After last Thursday's super "American Idol" talent jam in New York, tonight would be an inevitable letdown in Minneapolis. And of course it was.
But the talent wasn't bad. It was far better than the bus tour crew in Kansas City. There are a few who auditioned in Minnesota who could potentially land in the top 24. We hear 11 folks who make it through. My favorites: Vanessa, Zach and Andrew.
Shannon Berthiaume, 17, student ("House of the Rising Sun" Animals) - Some interesting riffs but a bit too overpowering at points. "I respond to people who are constantly trying to create the best art at that moment," HCJ said. Keith likes her rawness. She's in.
Dork alert: Kemil Casey, 19, nanny ("Human Nature" Michael Jackson) - One of the most irritating voices and performances I've heard this season. "Oddly entertaining," HCJ said. "Vocals aren't there," Keith said. Nowhere. And he's out.
Montage: Morgan Ovens, 24, professional organizer, Venice, CA. ("Hand in My Pocket") She is chipper and does the nicest version of an Alanis Morrisette song ever. Gabrielle Noe'l, leasing sales manager, is a promising R&B singer. Courtney Guns, bartender, closes in on her "Independence Day" but seems to miss a few notes. They all get through.
Vanessa Andrea, stay-at-home mom ("Some Kind of Wonderful" Grand Funk Railroad) She breaks down in tears just talking about her husband and kids. She sounds all kinds of wonderful. "It was your jam," Keith said. "I love your whole style," J Lo said. "You had a lot of confidence."
Zach Johnson, Fargo, ND ("Don't Close Your Eyes" Keith Whitley) : This guy is all goofy spirit, very likable, ultra schlubby. And he can sing. But HCJ calls him for singing with such a heavy Southern accent while not having a Southern accent. So he dials it back and he's in.
Aaron Bissell, singer songwriter: He is very coffee house to the point Harry Connick makes fun of it. But he's good - and through.
Cindy Jo, pre-K teacher and hunter ("Crazy" Patsy Cline) - A nice imitation but not a good audition. "You kept losing the melody to show off your singing voice," J Lo said. "Lose all the theatrics," Keith said. HCJ: "It felt like the pedal was to the metal." She made it but how far is she really going to go?
Jacob Tolliver ("Whole Lotta Shakin' Goin' On" Jerry Lee Lewis/ "Stay With Me") - His Jerry Lee Lewis was way too much like a Branson show as opposed to an audition. "Mimicry will not win 'American Idol,' " HCJ said. His Sam Smith shows just enough individuality to get him to Hollywood.
Hannah Mrozak ("Something's Gotta Hold On Me" Etta James) - She's only 16. She has a lot of soul but it does feel very "Glee." The judges give her an easy yes although I'm hardly overwhelmed.
Kristi Kroker, 21, student ("Demons" Imagine Dragons) - She felt very mannered and was rejected.
Mark Andrew, landscape foreman ("Soul Shine" Allman Brothers/ "Be Like You") - He looks like Zac Brown but doesn't sound like him. He has a very cool vocal style with a jazzy flavor. Nice way to close the hour.
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