AMERICAN IDOL: Hollywood week begins as contestants perform in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL airing Tuesday, Feb. 4 on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX.
Hollywood “week” has finally arrived. This is one of my favorite phases during the American Idol season because we have weeded out the “bad” auditions and know the real talent is left fighting it out for the select spots. I think these episodes give us the most “reality” during the entire season.
The producers are shaking things up a bit, starting Idol boot camp on day one. The contestants are getting styled, vocal coached and Berry Manilow!
First up, “Lil Rounds,” an early audition favorite sang “I Will Always Love You ” and she sailed through. America will be calling in votes for her in a couple of weeks.
Nerves play a big part of Hollywood week and this year is no exception. Hollywood is the first time the contestants come in contact with their competition. If they haven’t realized it yet- sitting in your first meeting, everyone around you is talented and wants a spot on the show yet very few will actually get to become Idols. It is very unnerving to really comprehend your odds. I never had this problem in the early rounds because I never expected to keep going through. I never unpacked my bags the whole week! I took each day as a blessing from God and tried to have fun, making as many friends as possible.
The producers make light of everyone becoming friends, but it is true. Chris Sligh was my roommate during this week and I now consider him like a brother. I actually became pretty good friends with many of my season’s top contenders during this short period. I actually had a nice steak dinner with Sanjaya and his family at some point during the week. My wife had to point out after I got home that eating a medium rare hunk of beef probably wasn’t the most sensitive thing to do in front of someone with a Hindu father.
Enough about my season…
Speaking of nerves, Nathaniel Marshall and Rose Flack were great examples of nerves grabbing a hold of a person. Nathaniel has a nice voice but at the first hint of criticism allowed his emotions to take over. I didn’t quite understand his “it is on my skin and bursts out” comment. Rose is the resident hippy and may have a hard time conforming to the machine that is American Idol. If you have trouble performing under strained timelines and pressure - Idol is torture. But Nathaniel and Rose are getting another chance and make it through.
The judges think Nick Mitchell aka “Norman Gentle” actually has some skill and put him through one more round. I think he is well on his way to a red carpet gig - I can already hear Jay Leno or Jimmy Kimmel calling.
I feel like Danny Gokey was the real stand out of tonight’s show. Watch out for him. I feel like we really got to see him shine during his song “Kiss From a Rose.” He is able to translate his emotions into music very well and I am big fan.
Also, Jackie Tohn , Jeremy Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and Jasmine Murray were some other great talents that should do well!
104 contestants are left after the first rounds of Hollywood week. Tomorrow we get to see the groups perform - the height of craziness during Hollywood week. Don’t forget to go get you Melinda Doolittle CD! It came out today.
3 Comments
Great recap, Phil. I was thinking, too, that Norman Gentle would do well in musical theater or something. But he does look like he can do well on a late-night show. I read that Danny Gokey is a worship leader (like you, :-)), and I enjoyed hearing him sing “Kiss From a Rose.” It reminded me of Chris Sligh’s audition, as he sang that song. There were some auditions I wish they had shown, like Michael Castro’s. I guess we’ll see what drama there is tomorrow.
Hey Phil! You didn’t mention Anoop Desai. I thought he was the best singer from last night’s show. He’s another one to watch.
I really like Danny Gokey. I think he’ll definitely make top 5. The women I can’t decide on yet. I’ll have to give it another week or two before I can choose a female. Thanks for your input, Phil. I’m enjoying the blog.
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[...] Also, Jackie Tohn , Jeremy Michael Sarver, Stephen Fowler and Jasmine Murray were some other great talents that should do well! 104 contestants are left after the first rounds of Hollywood week. Tomorrow we get to see the groups …More [...]