Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Jahzan, homeless at the time of her audition, and her mother perform for the judges on American Idol. (ABC Photo)

American Idol introduced us to another dozen Hollywood bound singers as the show wrapped up its Season 18 audition episodes.

Tomorrow night — that’s right, Monday at 8 p.m. — Idol kicks off its infamous Hollywood Week, with a few twists.

The first round will feature genre challenges, with each singer picking a genre they in which they think they can excel. And group round is gone, replaced by singers pairing up in duets.

Ah, but first, about those 12 new artists we met Sunday. Here’s a recap, with my picks for the best of the night.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Grace Leer, 27, Nashville, Tenn., technology sales, “Crowded Table” by The Highwomen: Grace was on American Juniors way back at age 11 and made the Top 20. Wow, Grace launches into a great version of the song. Katy asks for sad country, Grace responds with an a cappella version of Patsy Cline’s “Crazy.” Katy loves her tone. Luke calls her great and easy to listen to. Grace gets three “yes” votes for Hollywood.

Makayla Brownlee, 17, Wellington, Kansas, “Travelin’ Soldier” by the Dixie Chicks: She’s an outdoor girl who likes snake hunting and performs at a lot of wheat festivals. Dang, Makayla has a fabulous ache in her voice. She needs to learn to enunciate a bit better, but that’s a special voice. Katy calls her a surprise, “like a snake in the water.” She called her voice sweet and sincere. The other judges agree Makayla should be Hollywood bound.

ALSO GOT GOLDEN TICKETS

Amber Fiedler, 23, Coeur D’Alene, Idaho, server: She was 38 weeks pregnant with a daughter she plans to put up for adoption at the time of her audition. Amber explains that she’s not ready to be a mom, but credits her unborn daughter for convincing her to quit heading the wrong way with her life. She sings “Trust in Me” by Etta James and, suffice to say, the judges are impressed. By her backstory and her talent. Luke Bryan compliments her on a “timeless sound.” Lionel tells her the audition was “fabulous.” Katy suggests she has “a bit shot at going very far” on the show. She adds: “Maybe you’re not ready to be a mom, but you’re ready to be an American Idol.

Demi Rae, 26, San Jose, Calif., nanny, “Mad at You” by Noah Cyrus: She shows the judges a book she made when she was a 9. It’s about how she hopes to become an Idol and appear on American Idol. Her dad introduced her to singing, but wound up being in and out of jail. But he turned his life around when Demi was 15 and she now calls her dad “her hero.” She showed off a very nice tone during her audition. Katy compliments her “on such a great voice.” Luke compliments the “natural cry” in her voice. Demi moves on to Hollywood.

Franklin Boone, 27, Durham, N.C., School of Rock instructor, “Dreams” by Fleetwood Mac: He has a smoky voice and put his own spin on the Stevie Nicks’ classic. Luke said he sees lots of “artistry” in Franklin. Katy says he has a good chance to win Idol. Lionel loves his “style.” Franklin is another unanimous “yes” for Hollywood.

Jahzan, 18, Kingston, Jamaica, subway performer: She and her mom left Jamaica for a better life and for their safety when Jahzan was 15. They are now homeless. She lives in her uncle’s salon. She auditions with “Rockabye” by Clean Bandit with her mom. Then she sings “Warrior” by Demi Lovato solo. Jahzan shows off a big voice and lots of passion in her performance. Luke says she has a “unique” sound. The other coaches agree and send Jahzan to Hollywood.

Aliana Jester, 18, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., server, “Who’s Loving You” by Michael Jackson: Her parents split when she was very young and she grew up with her mom, who encouraged her to sing. But she sank into a deep depression when her mom adopted a new religion and restricted Aliana’s social activities. Aliana says she wound up hurting herself and now has a serVIce dog she brings along to the audition. As for that audition, Aliana immediately shows off tons of vocal firepower. Katy compliments her vocals, but wants more emotion. Luke calls her a “special singer.” Lionel says Aliana reminds him of a young Whitney.

Gilberto Rivera, 23, Orlando, Fla, subway singer: He shows up in a rainbow shirt and tall red boots, looking for all the world like another of those joke contestants. But he impresses Katy with a rendition of “Proud Mary.” Lionel says he belongs on a theater stage, not the Idol stage. Gilberto promises to strip away the theatrics if he gets a chance to go to Hollywood. Lionel votes “no,” but Gilberto advances thanks to “yes” votes from Katy and Luke.

Megan Knight, 21, Williamstown, N.J., “When Your Mind’s Made Up” by Glen Hasard: The judges take Megan to a cruise boat for her audition — don’t freak, this was pre-taped. They compliment Megan’s voice and unanimously advance her to Hollywood. Oh, folks, Megan has music released that you can check out now.

Robert Taylor, 27, of Donaldson, La., door-to-door salesman, “Bruises” by Lewis Capaldi: Voice fans might recognize Rob. He made the Top 10 on Season 8. Lionel called his performance “amazing.” Rob says his father passed in January (likely to 2019) and always wanted Rob to do American Idol. That’s what prompted him to audition for this show. Rob’s also gay and says that’s a fact he came to accept just last year. Rob sails to Hollywood on a unanimous vote.

Roselyn, aka Rozzo, 26, Watts, L.A., community activist: She’s beens singing for her whole life. She describes herself as a church singer. She sings “Mother Bound” by the Pilgrim Travelers, which impresses the judges. But they ask for something that’s not a worship song. She sings “Cloud Nine” and Lionel calls her “natural talent.” Luke calls her performances “moving.” She heads to Hollywood as well.

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Jordan Moyes, 25, Provo, Utah, “Fire” by Bruce Springsteen: Jordan used his impressive range to put his own twist on the Springsteen hit. All three judges praised his performance. Unfortunately, we don’t get much bio info on him.