Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Yes, there will be another audition episode of American Idol. On Sunday, in fact.

Yes, Katy Perry, Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan will continue to hear more singers. And presumably say “yes” to many of them.

And, no, the judges haven’t proclaimed Alejandro Aranda the winner of Season 17.

Though they sure seemed on the verge of doing that after the 24-year-old from Pomona, Calif., closed out Wednesday’s episode.

For sure, Alejandro turned in a solid audition.

But all the “best ever” hype from Idol seemed like … well, quite an exaggeration.

Heck, if we’re talking about talented male singers showing up on the show with a great original, I preferred Ricky Manning’s “L.A. in Lonely” from Season 16.

But Alejandro will certainly be a contestant to watch in Hollywood.

Here’s a recap of Wednesday’s show.

BEST OF THE NIGHT

Alejandro Aranda, 24, Pomona, Calif.
Occupation: Dishwasher
Background: He’s only been playing music for four years. He plays piano and guitar and has been busking, though he says he’s often super nervous when he performs.
Audition: Alejandro auditioned with an original called “Out Loud,” which he explained is a song about learning to tell the truth. He was not only impressive vocally, but with the guitar as well. And then he slipped behind the piano and played a second song. Luke said he felt like he was in the presence of greatness. Katy said she thinks he’s a potential winner. Lionel couldn’t believe what he’s heard. By the time Alejandro finished performing, it truly sounded like they were ready to skip the rest of the season and proclaim him the winner. Alejandro said the secret to his success if hard work.

Shayy Winn, 17, Midlothian, Va.
Occupation: High school student
Background: She’s legally blind. She’s also a medical question mark, she said. The blindness, Shayy explained, was caused by fluid in her brain. Doctors also found a tumor, only half of which could be removed because getting to the rest would have been too dangerous.
Audition: She sings “Rise Up” and immediately displayed the best voice we’d heard more than an hour into the show. It soars on the chorus. And brings Lionel Richie to tears. Shayy left the room with three yeses and a golden ticket.

ALSO OFF TO HOLLYWOOD

Courtney Penry, 25, Houston Texas
Occupation: Bride-to-be
Her background: At the 2011 auditions, she was the crazy chicken girl in love with Ryan Seacrest. She did not get a golden tickeet. Now she’s engaged to a guy named Seth and says she’s been gigging as much as possible.
The audition: She auditioned with “Parachute” and the judges thought it was a little much. “I am a little extra,” Courtney replied. But when they ask for a second song, she slows things down with a version of “Girl Crush.” And that vocal not only showed potential, it earned her a golden ticket.

Logan Johnson, 20, Boise, Idaho
Occupation: Golf shop attendant
Background: He’s wanted to be on American Idol since he was 5. He looked up to his older brother, until he get involved in drugs. Then Logan got addicted to painkillers, admitting he put his family through hell. He says he’s now been sober for eight months. His mom says the family needs a win.
Audition: He sang “Sober” and turned in a fine performance. Luke is a fan of his look and think’s Logan will be a hit with the ladies.

Eddie Island, 25, Nashville, Tenn.
Occupation: Rideshare driver
Background: He traveled to Nashville for a Paramore concert and never left. He now calls himself the unofficial mayor of Nashville. As for that performance name, Island, it’s because everyone is their own island and he’s enjoying his.
The audition: Eddie becomes the first Season 17 contestant to sing his own song, one called “Stay OK.” It earns solid reviews from the judges who proclaim that they want to hear more. Which means Eddie gets his golden ticket, which he promptly flings over a banister and has to chase down he’s so excited.

Kason Lester, 28, Lebanon, Tenn.
occupation: strawberry farmer
Background: He figures he’s planted 30,000 strawberries by hand. He’ addicted to strawberries, he says, especially chocolate-covered strawberries. But he doesn’t want to be farming at age 80. Music is his passion, he says.
The audition: He performed “Holding Her.” Katy proclaims him potentially Top 10, but said he sounded nervous. Luke also thinks he could develop into an Idol success.

Juan Pablo, 26, North Hollywood, Calif.
Occupation: Ride share driver
Background: He clearly considers himself a lady’s man. He says some people tell him he sounds like Shakira; others tell him he sounds like Enrique.
Audition: He sings in Spanish, turns in a hammy performance, and far from a stellar vocal and somehow walks out of the audition room with three yeses. What? They turned down Karli Ryan and took this guy? Can they hear? Oh, well. Lionel thinks Juan Pablo is a star in the making and Katy was clearly a fan of his drama. News flash: I was not.

Landen Knowlton, 23, Tupelo, MS
Occupation: Army sergeant
Background: At age 8, he starred in a short film that won several awards, according to Idol. He’s now a sergeant and comes from a military family.
Audition: After lots of pretend military antics, including Katy trying to do push-ups, Landen got down to singing a cover of “Washed By the Water.” He sounded very good and left the room with three yeses. Luke said he has a “real” voice, loaded with soul.

Ethan Payne, 15, Macon, Ga.
Occupation: High school student
Background: He was diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at a young age. His Make a Wish wish was to meet Luke Bryan. He wound up performing on stage with Luke; the counry star even presented Ethan with his guitar. Ethan called it a life-changing experience.
Audition: Ethan is again joined by Luke, this time for his Idol audition. They perform Luke’s song “Do I.” Lionel calls Ethan an inspiration. Katy loves his confidence and says he has a spark of talent. Ethan gets three yes votes.