Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, originally filed Thursday, February 12, 2015
The solo round was far more entertaining and easy to follow than the group rounds last night. While a few rejects were highlighted (fainting girl Alexis Douglas couldn't stay on key, "Big Ron" Wilson has a hissy fit with the music director), we saw 19 of the top 24, based on the spoilers.
And there are plenty of contenders for the top 12 based on what we've seen to date Atlanta's Loren Lott's stock is rising, given that there is a relative paucity of "big" voices among the women. So is Daniel Seavey, who still looks 12. Quentin Alexander and Clark Beckham seem destined to go far.
Better yet, we get to see them all next week at the House of Blues live on Wednesday and the big top 24 reveal on Thursday. The addition of the live concert is smart. Who can really work off and feed the energy of a crowd? If they had done that last year, a few of the top 12 would never have made it.
Atlanta's Loren Lott was featured prominently last night in a promo after "Empire" and Her "Skyfall" engenders a standing ovation from Jennifer Lopez and guarantees her a spot in the top 48 tonight. "That's the first superstar performance," J Lo said. "That was really beautiful baby."
She was up first tonight and she is guaranteed a top 48 spot. "I laid it out on the floor," she said. And she did it.
Next: 15-year-old Daniel Seavey. ("I See Fire" Ed Sheeran): His voice has matured even from his first audition. He had no problems in this round. Hit some great notes.
"Big Ron" Wilson gets into it with music coordinator Rickey Minor. He brings back "Let's Get It On." He is having a tough time with the band and Minor. He even calls Minor's dominance "the short man thing." The last person you want to insult is the man who could decide your fate. "Not being cocky but I feel I'm the energy American Idol has been missing all the years," he said full cocked (in a sense). Of course, he's gone.
Shi Scott ("All I Can Do Is Cry" Etta James) - For the first time I enjoyed her voice, but HCJ said it wasn't her strongest performance.
Adam Lasher ("Free Fallin' " Tom Petty) - He had some key issues but was clearly good enough to move on. But surprise! He was cut.
Quentin Alexander ("Riptide" Vance Joy) - A clearly creative man with a unique style across the board. He's a keeper for sure.
Maddie Walker and Trevor Douglas cruised into the next round.
Alexis Douglas, the fainting girl, is off key from "You Light Up My Life" so the judges gave her a second chance. She still couldn't get the key right and was rightfully gone.
Jax has one of those cutesy voices. She sings directly to her parents "Let It Be." Sweet. But I'm not sure I could listen to her for an extended period.
Michael Simeon ("Try" Colbie Caillat) - He brings a lot of soul and charm yet again. JLo is smitten.
Nick Fradliani ("Babylon" David Gray ) - The "elderly" man here. And he really brings it. I adored this.
Katherine Skinner ("Alone" Heart) - She lacked control in the upper range. She is too young. She needs more seasoning.
Three named cuts: Piper Jones, Alex Shier and Jess Lamb.
Clark Beckham, the Nashville busser ("Try a Little Tenderness" Otis Redding) - He has an amazingly soulful voice that has depth and maturity. Top 24? Of course.
Mark Andrew ("Skinny Love" Bon Iver) - Absolutely adored that! He forgot lyrics but I am sure they will forgive him given his fatigue. (He has a three month old, too.) "What gave you a pass? Your voice. It's a special
Naomi Tatsuoka was critiqued for garbled words. Alexis Gomez sounded too much the same. Alexis made it. Naomi didn't. She left defiantly.
Shannon Berthiaume and Katherine Winston move forward without us hearing them.
Joey Cook is nervous about missing lyrics again. Her "Across the Universe" isn't bad. She has one of those voices that is so specific and potentially irritating with long exposure.
Lovey James ("You Light Up My Life"), Tyanna Jones ("Try"), Rayvon Owen ("Try a Little Tenderness) and Riley Bria all deserve a top 48 spot.
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