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Access Atlanta > American Idol Buzz > Archives > 2008 > January > 29 > Entry
1/29: American Idol Omaha auditions
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ABOVE: Danny Chapman, an “Idol” fan since season two and an Emory freshman, co-hosts the Fox-sponsored Idol party Tuesday night. CREDIT: Rodney Ho
Fox has commissioned a bunch of college campus parties across the country in audition cities. Locally, they picked one of the smaller schools, Emory University. I was invited and figured it might be interesting to see how many folks would show up.
Demographically, “Idol” has been aging so this modest marketing move makes sense because they are trying to get this younger demo excited this season after last year’s lackluster crew.
The turnout was respectable: about 60 Emory students. Not surprisingly, about 50 were female. I watched the show with the students. Two of them hosted the hour, giving away caps, “Idol” bouncy balls and “Idol” sweatshirts. They did a bunch of “Idol” trivia which most of you readers would find insultingly easy (“Who won the first American Idol?” “Name the top 3 last season.”). Toward the end, when they ran out of questions, I jumped up on stage (to promote this blog, of course) and asked three questions which I figured somebody would know: “Which American Idol finalist is on ‘Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.’ ” A guy knew that one (Jessica Sierra.). The second: “Who starred in ‘The Color Purple’ on Broadway?” Yes, someone knew Fantasia. But I stumped them with “What’s Ryan Seacrest’s hometown?” Atlanta would have been acceptable but nobody had a clue.
Anyway, on to the actual show. Two observations: Poor Paula Abdul seems to be back to her early-season wacked-out ways. She got there late and must have been sleep deprived because she hiccuped, slept, spun around in the chair, clapped like a seal and even yelled “Touchdown!” It was like Paula’s greatest judging hits in one show!
Second, “Idol” actually showed good singers, lots of them, while relegating most of the bad ones to montages. Or maybe those Midwesterners lacked a certain delusional quality and/or Vegas-like flair. Still, it was nice to see both an arm wrestler and a pro wrestler! (Both female!)
Paula’s plane was late so the odd sight of Randy and Simon started the episode. (Proving I’ve been watching this show forever, I recall the time Paula missed the Atlanta auditions season two back in the fall of 2002.)
For Chris Bernheisel, this is the biggest “life alternating change” in his life. And he’s a big Kelly Clarkson fan and gave Simon pictures of him with Kelly. Then he proceeds to kill off “Since U Been Gone.” Simon likes the sucking up but said “the singing was not good enough.” Shockingly, Simon was not mean! Then he auditions to be the local reporter to be at the red carpet finale. Simon promises Fox 42 Omaha will help him out!
Jason Rich, a good looking farmer from Stout, Iowa, starts a Keith Whitley song but forgets the words three times. Finally, he gets it right the fourth time. Simon is shockingly patient with the poor guy who actually has a good voice and decent presence. He doesn’t appear to have made the final 24.
Then a sequence of folks who couldn’t remember the lyrics, plus Paula’s arrival.
Arm wrestler Rachael Wicker is pretty with muscle (Simon was too wimpy to face off against him but she strong-arms Paula.) I agree with Simon. She sings real old. She’s 23 but feels like a latter-day Faith Hill. Blehh. I’m surprised she even got two yesses.
Former pro wrestler Sarah “Lady Morgue” Whitaker of Council Bluffs, IA with the evil laugh is possibly the most pitiful singer of the night. Shockingly, she left in good spirits. Even the wrestlers are polite!
In what might have been a rigged bit, Simon invited Ryan to swap with Paula. Samantha Sidley, an adorably cute singer from Los Angeles, did a lovely Norah Jones but was clearly nervous. “I like your voice but I think you need to work on your self confidence and stop spinning around the mark,” Ryan said in his first-ever judge critique. Paula comes in, agreeing with Ryan that she could use more “showmanship.” All four say yes.
Other good singers: Elizabeth Erkert is solid with “I Heard It Through the Grapevine.” (“I am America’s Next Top Model,” she accidentally proclaims.) A Fantasia look and soundalike Denise Jackson from Madison, WI is solid. Michael Sanfilippo does a fine Stevie Wonder.
