Phil Stacey on American Idol

I have exciting news tonight.  As of yesterday, I have officially joined the Sony music family by signing a deal with Provident/Reunion Records.  The record will hopefully be released early to mid summer.  My dear friend and fellow Idol Finalist Chris Sligh has written a song called “Here Comes Goodbye” which is quickly becoming a smash hit for Rascal Flatts at country radio.  It is their debut single from their new record “Unstoppable”, due in stores April 7th.  So congrats to both Chris and the Flatts.

Many who audition this year will be quickly forgotten, but a select few will prosper in the music industry.  Maybe even a few who do not end up placing in the Top 2… Who will it be…

Salt Lake City was an incredible night for auditions.  There were a lot of great singers that came through, but more importantly - great back-stories.

The night started with a bang when Davis Osmond soulfully crooned a Take 6 tune.  The song choice did not impress the judges, but the voice did.  He is through.

Frankie Jordan and Megan Corkrey are both young moms who audition with very jazzy and unique voices.  They both make it through easily.  Simon is very impressed with Megan in particular.

Austin Sisneros is his senior classes president and hopes to woo the judges.  His personality makes him stand out, and I was far more impressed with his voice than the judges were.

Taylor Vaifanua gives a sweet performance of “Joyful, Joyful”.  I can see her doing well with Colbie Caillat type songs.

Our last contestant of the episode is Rose Flack.  It could be the back-story, it could be the personality, but Rose is my favorite audition so far this year… She isn’t a performer.  She is an artist.  Her voice is melancholy and sad, with good reason.  She has experienced much tragedy in her short life and it shows in her eyes and her tone.  She could be amazing recorded.  If we were in the 60’s, she would already be a star.

UTAH Auditions: Chris Kirkham, 26. Ogden, UT. Also pictured: Chris

There were a few bad auditions shown tonight and one of them just really weirded me out.  Chris Kirkham came in to audition and had a guy dressed in a giant pin k bunny outfit come with him.  Creepy.  He had an okay voice actually, but it was just weird.

I want to make time to answer questions people have about the show and I encourage you to email them to me if you have them.  I can be reached at staceypro@yahoo.com.

Here is the question for the week: “Okay, Phil. WHY are the obvious no-talent losers allowed by the initial screeners to step into the throne room and “perform” for the judges while countless others with at least mediocre talent are told no from the get-go? Do they sign some sort of permission slip/waiver allowing them to be publicly humiliated on A.I.? Are they paid for this humiliation? Surely I’m not the only one who wants to know.”

The “no-talent losers” are sought out to make the show more interesting. As a judge, you aren’t necessarily looking for “good” or “bad.”  What you are looking for is something interesting and intriguing. The audience is fascinated with people who think they are good, when they really are not.  These people aren’t losers. They are just folks like you and me who want to be good at something they love to do. Everyone signs a contract, which is available from americanidol.com during the audition season. This contract gives the show permission to present you in any way they deem necessary. And finally, no one is paid for an audition. Thanks!

Tomorrow night is the last night of the city auditions and it should be interesting.  Next week, the real competition begins in Hollywood.  I can’t wait to see who shines and who fall under the pressure.  Until then, be safe.