Idol Chatter & Voice Views

The number of golden ticket recipients from each American Idol audition city far exceed the number of contestants we meet on the show.

Here are some of the talented male singers we didn’t meet during the Oklahoma City audition episode.

I’ve included a blurb on each with information gleaned from their Road to Hollywood videos on americanidol.com.

In cases where a video of them singing or performing could be located, I’ve also included that.

If you know of existing YouTube videos for a contestant who doesn’t have one below, simply let me know and I’ll add it.

And to hear more from American Idol’s other Hollywood-bound contestants, head
here.

Adrien Madison

Adrien says he tried to temper his enthusiasm after landing a golden ticket. After all, the mission hasn’t been accomplished yet, the young man from Tulsa, Okla., noted. “I didn’t come here to get to Hollywood,” he says. “I came here to win. So I was excited, but I didn’t let it overtake me.” Adrien says he was 20 when he discovered he could sing and calls it a blessing. “You go through your whole life not knowing what you want to do. Why I am not passionate about a certain thing? Then I find out I can sing, and it clicked.” Oh, and he’s already toured overseas, performing for the troops along with some ex-Idol contestants, including Kendra Chantrelle, Rachel Zevita and Brett Lowenstern.

“Doing It Wrong”
For more music from Adrien, head here.

Chris Gazaway

Why do I get the feeling there’s an interesting back-story we missed with this gent from Tulsa, Okla.? He admits he auditioned on a whim and didn’t think he’d advance to Hollywood, then adds: “I just have a desire to entertain people, whether it’s on a stage, in the wrestling ring or just telling a joke.” Wrestling ring? He never elaborates in his Road to Hollywood video. He does call himself very in-your-face and opinionated, making it clear he’ll try to apply advice, but ignore it if he disagrees. “It’s my duty to be an American Idol,” Chris says. “That doesn’t mean just being a pop star. It means going out and making a change for the better.”

Chris raps. For live performances, head here.

Cortez Shaw

Add Cortez Shaw to the list of Season 12 contestants who made it to Vegas last year but fell just shy of the live shows. In Cortez’s case, he was among the last 22 guys standing. “This is my chance at redemption,” the guy from Dallas, Texas, says. “Last year, didn’t work out, but I can get it right this year.” Among the artists who inspire him are Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Brandy, Justin Timberlake and Stevie Wonder. Cortez describes himself as a down-to-earth, real chill dude. “But when I get on stage, another person comes out, an alter ego or something,” he says. His favorite past Idols are Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard.

“Diamonds”
For more of Cortez, head here.

Devan Jones

A year ago, Aubrey Cleland, Johnny Keyser, Cortex Shaw and Devan performed together on group night in Vegas. They’re all back for Season 12, hoping to go farther. Devan was cut after that group performance, but thinks his musical versatility will serve him well. “I’m kind of fried chicken and baked chicken at the same time,” says the guy from Aurora, Colorado. “So, if you like chicken, you like chicken. I think I’m all kinds of chicken.” His favorite past contestant is Carrie Underwood, who worked hard and became a star thanks to Idol. “I don’t think people are born stars,” Devan adds. “You can become one, if you believe in yourself.”

“Stay”
For more of Devan, head here.

Jacob Abello

Jacob says a friend pushed him into auditioning and adds he was “really stunned” to get a unanimous vote through to Hollywood. “I really didn’t think my audition went that well,” he confesses. Jacob says he’s inspired by the likes of Queen, David Bowie and early Madonna, “anything performance art wise.” That’s partly because the young man from Norman, Okla., says he considers himself “a performer, not just a singer.” “For a long time I didn’t feel American Idol was a good fit for me,” Jacob admits, before noting that the show is a reflection of pop culture and pop culture is changing. “I’m a progressive artist that stands out and is different and I think America is ready to have me as their next American Idol.”

“The Beauty of a Rose”
For more of Jacob, head here.

James Redden

James says he auditioned for American Idol for the simplest reason. “I couldn’t dream of doing anything else,” explains the young man from Miami, Okla. He says his family and friends provide him with inspiration through their constant support. “I’ve always heard, ‘You’re going somewhere. You’re going to be someone. You’re going to go somewhere with your music.'” Why? Well, for one thing, James says he’s been told there’s a unique smooth and silky tone to his voice. His favorite past Idol contestant is Carrie Underwood. “I seriously think she made American Idol,” he says.

“Small Town Then” (an original)
For more from James, head here.

Javonte Bibbs

From Lubbock, Texas, Javonte says Chris Brown is his musical inspiration. “He is so creative in his music. And to me, he does all genres.” What sets Javonte apart from his Idol competitors? Well, Javonte says “the girls think I have a nice smile, I guess, and just how much fun I am to be around.” His favorite former Idol contestant is Fantasia because she’s so energetic and passionate in her performances, but humble at the same time. Javonte says he’d also like to be a role model to young kids.

“Diamonds”
For more from Javonte, head here.

Jay Williams

Jay Williams admits he went to the Oklahoma City auditions mainly to support his brother. Now that he made it through, the gent from Alexandria, La., says winning Idol has “become a current goal of mine.” He credits his father with providing his musical inspiration. “He’s a role model to me,” Jay says. “Not only is he my father, he’s my pastor. He put music in me. Kudos to him, for teaching me how to love and respect the gift of music.” Jay also describes himself as a “real person” and “humble guy,” but says his determination might help set him apart. His favorite past contestant is Ruben Studdard, for his wonderful voice and for how he “always kept a smile on his face.”

Video not located

Karl Skinner

Karl was actually the first singer we met in the Oklahoma City audition episode, but I’m including him here because I couldn’t find additional video of him performing. He came off as quite a character during his audition, saying he’d have to move around during his audition, otherwise it would be stale and proclaiming his desire to prove “gingers (aka redheads) have talent.” His version of “I Feel Good” was decent. His original song, performed while he played guitar, was better. And he was a unanimous choice to advance to Hollywood. He says his favorite former Idol is Paris Bennett. And beware fellow contestants. “Nothing in the world can hold me back from something I want,” proclaims the guy from Joplin, Missouri.

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Kayden Stephenson

And Kayden closed out that Oklahoma City show. He’s the 16-year-old with cystic fibrosis who lives for today because he’s not sure how many tomorrows he’ll have. He sang Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish” for his audition and wowed the Idol judges. That included Nicki, who predicted girls will “fall on the floor when you walk through the door.” From Tulsa, Okla., Kayden says his musical influences include Justin Bieber and Nate Ruess of Fun. Adds Kayden: “I feel like I have the full package. I’m small. I look very young. I have a great voice. And I love to perform.” Among past Idols, he admires Carrie Underwood for her “rags-to-riches” story.

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