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 the female singers we didn’t meet during the New York 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.

For a look at other Hollywood-bound contestants for Season 12, head here.

Kriss Mincey

Why did this young woman from Baltimore, Md., try out for American Idol. “Simply put, I could entertain America,” Kriss says. She adds that she’s inspired by the stories of people who live life with passion and plans to do the same. She has a bubbly personality that she thinks sets her apart. “In myself is the hugest dork you’ll ever meet,” she says. “And you’ll love me for it.” The inspiring story of Jennifer Hudson, who went from cruise line singer to Broadway and music star, makes her Kriss’ favorite former Idol. And she says her goal is to connect with people through music in much the same fashion.

“Tickle Me Love”
For more from Kriss, head here.

Liz Bills

This singer-songwriter from Boston auditioned because she wants “my shot to someday perform for the world.” She says the fact that she’s just naturally a flower child, interested in throwing off a positive vibe in 2013 makes her unique. As for why she sings … “I’m pretty slow and awkward normally,” she admits. “But singing and performing is where I’m free and flowing and can communicate with people so easily.” Her favorite past Idol is Kelly Clarkson.

“Alone”
For more from Liz, head here.

Lizz Weiss

Just call Lizz Miss Perseverance. She has tried out for American Idol seven times, admits she’d tell herself she wasn’t going to do it again each time, but is now Hollywood-bound in Season 12. The gal from Long Island, N.Y., draws musical inspiration from a diverse group — Christina Aguilera and Amy Winehouse, but also singers like Johnny Cash and Elvis. She says she’s a fan of “old-school, passionate music, straight to the heart.” Perhaps that’s one reason she’s such a big fans of Season 11’s Joshua Ledet. Lizz also describes herself as sassy and a free spirit who tries to make the people around her feel better about themselves.

“Black and Yellow”
For more from Lizz, head here.

Melinda Ademi

Melinda was featured in Idol’s New Jersey audition episode two years ago. From those who forget, she’s from Kosovo and her dad identified himself as a war refuge. Now living in Yonkers, N.Y., Melinda says she’s glad for a second chance on Idol and believes she did her “personal best” during the audition. “I never give up,” she says. “When you think positive, positive things come to you.” She says her favorite past Idol contestant was Allison Iraheta from Season 8 because of her stage presence and the way she “rocked it” on stage. Stage presence will also help set her apart from the crowd on Idol, Melinda predicted.

“Halo”
For more from Melinda, head here.

Natalia Richardson

Natalia says the key for her is believing she can be the next American Idol. Though from Los Angeles, Calif., she was among the 40 contestants advancing to Hollywood from the New York auditions. She says she draws part of her inspiration from her mother, who was also a singer. “She didn’t exactly get to her moments of success that could have been,” Nadia says, explaining that she nows sings for her mother as well as herself. Jennifer Hudson is her favorite past Idol contestant. As for what sets Natalia apart as a singer … “I’ve always been told I wear my heart on my sleeve and my emotions are always up front. That is undeniable when it comes to my music. That’s my way of connecting.”

No video located.

Nina Siegel

Why was auditioning for Idol extra special for this gal from New York, N.Y.? “I got to sing for Mariah. She’s like my American Idol.” Nina says she’s ready to do well this year because she’s reached the point where she knows who she is as an artist and is comfortable with that place. “I’m ready to rock out with America,” she says. “I’m a total believer if you do what you love, you’ll never work a day in your life, and that’s my goal.” Her favorite past Idols include Jordin Sparks and Phillip Phillips.

“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”
For more from Nina, head here.

“Set Fire to the Rain” (duet with Cara Samantha, another Hollywood contestant)

Rachel Hankers

Rachel, of Centereach, N.Y., who says she always wanted to try out for American Idol, finally got a chance to do it and now she’s Hollywood bound. “I always liked to entertain since I was a little kid,” she says. “It’s like something that was innate.” In terms of musical stars, she says her biggest inspiration is Beyonce. She thinks her dedication and willingness to work hard will help her do well on the show. As for past Idol contestants, her favorite is Jennifer Hudson. “She can wail,” Rachel says. “She’s awesome.”

“I’d Rather Go Blind”
For more from Rachel, head here.

Rebeka Devivo-Ostro

She’s from Northford, Conn., and says she wants to do well on Idol “more than anything in the world.” She describes herself as quirky. “I do little things that aren’t necessarily what normal people would do,” she says, pointing to her love of the outdoors and her interest in fishing as examples. Her favorite past Idol contestants include Joshua Ledet and Carrie Underwood. As for her fate on Idol? “I promise to put my heart and soul and my mind into this 100 percent times a million,” she says.

No video located.

Taylor Rand

This young woman hails from Philly and says she auditioned for Idol “because I’m tired of hearing people say no to me.” A prime source of inspiration is her mom, who she describes as one of the hardest workers you’ll ever meet. “One day I just aspire to take the weight off her shoulders and let her relax and have some time for herself,” Taylor says. She’s hoping her “great energy,” super positive attitude and work ethic will help her on Idol. Her favorite past Idol: Kelly Clarkson, because of the way she stands up for herslf. “She does her. She’s a true Idol.”

“Use Somebody”
For more from Taylor, head here.