Sob story alert: Angelica Puente of Kenosha, WI moved out of her house because she had difficulties with her family as a teen. But she still loves her dad, who paid for her to come to “Idol” auditions. Awww…. When I heard she was going to do Celine Dion, I braced for a bad voice but in reality, she wasn’t half bad and hit her notes. She could use a little more stage presence and personality. I’m surprised she gets through!
Mohawked David Cook(right), of Tulsa, one of the possible final 24, pops up singing a stylish “Living on a Prayer” much better than Jordin did last year. Great voice, not sure about his personality. “Work on some persona,” Randy said.
Johnny Escamilla, “one of the weirdest guys you’d ever meet,” is possibly the strangest dancers ever doing “Shout,” Otis Day edition. Where did he get that sparkly jacket? B-bye Johnny!
Fortunately, they end with a decent singer: Leo Marlowe of Charlotte IA, who does a sophisticated take on Donny Hathaway’s “A Song For You.” Didn’t Elliott Yamin sing that song, too? He’s through and we’re on to Miami!
We actually saw 9 out of 19 of the Hollywood bound. Mike S was nice enough to do the tracking: 39 out of 125 and 8 out of the rumored final 24 so proportionally, that’as about right. We’ve now been through seven hours, so that’s an average of 5.5 good singers per hour. With three more hours, that means we’ll see 17 more good singers and probably half of the rumored final 24.
Comments
Commenting is now closed for this entry.
By kellyfan(from home)
January 29, 2008 8:09 PM | Link to this
Rodney that is awesome news! I’m a lil jealous. So, you need someone to carry your pencils, blackberry, etc? ;)
By kellyfan(from home)
January 29, 2008 9:04 PM | Link to this
My random thoughts on tonight: The heartland….the land of farmer’s daughters….howdy nebraska!
Chris Bernheisel - brings gifts. And pics of Kelly Clarkson! I like him already! LOL “It’s about giving people second chances…” and he gets all weepy. He sings Since U Been Gone and aside from my total Kelly bias, the singing was bad! He was cute, but the singing was bad.
Jason Rich - A good looking guy. I like him. Started well, and then…he forgot the lyrics and managed to come back. He makes it, but he better remember the song.
Montage of forgotten lyrics and bad singing…a good 3 munutes down the drain.
Rachael Wicker - The tough armwrestling chick. Does a little country (Leanne Womack). She’s pretty, but sounds a little bit old. She gets Randy and Paula, so she is through.
Sarah Whitaker - A former professional wrestler. EEK. Lady Morgue? She is scary…and doesn’t make it. This leads to a confrontation (staged) and where Ryan and Paula swap places.
Samantha Sidley - Does a decent Norah Jones, but it’s a tad weak. Wow, all three said yes. She made it.
Elizabeth Exkert - made it
(missed one….and she made it)
Michael Sanfilipo - is through
Angelica Puente - She’s pretty…has family issues and the sad story. This is her first ever audition. She is singing The Power of Love. She has a pretty good voice, but it’s doing the vocal acrobatics and basically copying that song. But she’s made it through.
Shameless Idol promo of Daughtry to introduce the rockers…
David Cook - A preppy sweater wearing rocker. Singing Livin’ on a Prayer. Slows it down and I dug it. So did the judges. He is through. It will be interesting to see what he does.
Johnny Escamilla - Compares himself to James Brown. (Seriously?) Paula has loud hiccups. Refraining from the obvious joke…back to the audition. He sings and old classic…and he is awful. Clearly, doesn’t make it.
A montage of bad singing…it’s not an idol episode unless you have that.
The last audition, Leo Marlowe, who has the line of the night: “Well, my mom always said she raised the perfect homecoming queen…too bad it wasn’t one of her daughters.” He’s got a really good voice. The judges like him and he is in!
Omaha produiced 19…and we didn’t see the hotties! Boo…again.
Tomorrow we get some Miami. Here’s hoping it’s caliente.
