'American Idol' recap: final audition show #8 out of San Francisco

AMERICAN IDOL XIV: Christopher Michael performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL XIV airing Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. © 2014 FOX Broadcasting Co. AMERICAN IDOL XIV: Christopher Michael performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL XIV airing Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. © 2014 FOX Broadcasting Co.

Credit: Rodney Ho

Credit: Rodney Ho

AMERICAN IDOL XIV: Christopher Michael performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL XIV airing Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. © 2014 FOX Broadcasting Co. AMERICAN IDOL XIV: Christopher Michael performs in front of the judges on AMERICAN IDOL XIV airing Thursday, Jan. 29 (8:00-9:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX. CR: Michael Becker / FOX. © 2014 FOX Broadcasting Co.

By RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com, filed originally January 29, 2015

This is the holding spot for tonight's final "American Idol" audition episodes. And not a moment too soon!

More than 200 "Idol" contestants will be pared down to 24 over the next two weeks in Hollywood.

Tonight, we saw at least a couple who are destined for the top 24. And the best ones tonight were the ladies: Adanna, Tara, Jaq and Tyanna. In fact, it appears the ladies were generally stronger in the auditions than the guys.

Adanna Duru, 17, Diamond Bar, Calif. ("You and I" Lady Gaga) She had a great audition, just rocked Lady Gaga with the proper mix of soul and pop. HCJ had one warning: "Make sure  you think about what every lyric means."

Christopher Michael, unemployed, Los Angeles (original song) - We get to see his very original audition merged into the one with the big judges. He's less singing and sort of just emoting. Keith: "I love the passion and that's it. The singing wasn't there."

Hunter Carson, hostess ("That's Life") - Very old fashioned song pick. Hard to tell given her song choice if she really has anything to offer. But the judges loved her.

Tara Honda ("I Feel the Earth Move" Carole King) - A vibrant cover of a great song. HCJ wants a recording of that. In!

Daniel Seavy, 15 ("Hallelujah"/"Straight Up") - He looks about 12. He is clearly not ready at all for this competition. He needs far more seasoning, even though he clearly has some talent. J Lo said it wasn't complete. HCJ said he has some potential but "because of your age, you don't have the maturity yet. Will you? Absolutely. But do you have it right now? No." Keith thinks it would be interesting to see him in Hollywood. JLo was on the fence but gave him a yes.

Rocky Peter, street musician, Dunbar, Calif. (original song "Wrong Places") He's a Nigerian native who grew up with nothing. Lovely tone, pretty voice with real depth but a little tentative in his presentation. "You have something really special," JLo said. Keith: "I'm concerned about the journey of Idol. I'm not sure what you do is compatible with Idol."

"Idol" then shows the most overly sung song this season: Sia's "Chandelier." Even HCJ tried it in ridiculous fashion. ("I think I just blew a gasket!" he said.)

Jaq McKenzie, student, Santa Monica, Calif. (original) - She is an actress with attitude and she feels it. JLo says she is a bit too young and not quite ready. "Would send you to Hollywood help you or hurt you?" HCJ said. JLo thinks it's worth the gamble. So does Keith, who likes her "artistry."

Tyanna Jones, 16, student, Jacksonville, FL ("Wings" Little Mix) - Very strong soulful R&B vibe with some panache. Keith asked what she is working on. She said she has pitch issues. Keith was impressed with her answer because he knew she knew she had gone a bit sharp. HCJ says she has potential. She's a solid Hollywood pick.

- Ratings last night at 11.28 million was actually higher than the debut of 11.2 million. So viewership has effectively stabilized. The 18-49 numbers were down a bit though from a week ago: 2.9 18-49 vs. 3.4. A year ago, the 7th episode was already in Hollywood and drew 13.43 million and a 3.9 18-49. That was the second highest viewership of season 13. The show never even reached 12 million again. This year, of course, the show has yet to hit 12 million overnight viewers. Last Wednesday was the season high at 11.76 million.

- Carrie Underwood's newest single will be "Little Toy Guns." She will also be singing a theme song for the Super Bowl. Jennifer Hudson, whose acting career seems to be on a bit of a stall, will be in a Super Bowl ad for American Family Insurance.