Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Seems like the females auditioning for American Idol outnumber the guys in Season 14.

But American Idol’s New Orleans auditions featured a number of impressive male singers, three of whom showed up with original songs.

The impressive trio included Adam Lasher, who’s related to Carlos Santana; Mikey Duran, who attended the same high school as Harry Connick Jr.; and Greyson Turner, who’s just 15 years old.

Here’s a look at all the auditioners as Idol introduced us to 12 more Hollywood-bound contestants in New Orleans.

Drew Plaisance, 23, student, New Orleans: This guy’s second cousin baby-sat Harry Connick Jr. as a kid. He’s glad to finally meet Harry because he’s seen photos of him in his family’s scrapbooks for years. He’s going to audition with Michael Jackson’s “Pretty Young Thing.” Is this a joke audition? He doesn’t advance.

Jelly Joseph, 26, singer, New Orleans, La.: This young woman used to entertain on Bourbon Street and vows to “kill this audition.” She’s auditioning with “Rolling in the Deep.” And she does a really nice job with it, showing nice power and range. Harry likes her style, elegance and spirit and Keith liked the “spunk” in her performance. She advances unanimously.

Tiffany Stringer, 16, student, Southlake, Texas: This bubbly blond is a member of the dance team at her school. She’s singing “Want You Back.” Harry thinks it was too much like a drill team performance. But the gal with tons of energy gets a yes from Keith and a yes from Jennifer and that’s enough to get her to Hollywood.

Greyson Turner, 15, student, Spartanburg, S.C.: This young man performs in a band with her girlfriend. He wants to play for big crowds and stadiums, not the small crowds back home. He’s going to sing a song he wrote called “Chasing Shadows.” For a 15-year-old, it’s a very good song. Jennifer likes his passion. Keith compliments him on a “great voice.” He, too, advances.

Sarah Quintana, 28, yoga instructor, New Orleans, La.: She sings as Harry plays piano. She does an old-time blues number. But she doesn’t advance.

Quentin Alexander, 20, retail associate: He’s from the 9th Ward of New Orleans. He says growing up in a rough part of the city made him tough; growing up in a town with as much culture as New Orleans made him who he is. He sings “Royals.” And he does a pretty decent job with it. Harry likes his voice, but wants him to push to more extremes musically. And he gets three yes votes from the judges.

Mikey Duran, 19, student, New Orleans, La.: Here’s a guy who went to the same high school as Harry, albeit a few years later. He’s also singing an original, “My Demise.” Keith says he loves the song. Jennifer says the unique sound of his voice was surprising. And he gets some of the best reviews of the day.

Nalani Quintello, 19, student, Orange Park, Fla.: She sings “Counting Stars,” and it sounds like she’s a returning auditioner. She advances.
Tori Martin, 20, musician, Azle, Texas: She wants to be another female voice in country music, saying the genre doesn’t have enough. She advances.
Hope Windle, 24, teller, Hot Springs, Ark.: She auditioned because she doesn’t want to regret not trying in the future. She sings “Stupid Boy.” She advances 2-1 with Harry dissenting.

Ricky Dale Hendricks, 17, cook, West Monroe, La.: This young country singer is a big fan of Keith Urban and will audition with “The Thunder Rolls.” Keith likes his talent, but says he needs to learn to control and channel it. Jennifer likes his connection to the lyrics. And he also advances with three yes votes.

Dakota Suarez, 18, drag queen, Falfurrias, Texas: He advances by a 2-1 vote; Harry casts the “no” vote. His drag queen alter ego is known as Bianca Jade.

Adam Lasher, 27, songwriter, Danville, Calif: Adam is related to Carlos Santana. In fact, Carlos is his uncle. He’s the third guy today to audition with an original song. And he’s playing the guitar, even though one thumb is in a cast. Keith says he loves his voice and his artistry. Harry calls him a “cool guy.” Another Hollywood-bound contestant, of course.

Erica Washington, 24, Mobile, Ala.: This young woman had a daughter at age 18 and says that forced her to put some things on hold. But she’s eager to take advantage of her Idol audition. She sings Beyonce’s “Halo.” Harry likes her vocals. Jennifer says she has an “amazing” voice. She’s off to Hollywood, too.