by Gina Scarpa

 

This week, American Idol returned for a new season full of talented singers and delusional fans. After nine seasons, it never ceases to amaze me how many people feel that they deserve to walk out of the audition room with a golden ticket to Hollywood. Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi teamed up with special guests Victoria Beckham and Mary J. Blige to assess the latest crop of Idol hopefuls. (Ellen joins the judges during Hollywood week). Here’s a look a the best and worst of week 1 of auditions in Boston and Atlanta.

 

BEST

 

Maddy Curtis, Boston
While I think 16 is a little young for American Idol, Maddy Curtis seems wise beyond her years and able to handle the pressure of the competition. Maddy is one of 12 children in her family and some of her siblings have Down Syndrome. She has often put her family before herself but Idol was her time to shine. Her version of Leonard Cohen's “Hallelujah” moved the judges and got her unanimously voted into the Hollywood round.

 

Bryan Walker, Atlanta
When you first saw Bryan Walker, I bet you didn’t have high expectations for the Tennessee police officer.  Nice guy - but he didn’t look like an American Idol.  Bryan is what makes American Idol so great sometimes, though.  He walks in the room and belts out a rendition of “Superstar” that left everyone pleasantly surprised.  The guy can really sing and who doesn’t want to throw their support behind someone like him?  Here’s hoping Bryan survives Hollywood week.

 

Leah Laurenti, Boston
If I’m going to get behind a jazz singer, it won’t be that girl that sang “Ding Dong The Witch Is Dead”, that’s for sure. Leah came into the room and was immediately likeable, then broke into a version of “Blue Skies” that left me hoping this girl makes it all the way to Top 24. She took a risk, chose a difficult song… and she succeeded!

 

Mallorie Haley, Atlanta
Every season of Idol needs a good country singer and Mallorie showed up in Atlanta to fill that spot.  She sang a version of “Piece Of My Heart” that felt Carrie Underwood-inspired but like Carrie, she wasn’t the most interesting contestant that walked in the door.  Still, Mallorie proves that (like Carrie), if you’ve got the vocal chops, you don’t need to do a dog and pony show.  Your talent will take you to Hollywood on its own.

 

Justin Williams, Boston
I know you’re going to think that I picked Justin because of his good looks… and you’re partially right.  Justin, a cancer survivor and all around nice guy, performed “Feelin’ Good” and it was more than good enough to get him to Hollywood.  What I like about him is that you can package him up nicely and market him to consumers - and he’s more than a pretty face.  He reminds me a little of Ace Young, wouldn’t you agree?

 

WORST

 

Dewone Robertson, Atlanta
This guy walked confidently into the audition room, feeling that it was his destiny to make it on Idol.  You see, his great uncle discovered Gladys Knight and The Pips.  Just because spotting talent may run in your family doesn’t mean you actually have any.  He sang an original song called, “Lady, We’re Not Together Anymore” that is unfortunately stuck in my head more than “Pants On The Ground” (which was a much more entertaining original song by contestant Larry Platt).

 

Derek Hilton, Boston
This uninformed hippie told the judges that he sounded like a blend of Chris Brown and The Eagles and that he was inspired by Chris Brown because he “touches kids around the world.” Obviously, he hasn’t picked up a magazine or watched a news program in the last year. He performed “Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word” and I’m sorry that we had to witness this terrible audition.

 

Jesse Hamilton, Atlanta
If you’re upset about the way the judges treated Jesse Hamilton, you’re not alone.  In fact, Idol winner Jordin Sparks headed to Twitter to express her outrage with the way the panel handled a guy who claims to have had several near death experiences.  At one point, Mary J. laughed so hard that she pretended to cry.  Jesse’s audition WAS pretty awful… one of the worst yet… but there’s a way of handling it, don’t you think?

 

Janet McNamara, Boston
As soon as I saw Janet, I thought to myself, “There’s no way this girl can be for real.” After mastering the American Idol video game, Janet felt that she was ready to sing for the judges in person. Boy, was she wrong! Her rendition of Natasha Bedingfield’s “Pocket Full Of Sunshine” had Simon threatening to jump out the window.

 

Norberto Guerro, Boston
I was scared of Norberto before he even opened his mouth to sing a Cascada song for the judges. I’m not sure if he was a Michael Jackson impersonator or those are just the clothes he chooses for himself on a daily basis. It’s tough to know which was creepier… Noberto’s performance or Norberto himself.
 
 
American Idol returns next Tuesday at 8pm ET on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

For more American Idol links, visit SirLinksALot.net