And Rodney, I thought Carrie came from Checotah, OK. ;)
By Deirdre
January 29, 2008 9:05 PM | Link to this
Tell us all about Kelly tomorrow, Rodney!
Liked this show better than Charleston. the last guy(prom Queen) was good.
Really liked the orange haired rocker although I hope he gets rid of the orange hair.
I didn’t take notes and those are the 2 who stood out for me. I’ll have to wait for Rodney’s review to comment on the others.
By BobandDew
January 29, 2008 9:10 PM | Link to this
We thought it was overall a good night, kinda boring, but liked a lot of folks…Someone said a few weeks ago that they thought this season someone would be openly gay, it may be that last dude…he had a great voice, a lot of feeling
By Deirdre
January 29, 2008 9:14 PM | Link to this
Leo and David were my favorites(thanks for the names, kf!)I also liked Jason but he seriously needs to calm down and remember his lyrics or he’ll be out on his ear! I thought the Norah Jones imitator was weak….kinda liked sad Anjelica(she needs to stop crying for 5 minutes). the arm wrestling girl had a nice voice but there’s just no way she’s going to make it past Hollywood!
By BobandDew
January 29, 2008 9:15 PM | Link to this
Also hey to Deidra
By Deirdre
January 29, 2008 9:21 PM | Link to this
Hey BaD…how’re you doing? These shows are soooo slow. I can’t wait for Hollywood and the semi-finals…I’ve grown weary of the bad singers! Is it one more week after tomorrow night that we have to put up with crap? Or is it longer than that?
By BobandDew
January 29, 2008 9:30 PM | Link to this
Its funny we have several friends who only watch the beginning and the end, the beginning to see Simon being mean and the end for the talent, well Simon was criticized last season for going too far and we think he is way to forgiving this season!
By Mike S
January 29, 2008 11:48 PM | Link to this
We got to see 9 of 19 tonight, bringing our season golden ticket count to 39 out of 125.
So far we have seen a total of 8 off of the rumored top 24 list. None of which were on tonight’s show.
As for tonight — I thought Leo Marlowe and David Cook were by far the best. Angela Puente, Jason Rich and Racheal Wicker were good but not great for me. Samantha Sidley, Eliabeth Erkhart, Denice Jackson, Michael San Fillipo were ok but nothing special.
By War Eagle
January 30, 2008 7:05 AM | Link to this
Class was canceled last night so I got to watch idol. I might as well have been in class because I would have been equally bored. I liked Samantha Sidley, she looked like a take home to mom kind of girl and I thought the gay dude at the end did a goood job. I like his home coming queen joke. Overall last night sucked.
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 7:58 AM | Link to this
Morning mushblogians!
I guess the audition rounds are less than inspirational. Not much to talk about! I’m looking forward to hearing some of the singers the show deemed too boring for us to see. They made it to Hollywood but, they’re too boring for us…what does that say about the judges?
I’m also interested in hearing Rodney’s opinion of Kelly Clarkson after his visit with her this morning on the Bert Show.
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 8:33 AM | Link to this
Good morning y’all!
I’m listening to the interview right now. She is funny…
By flats
January 30, 2008 9:15 AM | Link to this
Good morning all..is she eating as she talks to bert?
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this
Wow, she was on for over an hour. (Boy does she talk a lot.) She still seems so down to earth, and honest, it’s nice…loved the comments about partaking in Amsterdam’s special cookies ‘cause “hello, it’s legal! Plus, you know, I was given one and Southern hospitality means I had to take it.”
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 9:48 AM | Link to this
Just talked to Rodney! He has some good stuff to tell you about Kelly Clarkson…plus pictures. It will be awhile before he can post it…so relax, have a cup of coffee!
I’m off to go shopping. Back soon!
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 9:58 AM | Link to this
mornin’ mushbloggians one and all… i apologize if i was a little off-track yesterday, it was a really REALLY rough day, but i’m back in control, well… as much as i ever am… of my world.
i just loved the last guy’s laid back, matter-of-fact demeanor … “Mom said she raised the perfect prom queen…too bad it wasn’t one of her daughters” has to be one of the best lines i’ve heard in such a situation, and it was delivered with perfect aplomb! and he could sing too, so i’m looking forward to seeing him again.
i hope they don’t stifle his natural wit like they did with Chris whatshisname! oh how soon we forget…. ummmmm…. not daughtry, of course, the other one…
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Hey Linny…glad you are back!
