Idol Chatter & Voice Views

OK, tonight reminded me why I’m not a fan of group night on American Idol.

Drama takes center stage. Singing takes a back seat.

And we, sitting at home watching, are supposed to somehow make judgments about singers on the few notes we’re allowed to hear.

I mean, heck, we watched for 25 minutes Wednesday night before hearing a single competitive note.

That said, here are some judgments.

Guess what? Idol was hiding some talent from us.

I’m hardly surprised, having researched many of the contestants who haven’t been heard from until this point. Among the best of the newcomers …

Ashthon Jones: Folks, this young lady can sing. She also has a six-track EP, “Meet Ashthon Jones,” in her past. We saw her for just a few seconds as part of a group called “The Hits” Wednesday night, but she sounded incredible. You can hear more from her here.

Stevie Cain: She was part of the Sugar Babies group that also included Jaycee Bardeaux (see below) and Idol favorite Brett Loewenstern, so she wasn’t featured, of course. But for the few seconds she was singing, she displayed a soulful voice that was among the best we’ve heard from the ladies. Go here to learn more about Stevie.

Jacob Lusk: He was proclaimed a “new star” after his unique finish to his group’s a cappella version of “Get Ready.” The lad from Compton, Calif., says he got 30 billion calls from friends and family convincing his to try out for Idol. Learn more about and hear more from Jacob here.

Deandre Brackensick: I found myself rooting against the group known as The Minors because of all the momma meddling. But one member who caught my attention with his silky smooth vocals, and ability to hit some incredibly high notes, was this guy from San Jose, Calif. Deandre was 16 when he auditioned.

Erika Schiff: “Who?” you might ask. OK, we didn’t get to hear her sing a single note Wednesday night. But she was part of the group that lost Jordan Dorsey and still prevailed. Besides, I’ve listened to her YouTube videos, and she’s an excellent singer. Besides, she’s from Philly. So I’m giving her a plug. Go here to meet Erika. And to actually hear her sing.

Ashley Sullivan: She cries a lot. She nearly quit before the group performances began. But when she’s on stage … wow, she can sing. The question: If group round gets to her, what would happen under the pressure known as the Idol finals?

Lauren Alaina (Suddeth): I don’t know how much credit she should get for her group’s decision to pull Steven Tyler on stage and sing around him, but it showed that this teen has a playful side … to go along with a killer voice.

Scott McCreery: I still say he’s the best male country singer Idol has ever showcased. When he sings, you’re not going to confuse him with anyone else on Idol in season 10.  He sounded great again in the group round, which could have been a challenge for someone with a voice so distinctive.

Other random thoughts …

Jordan Dorsey: A prima donna with a great voice. If anyone came out of the Group Night episode with a black eye, it was him. First, he’s choosy about who joins “his” group. Then he bails on “his” group to join another. Cross him off my favorites list.

Jaycee Bardeaux: Please explain how someone performs as badly as Jaycee did  still survives Group Night? Every eliminated contestant should hire a lawyer and sue, because one of them deserved Jaycee’s spot. Talk about a pity vote from the judges.  That was absurd.

Rob Bolin: Now who thought performing with an old girlfriend he no longer gets along with was going to work out for Rob? It didn’t. He’s gone. It’s a shame, because he had the best voice among the trio known as Three’s Company.  The good news for us, his Facebook page indicates he’ll be releasing an EP soon. And, if Jaycee Bardeaux and Jovany Baretto are what Idol is looking for in season 10, he might be better off.

Jacqueline Dunford: In round one of Hollywood Week, she watched her boyfriend get eliminated. In round two, she sang badly. Yet she advanced. My only explanation: The judges’ ears must have been as tired as poor Rob Bolin by the time Three’s Company took the stage.

Chris Medina: He was featured again. Again, I was underwhelmed by his vocals. But he’s a great story. And great stories hang around on Idol.