by Gina Scarpa

 

Listen, American Idol, if you're going to give me guest judges then give me guest judges who know what they're talking about. No more Avril Lavigne in her devil hoodie or Katy Perry with her boobs out to the world... they didn't offer much other than lots of smirks and an overall negative vibe. Give me Neil Patrick Harris and, dare I say, Joe Jonas who actually brought some intelligence and helpful feedback to the table. Los Angeles and Dallas gave us some great singers to root for in Hollywood but I'm still scarred by the girl from Barney showing up at the L.A. auditions in a dominatrix outfit. Here are the best and worst of week 3.

BEST

 

Andrew Garcia, Los Angeles
This is exactly the type of contestant I hope can survive Hollywood week and grab a spot on the show for votes. Andrew is a good guy who grew up in a bad neighborhood. His primary focus now is his young son but it's also his motivation to come try out for Idol. He performed an amazing rendition of Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning", a song that's quite challenging and certainly shows off what he can do.

 

Dave Pittman, Dallas
Dave was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome as a child but he doesn't let that stop him from going after his dream of becoming the next American Idol. Soft spoken and nice as can be, Dave rocked "Bring It On Home To Me" by Sam Cooke for the judges was unanimously voted to Hollywood. Simon predicted that people were really going to like Dave - and I have a feeling he's right!

 

Lloyd Thomas, Dallas
If you didn't happen to catch last night's episode of American Idol and want Lloyd Thomas summed up in one sentence, here goes: He's like Ruben Studdard but with about a million times more personality. There's nothing not to like about this dock worker that grew up in rough neighborhood, and now wants to give his kids a secure life with a bright future. His Stevie Wonder song was on point and even Simon couldn't help but adore him.

 

Kimberly Carver, Dallas
You're always running a real risk if you decide to sing an original piece for the judges but Kimberly was able to really pull it off. Her song was reminiscent of Christina Aguilera, when she went through her Back To Basics phase and was giving us that 40s and 50s R&B vibe. Simon didn't feel that she was original but the other judges formed a mutiny, led by guest judge (and guy I want to be my BFF) Neil Patrick Harris. She's through to Hollywood and deservedly so.

Chris Golightly, Los Angeles
Chris may not win American Idol but he does win the award for most compelling story. He was in foster care his whole life and lived with over 20 different families. Music was always a constant for him and something that brought him comfort. Chris sang "Stand By Me" for the judges and the guys has a really nice voice, though I didn't love the arrangement. They weren't too sympathetic and guest judge Katy Perry snapped that this isn't a Lifetime movie. She and Simon gave him a little y for Hollywood but he got two big Ys from Randy and Kara.

WORST

 

Jason Greene, Los Angeles
What... a... creeper! There's nothing quite like seeing a guy writhe around on the floor to "I Touch Myself". In fact, it's an image that could take me years to get out of my mind. He admitted in radio interviews this week that it was a complete and total joke and he did not seriously think he was going to continue on or win this thing. Therefore, I don't want to prolong his 15 minutes anymore. He was terrible. Enough said.

 

Vanessa Johnston, Dallas
The only thing worse that Vanessa's outfit was her horrible performance of "At Last" for the judges. She screamed out every note and changed keys about seven hundred times. The thing that really makes this audition so painful is that she struts around the room with this cocky walk because she actually thinks she's bringin' it. As Kara would say, "Oof, no sweetie... no."

 

Julie Kevlighan, Dallas
Well, you have to give her points for her determination. She tried out in season 1 with a painful rendition of "Lady Marmalade" and was told by Simon that she should sue her singing teacher. Eight seasons later, she returned with a sign that said that this was her year. Indeed it was not. First, she tortured the judges by singing "Black Velvet" and, when she was shot down, she tried again with "Over The Rainbow". Julie was escorted out by security after Simon told her that she should add the word NOT to her sign. Oh, Simon.

 

Damien LeFavor, Los Angeles
Damien introduced himself by saying he was martial artist but as I watched him show off his skills, I said out loud to my tv, "This guy knows he's not REALLY doing martial arts, right?" No, no he didn't. And he also didn't know that he can't sing. He came in singing The Righteous Brothers (one of Simon's favorites) and therefore, the bar was set high. No matter, though. This guy didn't have a shot in hell of making it. Well, there's always his martial arts. Oh wait...

 

A.J. Mendoza, Los Angeles
I had high hopes for A.J., especially after he said that Adam Lambert gave him the seal of approval after hearing his demo. Either A.J. is lying through his teeth or Adam doesn't know what he's talking about because this audition was pretty terrible. I actually don't think A.J. is a bad singer... he just made some really bizarre and poor choices that cost him a ticket to Hollywood. There's always next year, buddy.


American Idol returns next week, Tuesday at 8pm ET on FOX.

 

(Image courtesy of FOX)

 

Follow Gina at twitter.com/ginascarpa

 

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