Would it be Chris “I just want to make David Hasselhoff cry” Sligh? ;)
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 10:05 AM | Link to this
Sligh!!!
I’m leaving for shopping for new facets and lights for my bathroom!
Glad you’re better, linny…I was getting a little worried! :-)
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 10:06 AM | Link to this
Faucets…not facets! :-)
By flats
January 30, 2008 10:12 AM | Link to this
LOL!!!
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 10:37 AM | Link to this
yeah! Sligh…sheesh! must be the impending oldtimer’s disease…. i’ve only got a day and a half yet to be a youngster! after midnight thursday night i have no excuse for any immaturity!!! coff coff, choke choke
I’M KIDDING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i will continue to be just as immature as i WANT to be
wait… that didn’t come out exactly right…
hmmmmm
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 10:42 AM | Link to this
LOL, Linny…you crack me up. And that’s the spirit. :)
By flats
January 30, 2008 10:45 AM | Link to this
I miss Choc…LOL!!!
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 11:29 AM | Link to this
D you back yet?
did you get faceted faucets? or farah faucets? or is that farah’s facets? no wait, that would be her diamonds, right?
ok, so i’m being goofy today, it’s better than dumbo, like yesterday!!!
By flats
January 30, 2008 11:39 AM | Link to this
I’m here Linny.
By flats
January 30, 2008 12:06 PM | Link to this
I’m still here.
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 1:02 PM | Link to this
Wow…quiet day on the blog today. Can’t wait for the Top 24. I’m sort of over the auditions.
By flats
January 30, 2008 1:23 PM | Link to this
KF…As the Grandfather of this blog..I’ll take a slow day!good time to do a little maintanance and clean it up a little bit.28 real strong firm posts today’s nice.
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 1:30 PM | Link to this
Hey…I’m back but will be assisting hubby in changing some faucets.
I think last night’s show was so dull that we just can’t work up much enthusiasm about it.
I bring up Edwards’ withdrawal from the race but that just gets us in trouble! Guiliani is a goner in IMO.
Anybody else looking forward to the new season of Lost starting tomorrow(and Rodney…I still hate you! :-) )?
By flats
January 30, 2008 1:34 PM | Link to this
I really like Edwards….I voted for him in the primary..1st democrat i ever voted for in my life.
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 1:37 PM | Link to this
LOL, D. It sure WAS dull minus the last audition…
The new theme song for the elections: “Another One Bites the Dust…”
I’m there on Lost, but more looking forward to Rodney’s blog. I’m all out of coffee. ;)
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 1:40 PM | Link to this
I’ll join in with you in NOT commenting on politics today, D, but i’m sure it’s down to a 2/person race in both parties, pretty much…
remember back a few months ago when it felt like American President…one will be voted off each week??? what was it, like 24 between the various parties???
now, not having said anything about politics…. did anyone watch House last night? It really was a good episode… About dealing with truth… or not… One of the better ones, in my opinion. This mom swore never to lie to her daughter because her mom had died when she was 7, and she never even new her mom was sick… sometimes it was funny, sometimes poignant… and of course it turns out that there IS one lie… the girl doesn’t know she’s adopted…
House, who says everyone lies, had trouble dealing with someone who pretty much does tell the truth. as i said, good episode. raises some good and interesting questions
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
I’ll join in with you in NOT commenting on politics today, D, but i’m sure it’s down to a 2/person race in both parties, pretty much…
remember back a few months ago when it felt like American President…one will be voted off each week??? what was it, like 24 between the various parties???
now, not having said anything about politics…. did anyone watch House last night? It really was a good episode… About dealing with truth… or not… One of the better ones, in my opinion. This mom swore never to lie to her daughter because her mom had died when she was 7, and she never even new her mom was sick… sometimes it was funny, sometimes poignant… and of course it turns out that there IS one lie… the girl doesn’t know she’s adopted…
House, who says everyone lies, had trouble dealing with someone who pretty much does tell the truth. as i said, good episode. raises some good and interesting questions
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 1:41 PM | Link to this
crud, i’m sorry, i think i hit the button twice on the last post :-(
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 1:53 PM | Link to this
Gotta twitchy trigger finger, linny? :-)
By flats
January 30, 2008 1:59 PM | Link to this
I like being known as the Republican Blog.
