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From Barney to dominatrix … some “Idol” highlights
Texas, the place where dreams came true eight years ago for the original American Idol Kelly Clarkson.
Wonder if any of tonight’s Texas contestants will live out the same dream? The search continued for the next American Idol, Jan. 27, with the help of guest judge Neil Patrick Harris (“How I Met Your Mother”), who said he joined the judges table in hopes of singlehandedly crushing peoples’ dreams. He must be after Simon’s job.
Surprisingly it took 15 minutes for the first Doogie Howser joke. On second thought, maybe that shouldn’t be a surprise. Things do tend to drag on for awhile on “Idol.”
Joe Jonas, one of the (insert squeal here) Jonas Brothers, took over at the judges table for day two of the Texas auditions. Did he even speak? If so, I didn’t notice.
But here are some things I did notice:
Superstar potential: Barney kids grow up to become, um, dominatrices, apparently. Erica Rhodes, who appeared on “Barney and Friends” as a child, is all grown up and ready for a more, well, mature sound to match her leather and whips. She sang “Free Your Mind” by En Vogue and impressed the judges with her vocals, her style and her sass. But I can’t help but wonder, what would that lovable purple dinosaur Barney think of this new Erica?
Maegan “Break the Rules T-shirt girl” Wright, who sang “To Make You Feel My Love,” has an absolutely beautiful voice.
And last but not least, leukemia survivor Christian Spear, 16, who sang “All I Can Do is Cry” by Etta James. I predict she’ll survive Hollywood week, too.
On a side note, has “American Idol” ever shown a contestant with an inspirational story who didn’t make it through? It’s just so obvious!
Not too shabby: Lloyd Thomas took a fashion lesson from Boyz II Men, with a dress shirt and tie paired with a baseball cap and some voice lessons from Stevie Wonder.
Jazzy Kimberly Carver sang an original song that split the vote 3-1 (Simon the odd man out).
Todrick Hall (who just happened to perform on stage with “Idol” winner Fantasia Barrino) performed an original song about his “Idol” dreams. Not sure about his songwriting skills, but he’s had one of the more memorable auditions of the season.
Another story of inspiration: Dave Pittman, who has Tourette’s Syndrome, got a big thumbs up from the judges for his soulful Sam Cooke song.
Shame of a nation: Eight seasons after trying out with a very high-pitched “Lady Marmalade,” Julie Kevelighan returned this season for another chance, this time with “Black Velvet.” She was much better than she was in Season One auditions, I’ll give her that much. But despite what her sign said, this was not her lucky year.
The very perky and annoying Vanessa Johnston (pink flower and spandex girl) couldn’t quite pull off Etta James. Simon called her his worst nightmare!
Cry me a river: Lots of tears tonight! The saddest of all: Dexter “Winkie” Ward, who had all the confidence when he strutted in the room, but couldn’t back it up with his audition to “If I Ever Fall in Love” by Shai.
Comments
By mama
January 28, 2010 6:58 AM | Link to this
All Jo Jonas could say was “yeah”. NP Harris at least knew his stuff. Two nights, Four guest judges…only one of those was any good. Bring n Hollywood week already.