By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, originally filed January 28, 2015
I'm definitely closing in on serious audition fatigue - even though "American Idol' is giving us mostly one-hour episodes instead of two. But we still have one more San Francisco audition episode tomorrow before we move on to Hollywood.
Tonight, we had a few decent performances: KellyeAnn Rodgers ("Song to You") and Chandler Leighton ("New York State of Mind") early on and Rayvon Owen and Maddy Hudson impressed near the end of the hour.
I'm just ready for a change of scenery.
And is it just me or has Ryan Seacrest been given less air time this season?
First up: Katherine Skinner, with her pimp coat and psychic cat. ("Shake It Off" - Florence + the Machine) She is full of confidence and fake David Bowie stories. I was anticipating awful but she is actually doing a pretty good job until the chorus. Her voice is a bit too shrill. "She could be 35, I don't know," J Lo said. "I do think you're talented and made for stage. I'm not sure if it's 'Idol.' " HCJ likes her individuality and creativity. "It kept me off balance." Keith: "Bold and fearless."
Montage of three that make it through:
Confident Erika David, a 25 year old hotel representative from Fremont, Calif., does a respectable Alicia Keys 'No One" cover. "I think you have work to do," J Lo says but she gets her through despite a no from Keith.
Chandler Leighton, student in Los Angeles. Very jazzy and cool. Big yes for me.
Ryan Pinkson, a student from San Francisco, seems very ordinary to me but HCJ felt it was "pinpoint" perfect."
Andrew Bloom, 17, student, Yorba Linda, Calif. ("Too Close" Alex Clare): He's got a good look and a decent voice. Keith likes his spirit. "It has bite and attack," J Lo says. HCJ cautions him on the blues licks.
Kellyeann Rodgers, voice teacher, Memphis ("Song To You") - Really good and really spirited.
Reno Anoa'i, 16, San Francisco, who lives in a house of 60. ("I Don't Want To Talk About It' Rod Stewart) - The ukelele adds a lot to a very charming vocalist. "When you sing I believe you," J Lo said. HCJ: "Idol encompasses itself more than a voice. You only showed one side."
Samuel Prince, San Juan, Puerto Rico. Good actor, so-so singer. Nice telenovella chops!
Then a string of no's Matthew Sequoia, Luke Randall (absurd), Sade Shine (who wasn't bad but looks 45).
Rayvon Owen, vocal coach, Richmond VA ("Wide Awake" Katy Perry) - Started slow but picked up speed and hit a great end note. "Goosies!" J Lo said. Keith: "Your tone is so beautiful." HCJ: "Sometimes there's something to be head to plant your feet and sing."
Twin alert: Ezekiel and Jeremiah Cardenas. Pass.
Maddy Hudson, 16. She is quite sophisticated for her age and has the type of potential that makes the judges salivate. There is a possible star here and a likely top 24 singer.
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