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 2:16 PM | Link to this
But we’re not all Republicans, greg! You just like annoying the exiles which is rude. Leave them alone! They’re not bothering you. Stop trying to cause trouble.
We have some Democrats here, some Libertarians…..We tend toward conservative but that’s not true of all of us either! Stop trying to make us over into your own image….it isn’t fair and it isn’t right!
By flats
January 30, 2008 2:23 PM | Link to this
Sorry D….I love it.
By flats
January 30, 2008 2:24 PM | Link to this
What’s the Exiles??
By Deirdre
January 30, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
The exiles are the people who chose to leave this blog because of your harassment.
Don’t drive the rest of us away, too or you’ll have to find a whole new group!
By kellyfan
January 30, 2008 2:39 PM | Link to this
Seriously?
By flats
January 30, 2008 3:05 PM | Link to this
Oh sorry….i’ve never been warned for any type of harassment…I’ve seen alot of harassment towards you Deidre.So sorry about that!
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 3:20 PM | Link to this
greg, greg, greg….
if indeed that’s you, let’s just stop this pretending to be ohhhh soooo innocent! you were not nice at times, downright rude and [unmentionable words] at times… AND you were baited and worked up by some who saw a chance to push your buttons, AND your reactions to that were TOTALLY uncalled for and misplaced if not downright WRONG. You were told so. You knew what you were doing. So did most of us. You’re way smarter than some people want to give you credit for, but you do NOT fool some of us, like D and me, just for starters. DON’T start trouble, no matter how subtly. just DON’T. This innocence thing is not you, so don’t go there.
AND just in case someone is using “flats” as a login and is NOT greg…. SHAME on you! ‘nuff said!
(having said that to cover bases on BOTH sides of the aisle, i’m learning to be political, here, it seems)
and i have a technical reason for wondering IF by chance the “What’s the Exiles” might NOT be greg.
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
January 30, 2008 3:21 PM | Link to this
which is not to say it’s NOT, just that i wonder if indeed it IS…
now, i’m going away again, lol, before i take my size !@# foot and remove it from my mouth only to put the OTHER foot IN.
i’m good that way, yanno?
By flats
January 30, 2008 3:32 PM | Link to this
where’s everybody?
By Rodney Ho
January 30, 2008 3:43 PM | Link to this
Kelly photos up on a new blog entry for KellyFan. Interview forthcoming on the same blog entry. And yes, she’s as nice as can be, probably nicer than you’d even expect given the past year.
By Julia
January 30, 2008 8:49 PM | Link to this
Was Paula drunk on Tuesday show or WHAT?!!!!! The hiccups, arm wrestling, bending over the table, etc. What kind of drugs is she on?!
By brooklyn
February 1, 2008 3:44 PM | Link to this
I think some of the people in Omaha,Ne did a great job.. Im mad there letting that guy host the fox thing he was weird to me no offense.. And Paula is so amazing arm wrestling on the table wow.. and please people dont try out if you cant SING
By ,,,=^..^=,,,
February 1, 2008 4:07 PM | Link to this
brooklyn, to respond…. do you REALLY think that guy will be doing hosting … no, all that Simon really said was that they wanted to see him on the fox affiliate … that doesn’t mean ANYthing! paula is amazing doing anything, frankly; one never knows what it will be! and brooklyn, hon…. most of those people unfortunately think they CAN sing which we have, of course, to be subjected to! MY problem is why the screeners put some of them through AT all!!! if they supposedly have to go through two or three screenings before they even get in the door on the Paula Simon Randy day, how do they get that far? the producers WANT them there! for “entertainment” value, and nothing else!