Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Thanks to early release videos, American Idol has already introduced us to a pair of contestants we’ll see on Sunday’s second audition episode.

In terms of personality, Leah Marlene and Aaron Westberry couldn’t be more different.

In terms of talent … well, both breeze to Hollywood on a unanimous vote from the judges.

Leah, 20, is from Normal, Ill., though the judges found nothing normal about her or her audition.

In fact, her high-energy, quirky personality reminded them of Season 16 contestant Catie Turner.

Leah explained that her dad is a 1980s rocker, so she grew up around music. And Idol shows photos of her adorably playing guitar at a really young age to prove it.

Then she impressed the judges with her unique vocals on One Direction’s “Steal Your Girl.”

And again when she sang a snippet of an original called “Wisher to the Well” that she co-wrote with two friends.

For my money, the original was better than the cover. Better yet, it’s from Leah’s spanking new album, “Many Colors,” so you can stream or download it now.

Katy Perry complimented Leah on a tremendous voice, but the judges seemed equally impressed with the singer’s bubbly personality.

“You carry your strangeness so well,” Lionel Richie says. “And that is a wonderful part of being an artist.”

Aaron Westberry, 20, from Greenville, S.C., didn’t enter the audition room with nearly as much charisma or experience.

At the time of his audition, Aaron said he’d only performed live in front of someone “like once.”

As for his future, he said he hasn’t made any big decisions. At the time, he was stocking produce at a grocery store.

He performed a cover of “2016” by Sam Hunt on piano. And impressed the judges with his singer-songwriter vibe.

Luke said his voice has a “heartbreak tone.” Katy complimented Aaron for having a “voice that makes us melt.”

Added Luke: “You may be one of the most limited singers we ever sent to Hollywood, but your delivery is just like right up there with James Taylor.”

Only Aaron wasn’t familiar with James Taylor.

Which prompted Luke to quip: “You’re so raw, it isn’t even dead yet.”

Will Aaron’s future be in music? Time will tell.

Idol’s second audition episode airs Sunday at 8 p.m.

American Idol Season 20 profiles

The links take you to the profiles of singers who auditioned for Season 20 of American Idol.

Allegra Miles
Ashley Blaire
Ava Maybee
Betty Maxwell
Cadence Baker
Carly Mickeal
Christian Guardino
Ciasia Nicole
Cole Wesley Ritter
Corey Curtis

Dakota Hayden
Dan Marshall
Danielle Clavell
Danielle Finn
Douglas Mills, Jr.
Elli Rowe
Elliot Greer
Emyrson Flora
Fritz Hager
Hunter Girl

Jacob Moran
Jay Copeland
Joedi Silvers
Jordan Chase Torrez
Jourdan Blue
Katyrah Love
Kaylin Roberson
Kendra Checketts
Kenedi Anderson
Kevin Gullage

Kezia Istonia (a.k.a. Lady K.)
Kirk Richmond
Leah Marlene
Lexi Weege
Max Embers
Mike Parker
Nicolina Bozzo
Noah Thompson
Olivia Faye
Paige Fish

Ryan Argast
Ryleigh Madison
Sage
Sam Moss
Scarlet Ayliz
Sir Blayke
Tobias Hill
Tristen Gressett
Tyler Allen
Valerie Marie
Wennely Quezada
Yoli Mayor