Idol Chatter & Voice Views

American Idol introduced fans to nine more Hollywood bound singers Sunday night.

But it was Jovin Webb, Julia Gargano and Jonny West who seemed to impress the judges the most.

Here’s a recap of Sunday’s show. At the bottom of the blog, I’ve provided links to profiles of singers who have made Hollywood so far. Each profile includes information about music the artist has already released.

Cyniah Elise, 17, Atlanta, Ga., high school student — Cyniah says she’s been watching Idol since she was very young and is now old enough to audition. Her artistic claim to fame to date is a cover of “Change Me” (under the name Cyniah Chambers) that attracted 4 million views on YouTube. She dazzles the judges with a take-us-to-church rendition of “You Are the Reason” showing a sweet tone and tons of vocal firepower.

Jovin Webb, 28, Gonzalez, La., musician: Jovin said he went through a dark place a few years ago when his mother died. “She was my backbone.” She passed in 2012, shortly after Jovin graduated college. Jovin said that sent him into a downward spiral and a pattern of self-destructive behavior that didn’t end until his young son was born. “I tightened up my bootstraps, be a man and take care of everything I needed to take care of.” That included setting a good example for his son. After telling his story, Jovin wowed the judges with a passionate, bluesy version of “Whipping Post” by the Allman Brothers Band. It brought the judges to their feet and they unanimously advanced Jovin to Hollywood.

Kyle Tanguay, 21, Rochester, N.H.: He’s a cheerleader with the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the few male cheerleaders in the NFL. He says he’s never had a single lesson or a chance to “sing out.” He auditions with “Mercy” by Shawn Mendes. And what looked like it might be a joke audition turns into a golden ticket because Kyle really can sing, showing off impressive range during that audition.

Kay Genyse, 19, High Point, N.C., grocery store employee: Kay tells the judges that she was working at Food Lion when a friend suggested she try American Idol. Shortly after, she got a fortune cookie that read: “You’re talents will be recognized and rewarded.” She took that as a sign that the time is now. But after a rendition of “Mercy,” the judges weren’t so sure. They loved Kay’s showmanship and personality, but said her vocal skills need to catch up. Kay pleaded for a second chance, and Katy Perry relented, taking Kay to the street to “sing for her life.” She impressed the gathered audience enough to convince Kat and Lionel that she deserves a shot in Hollywood.

Claire Jolie Goodman, 16, Mount Prospect, Ill., high school student: She says she thinks she was born to be on Broadway. She remembers singing at lunch in fourth or fifth grade and says she has her own unique style. When the judges asks if she has a pop song to cover, she responds with an aria, not an Ariana Grande cover. Lionel says her voice is amazing, but Idol isn’t the spot for her.

Margie Mays: Returning contestant Margie says she’s Margie 2.0, meaning a bit toned down from the gal who made bird noises at her audition last year. She also promises she’s worked on her craft after making last year’s Top 40. She auditions with “I Found a Boy.” She delivers a very nice rendition of the song. Luke says she’s a much better singer this year. Katy apparently liked Margie 1.0 better and votes no. But Luke casts the deciding vote, sending Margie to Hollywood for a second chance in Season 18.

Jonny West, 23, Marietta, Calif., piano teacher: Oh, and Jonny is the boy she found. Jonny plays piano and performs an original that includes a nice rap breakdown in the middle. Katy calls Jonny “a silent, but deadly killer” as a musician. Lionel says Jonny has everything Idol needs. Luke says he fits into the Alejandro lane, a reference to last year’s runner-up Alejandro Aranda. So, Jonny’s off to Hollywood too.

Sarah Isen, 20, Berkeley, Calif.: She was raised by two mothers. She tracked down her sperm donor father and 26 half-siblings and that father shows up at her audition. She performs “If I Were a Boy” by Beyonce. Her passionate performance wins over the Idol coaches. Luke says her performance “totally blew me away.” She’s Hollywood-bound by a unanimous vote.

Eliza Catastrophe, 28, Spokane, Wash., musician: She gives the judges copies of the music she’s already released and cans of “Sardines: because that’s the original song she’s going to play for them. The judges say she’s entertaining, but not right for American Idol. Oh, and she has released that “Sardines” song — the official version is quite good — as well as an album and an EP.

Julia Gargano, 21, Staten Island, N.Y., college student: She considers herself a songwriter and wants to audition with an original. She’s performing “Growing Pains.” Hey, Julia, has a really nice voice too. She dazzles the judges to the point where Katy leaves her seat to hug Julia, who calls it the best hug she’s ever received. Luke calls it “big time;” Katy thinks Julia’s Top 5 material. She receives a unanimous golden ticket, of course. Julia’s released several impressive originals, but I don’t believe “Growing Pains” is out yet. Follow the link below to learn more about her originals.

Hannah Prestridge, 24, & Curt Jones: They met, fell in love, get pregnant three months into their relationship and are now married and still making music together as Treble Soul. But it hasn’t always been a fairy tale romance. Hannah ran into complications with that pregnancy and became addicted to painkillers. It wasn’t until her husband issued an ultimatum that she sobered up. Curt sings “Help Me Hold On” by Travis Tritt. Hannah sings an original called “Day to Day.” And it’s a really good original, delivered with lots of emotion. Katy says there’s something special in her voice. Hannah receives a golden ticket to Hollywood; Curt does not.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS

This week:
Cyniah Elise
Jimmy Levy
Jonny West
Jovin Webb
Julia Gargano
Margie Mays