So, we end the first Hollywood Week episode with a cliffhanger.
Simon Zaire Black, 16, of Cucamonga, Calif., takes a tumble off the stage and everyone — Nigel included — rushes to assist her.
Will she be OK?
Of course, she will. Otherwise that’s an awfully cruel way to end an episode of American Idol.
Meanwhile, on Hollywood episode one, we met just a couple of new singers and were re-introduced to many of the ones we met during the audition episodes.
One thing I like: This year, Idol doesn’t seem intent on shoving teenagers at us every second of every episode, though I cringed when Nigel tweeted this evening about David Leathers Jr. being “such a little star” or something of that sort.
One thing I don’t like: We hear such a small portion of a song on the first round in Hollywood, that it’s tough to judge the singers against one another.
That said, I’m going to try.
Best of the night: Loved Elise Testone’s bluesy voice. She was one of the first ladies we heard from and one of the best. Johnny Keyser impressed me more than most of the guys. He’s got the look; he’s got the confidence. If he makes the voting rounds, the young girls are going to be texting like crazy.
Runners-up: Baylie Brown has a million-dollar smile to go with a fine country voice. I expect to see her in the semifinals. I’m not crazy about Creighton Fraker’s personality, but he slayed Queen’s “Somebody to Love.”
The newcomers: I’m thrilled that we got to meet Jen Hirsh, a top-notch singer-songwriter. Does that mean she made the semis? I wasn’t nearly as impressed with Adam Brock, who looks like he might be vying for the Jacob Lusk oversinging award of Season 11.
The teens: Wow, Shannon Magrane looks like the real deal. Superlative and not a hint of nerves at 16. I wasn’t nearly as impressed as everyone else with David Leathers Jr., who looks like he belongs on America’s Most Talented Kids, not American Idol.
Others …
Phillip Phillips: He didn’t sound as special without his guitar, but I want to hear more.
Jessica Phillips: Sounded strong a second time. I wish I could embed her pre-Idol music, but most have parental warnings.
Hallie Day: Looks like the audition wasn’t a fluke. Impressive on “Natural Woman.”
Heejun Han: Just sing, Heejun, and quit spouting interview nonsense, because you sing quite well.
Reed Grimm: He’s had the stage twice and hammed it up both times. Is he a jokester or is he talented? I have no idea.
Erika Van Pelt: The DJ proves she can belt it out, for the second time.
Brittany Kerr: We were shown several clips of the NBA dancer. We know she advanced. But didn’t get to hear her sing. Come on, Idol.
Naomi Gillies: Yes, the gal from Lancaster County survived the first round of Hollywood. No, she was not shown on Wednesday’s episode. “Hoping for tomorrow,” she tweeted last night.
You’ll notice links attached to those names. That’s because I’ve done profiles with pics and pre-Idol videos for more than 90 contestants.
Follow the link, and you’ll get that contestant’s profile. If you want to see them all, go here.
Check back in tomorrow night. Live blogging begins at 8 p.m.
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