Idol Chatter & Voice Views

Quentin Alexander is a sharp dresser, but was even more impressive with his vocals on American Idol. (FOX Photo)

The show that pretends it’s not about gimmicks used its normal assortment of gimmicks in an attempt to spice up the audition rounds.

The first three nights in Hollywood were what that first three nights in Hollywood have been for a while now — not very good TV or very revealing in terms of Idol talent.

But in the end, Season 14 will be judged by how entertaining the finals are. It will be judged on whether the Top 10 or 12 or 13 or 14 — or whatever number suits Idol’s whim in 2015 — deliver memorable performances once they hit Idol’s main stage.

And in that sense, Thursday’s episode showed tons of promise.

Among the ladies …

Loren Lott, a 22-year-old actress, kicked off the night singing “Skyfall,” sounding and looking like a star.

Speaking of looking like a star, there’s Shi Scott, who has an even more unique voice and still doesn’t seem to know how good she is.

Speaking of unique voices, Joey Cook spent Hollywood week showing she sounds great even when she isn’t playing the ukulele or accordion.

Speaking of unique voices, Jax’s takes some getting used to, but she sure sounded great using it to deliver “Let It Be.”

And you have to wonder if Maddy Hudson has fallen out of Idol favor. The girl the judges said could win it all is still alive, but got woefully little screen time in Hollywood.

Among the gents …

Sleep-depraved Mark Andrew muffed the lyrics, but still advanced. I’ll be rooting for the former Voice contestant. I’ve been a fan of his pre-Voice music since the first time I heard it.

Michael Simeon, the guy who slow danced with Jennifer, continued to excel, delivering a superb version of Pink’s hit “Try.” And this time he sang without his guitar.

Unlike Harry, I couldn’t care less what Quentin Alexander wears on stage. But his version of “Riptide” ranked as the best vocal from a guy all night.

Teenager Trevor Douglas continues to impress me with his refusal to be intimidated by the Idol pressure. And he’s unique enough to stand out in the crowd.

And I’ll end by wondering how anyone with functioning eardrums could cut Adam Lasher and keep 15-year-old Daniel Seavey, who is talented, but clearly not ready for prime time.

Oh, well, he’s cute, Jennifer noted. And he plays guitar. And that combination has worked well for some past Idols who defeated far more deserving singers.