By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, filed January 14, 2015
Tonight features the bus tour entrants. There was a lot of quirky, not a lot of pop. I don't know if we found the winner here but there are some memorable characters: Minnie Mouse voice, Branson girl, hobo and Big Sexy, to name a few.
Tomorrow: guest judge Adam Lambert in New York!
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
"Big" Ron Wilson, 24, Florida accountant: This dude exudes (over?) confidence and personality. That (sometimes) spells trouble. He enters singing a clip of "Jenny From the Block," then pours on the Big Sexy with "Let's Get It On," singing again directly to J.Lo. Keith and HCJ decide to fake grab some burgers while he sings because it's clear he is so focused on the lady. "You guys need a cigarette? HCJ said. When he started criticizing Big Ron, J. Lo said he wasn't listening. In reality, he's pretty good but no Ruben Studdard. Good enough for L.A. because Keith and HCJ said yes anyway.
Ian Subsaro, actor: He was very very soprano but not in a good way.
Quick yesses: Ashley Luck (country), Josh Sanders (southern rock), Casey Thrasher (southern rock).
Credit: Rodney Ho
Credit: Rodney Ho
Joey Cook, 23, server, Woodbridge, VA: Two immediate red flags: blue hair and an accordion. She's quirky and that accordion is distracting. At least she's having fun up there and she's sweet. She gets an easy yes though HCJ warned her about being a bit too cutesy. The judges are clearly taken by her personality and this show certainly needs that.
Alexis Gomez: I like her Miranda Lambert-ish approach to country. Keith: "I can see it in you but it isn't fully realized yet." J Lo: "You're comfortable up there. The voice is good." HCJ: "You're smart and beautiful. It was good but not spectacular." Keith surprisingly says no. HJC and JLo puts her through.
Anton Bushner, 19, farmhand, Kansas : His favorite is Keith Urban. He has a lovely voice but nothing special. He is clearly inexperienced. The judges were more taken by him than I was.
Stephanie Gummelt, St. Joseph Mo.: She opts for an original song. I like it. She is a little shy but she is cool. This is the first time I've ever seen them allow the parent to watch from a screen outside. She has a Minnie Mouse speaking voice and a sweet singer songwriter vibe. She also says she loves Steve Perry but notes he's 64, a 46 year gap in age from her. "If he were here, I'd literally vomit!" she said. "Talk about a journey," HCJ cracks. "You're a character and a natural singer," J. Lo said. "It's very pleasant sounding." HCJ doesn't think she has the experience yet and says no but the other two are charmed. I can't see her lasting.
Ashley Stehle, 15. She is all over the place. She is off key, breathy and shallow. Awful. She has a good story with her parents being deaf and her father getting an aid enabling him to hear her for the first time. But a story won't carry her through. "You're not ready for this competition," HCJ said.
Ellen Petersen, 22, Branson. She is super charming and does a sweet bluegrass audition that couldn't be more Branson. That's a good thing for her. "There is so much more in there," HCJ said. She is an easy yes. Then Keith and HCJ has her do the "Beverly Hillbillies" theme. Funny.
Final singer of the night: hobo Kohlton Pascal, Auburn, Ky.. "I sleep with all my stuff tied to me," he said. He said he suffers for his craft. He does a sad original song with a voice weighted by his experience."Are you willing to do what you have to do win this competition? HCJ said. "It's going to put you outside your comfort zone." J Lo said she likes it but finds his approach depressing. Keith likes his talent and the sound of his voice."Visually, not so much," he said.
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