Okay, last night was hands down one of the best audition episodes ever! WHY have they not done this in the past? For those who missed it, Wednesday evening's American Idol episode was titled "The Road to Hollywood" and featured a bunch of really great auditions from constants we will probably be seeing MUCH more of during hollywood week. They also featured a handful of past contestants, some of which I've grown to know and love, so you can bet I'll be shouting them out before this blog is over! :) Actually, lets talk about one right now: Jessica Furney. I met this sweet Kansas native last year during Hollywood Week and let me tell you, she is just as sweet and genuine in person as she is on television. I was so happy that they showed her last night! She sang "Footprints in the Sand" by Leona Lewis (one of my all time favs) and this was a particularly smart song choice because it was written by the wonderfully talented and a bit narcissistic Simon Cowell. I believe his first comment after she finished was "Great song choice!" - typical Simon comment! Haha. Anyway, I'm excited to see how far she goes this year!
Amanda Shectman, who was shown doing a Britney Spears impression, actually had a GREAT voice! It seems as though they're trying to paint her as the "Extremely dramatic girl" similar to Season 8's Tatiana, but Amanda can actually SING! She had a really smooth soulful voice with a little rasp to it. I really enjoyed her whole audition and hope to see more of her!
A few other favorites of the evening were Michael Lynche, Didi Benami and Aaron Kelly. Michael, a personal trainer who must be at least 6 ft tall and weigh in at over 250 lbs, sang "Unchained Melody" and it was near flawless. Didi, who auditioned in honor of her Best friend who had passed away, sang "Hey Jude" and I thought she was not only inspiring but really talented. 16 year old Aaron Kelly was actually an American Idol Experience winner and definitely remind me a bit of David Archuleta with his youthful charm. As one blogger said "The moms and grandmas will love him!" Well, I'm not a mom and definitely NOT a grandmother but I still love him.
Onto my favorite of the evening and the contestant that I'm most excited about: Miss Lacey Brown! I have to admit I was bummed when they didn't show her audition during the Orlando show but last night definitely made up for it! I met Lacey last year in Hollywood and first fell in love with her style, then once I heard her sing, I fell in love with her voice. I've never heard anyone quite like her and I'm so thrilled she tried out again this year! Her rendition of "Somewhere Over the Rainbow" is like nothing I've ever heard. I mean, I know it's hard to be objective when you know someone, but her folky phrasing and unique inflections really set her apart from anyone else I've seen. An LA Times blogger even called her performance "Spine-Chilling!" It definitely was. I guarantee the more you watch this girl, the more you will love her and find yourself anticipating each note as I do! Maybe I should start a fan club?! Who's with me?!? Love you Lacey Brown! :)
Well next Tuesday begins Hollywood Week and all the drama that goes along with it! I can't wait! Please join me as I video stream LIVE commentary with Idol contestants Brent Keith and Felicia Barton along with Idol blogger "The Pop Matrix." It's going to be a fun party! To tune in, you can go to
http://www.livevideo.com/liveshow/SharonWilbur or head on over to my Twitter around 7:50 and you'll see a link there!
www.twitter.com/sharonwilbur.
