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Home > Blogs > Reality Bytes > Archives > 2010 > January > 12 > Entry
Some people to watch for on “American Idol” Season 9
A new season. A new batch of talented singers looking for their big break. A new batch of not-so-talented singers looking for their few minutes of fame.
Tonight (Jan. 12, 2010) Season 9 of “American Idol” debuted with — surprise, surprise, — some really good singing, some really bad singing, some laughter and some tears. There were plenty of stories of adversity and inspiration — and even a fight or two and a spanking threat.
Here are a few highlights from the season debut, set in Boston with judges Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and Simon Cowell (sorry folks, no Ellen DeGeneres yet), with guest judge Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham.
Like every other audition episode of “Idol,” nine times out of 10 you can immediately tell who’s going to shine and who’s going to suck solely based on the pre-audition footage. Here’s a look of some Boston contestants who got their golden ticket to Hollywood, and some others who, well, didn’t.
Superstar potential: The “complete package” Ashley Rodriguez, who sang a sultry version of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keyes. The drummer with two broken wrists who sang an unexpectedly good rendition of “Let’s Get It On” (he looks more like the rocker type). A speedboat actor (who knew there was such a thing) who did a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” The very soulful 16-year-old Portugese girl Katie Stevens, who belted out Etta James’ “At Last” to make her grandma battling Alzheimer’s proud. Cancer survivor Justin Williams of Utah, who had a lovely voice and wasn’t too bad on the eyes, either. And last but not least, the very emotional Leah Lorenti, whose jazzy “Blue Skies” ended the show on a really high note.
Not too shabby: Nigerian Bosa Mora from Columbus, 22, who Simon called “good but boring.” The really, really polite country crooner Joshua Baylok. The “not annoying” 16-year-old (who comes complete with the heartwarming story of being part of a large family with many special-needs children). The 28-year-old Italian nice guy with a huge voice (who could help restore people’s opinions of the Italian community in the wake of “Jersey Shore” — I love the “Shore,” but it’s true.)
Shame of a nation: The crazy dancing “American Idol” video game master who undoubtedly proved the video game doesn’t work. The geek whose rendition of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” was just plain frightening. The incredibly nasal spiritual guy who compared himself to Chris Brown and The Eagles (hmmmm, not seeing it). The freaky anime fan who butchered classic Janis Joplin. Oh yes, and the way-too-excited-yet-nervous man who looks like Latoya Jackson but sings like a 3-year-old girl. Hey, those were Simon’s words. That’s exactly why, I’m gonna miss Simon.
In the end, 31 made it through to Hollywood.
Did we catch a glimpse of the Season 9 winner? Spot anyone you hope survives Hollywood week?
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Comments
By Just Me
January 22, 2010 1:55 PM | Link to this
“Free” obviously can’t afford digital cable.
By Just Me
January 22, 2010 1:54 PM | Link to this
“Free” obviously can’t afford digital cable.
By t-rav
January 13, 2010 1:00 PM | Link to this
I was hoping someone would have auditioned with “so…tell me what you want, what you really, really want…” with Spice Girl dance moves…that’d be hysterical!
By t-rav
January 13, 2010 1:00 PM | Link to this
I was hoping someone would have auditioned with “so…tell me what you want, what you really, really want…” with Spice Girl dance moves…that’d be hysterical!
By free
January 13, 2010 11:01 AM | Link to this
This is just what is wrong with this country we live in, you good sheep are so distracted from the truth that you don’t know it when it slaps you in the face. Turn off that tv and turn on your minds. In times of universal deceit telling the truth is a revolutionary act
By Tony
January 13, 2010 9:29 AM | Link to this
I am just glad that I have DVR so that when Ellen does come on I can skip through her comments and probable lame attempt at comedy! The drummer was the best from last night, IMO, as he has the voice and the personality to go far. Some of the people that got through will get killed in Hollywood week. At this stage, anyone with a halfway decent voice has a chance to make it, but as the judges tell them, they have a lot of work to do.
By Righto
January 13, 2010 8:26 AM | Link to this
I too was suprised at how many people got through…. especially how many got through with 4 yes’s! Simon seemed to be easier on most of them than usual.
By Mr. Magoo
January 13, 2010 6:47 AM | Link to this
I was surprised only at the total number they put through. That seemed high. Otherwise, Michelle nailed it: pretty much what you would expect at this stage. Victoria didn’t exactly add much, so I am glad she’s not the full-time addition, as once was rumored. Also, glad they acknowledged Paula at the beginning.