. He and brother Max began playing soccer in school and that help acclimate them to their new home. So did a best friend and fellow soccer player named Russell. But he committed suicide a year and a half ago. Louis performed “Change” for the judges, a song he wrote as a tribute to Russell, hoping he might convince someone not to take their own life. Luke Bryan was certainly impressed. He said Louis “might be the biggest star we’ve ever had on American Idol.” Katy sorta agreed. And Louis got a unanimous golden ticket to Hollywood. More on Louis Knight.

Saveria, 22, London, Ontario, Canada, guitar teacher: She was signed to a record contract when she was young, but was cut when she was 13 or 14. She’s been doing everything she can musically since. She auditioned with an original, “Tell Me This is Real.” She performed with lots of passion and won a fan in Katy Perry. But Lionel and Luke were unmoved and voted “no” on giving Saveria a golden ticket. That prompted a mini-tirade from Katy.

Meghan Fitton, 23, Brooklyn, N.Y., fitness instructor: She’s a major fan of the Bachelor TV show. She even has a Bachelor podcast, but admits not too many people listen in. She’s a “single chick” and loves the show because it delivers a happy ending. She auditioned with Allen Stone’s “Love Where You’re At,” displaying a unique soulful tone. Luke called her voice “incredible.” Lionel and Katy were impressed to. And Meghan is Hollywood bound, with an assist from a Chris Harrison of Bachelor fame.

Just Sam (aka Samantha Diaz), 20, Harlem: She had a tough early life, growing up in the projects in Harlem, having her mother serve time in prison. But Just Sam and her sister were adopted by their grandmother Elizabeth. Sam still lives with her and is convinced she’s gotten “through 100 percent of my worst days.” Overcome by the opportunity Idol presents, Just Sam broke down in tears trying to cover Lauren Daigle’s “You Say.” After a hug from Lionel Richie and reassurance from the other judges, she delivered an impressive version of “Rise Up” by Andra Day. She got a unanimous golden ticket. More on Just Sam.