Originally posted Monday, February 24, 2020 by RODNEY HO/rho@ajc.com on his AJC Radio & TV Talk blog
One thing I’ve noticed about “American Idol” is they are focusing on far fewer singers than they did in the early years and providing far longer audition performances.
Over two hours, they featured just a dozen singers, of which nine went through. (Spoiler alert: of those nine, four make it to the top 20.)
It's not a bad move. It gives us a chance to get to know the contestants better and hear more of their vocal skills. And there was some impressive talent tonight. I was especially taken by Jovin Webb and Sara Isen.
Sure, they threw in a gas leak and judges roller skating but it was overall, very music focused. The only montage was focused on the judges’ critiques.
For the second week in a row, “Idol” producers opened with an Atlanta female. And then another one from the same city: Jonesboro! (The latter noted she was from High Point but moved to Jonesboro 18 months ago.)
Cyniah Elise, 17, Jonesboro, student ("You are the Reason" Calum Scott"). She had a viral video and brought 30 family and friends with her to Savannah. She brings a gospel/R&B blend that is earnest and moving. Lionel said she reminded him of Whitney and her mastery of her voice. Katy has been there and said it will come to her developing as an artist, not just a phenomenal singer. Three easy yeses to Hollywood.
Kay Genyse, 19, Jonesboro (originally from High Point, N.C. ("Mercy" Duffy). She has no real experience and her vocals are just okay. But she has tons of personality and attitude. Luke said no. Lionel said yes. Katy decided to send her out to the streets and the crowd liked her. So she's going through. This whole thing felt very staged but whatever. She has no real shot in Hollywood but in an interview, she said she will be taking vocal lessons.
Kyle Tanguay, 21, Philadelphia ( "Mercy" by Sean Mendes) This one smells like stunt casting. He is a rare male cheerleader for the Philadelphia Eagles and brings in his brethren as part of the audition. He admits up front he isn't a singer. But he isn't half bad, bringing the proper emotive soul. For someone without any vocal lessons, there is some decent raw material here. Katy had him go up a key and he is even better. He has potential. Three yeses.
Jovin Webb, 28, Gonzalez, La. ( "Whipping Post" Allman Brothers") Sad story alert: his mom died in 2012 after he graduated college. I love this guy! He brings all this bluesy pain to the song. "You officially brought the barbecue sauce sounds like," Lionel said. Then he name-dropped B.B. King. "All of the pain you've been through we believe you," Katy Perry. "It's so true. It's so real. It's a God-given gift inside you." Three yeses. Duh.
There is a gas leak! Katy over-emotes but otherwise, all is fine.
Claire Jolie Goodman, 16, Mount Prospect, Ill.
She’s a Broadway baby who does a lot of vocal prep, much to the annoyance of everyone around her. And we hear the tail end of something absurd. They ask for a pop song and she offers “Mamma Mia.” Still too Broadway. She suggests an aria. Huh? She is beyond annoying when you actually hear her sing. My ears have yet to recover from this nightmare. The judges blow smoke up her you know what by saying she should go Broadway. She won’t make it there either.
Margie Mays, 26, Wilmington De. ( "I Found a Boy" Adele). Last year, she came on like a wrecking ball and wrecked all of us. She was sweet but a little overeager, a little hepped up. She made it to Hawaii but didn't make it to the live shows. This year, she said she's matured and brought her boyfriend along to play piano. Margie Mays 2.0 is actually pretty darn good. Luke noted that she hit bad notes last year. This audition was clean. But he said she didn't quite sell the song to him. Katy wasn't a fan of that song and gives her a surprise no. Luke agrees with Katy about the song but gives her another shot.
Jonny West, 23, Murietta, Calif., piano teacher ( original). No offense to his girlfriend Margie but he is better than she is. He has more authenticity and even his little rap break works. Katy: "You are a silent but deadly killer. When you sing, it's so pro... You may go farther than Margie." He's an easy yes across the board.
Sarah Isen, 20, Berkeley, Calif. college student ( "If I Were a Boy" Beyonce). She was raised by two moms then found her sperm donor and discovered 26 half siblings as a result. Ten showed up to the audition! There's a story we haven't seen before on "Idol"! I adore her. She may not be the most powerful vocalist but the range and tone was mesmerizing. Everything just works. I'm a fan. Luke: "Totally blew me away." Lionel loved her low end. Katy wants her to use dynamics more.
Eliza Catastrophe, 28, Spokane, Wash. server ( "Sardines" original). Okay, weird novelty song? Really? She is an okay singer but a terrible song choice. She gets no's. Clearly, she knew she wasn't going to get a yes from that.
After Katy and Luke roller skate while she sings “I Wanna Skate With Somebody.” They feature originality with Katie Turner and Alejandro.
This leads to:
Julia Gargano, 21, Staten Island (original "Growing Pains") A so-so original song and I'm not really feeling her at all. But I get it. Katy goes up and hugs her. "Sounds really classic," said Luke. Katy says she is as good as Alejandro and Catie and could be top five. Three yeses.
Curt Jones and Hannah Prestridge. Curtis starts with Travis Tritt's "Help Me Hold On." He's okay but nothing special. They then get into Hannah and Curtis getting pregnant. She had kidney issues and was given hydrocodone. She became addicted to painkillers and he almost left her with their two girls. She has been sober a year. She's 24 and the suffering is etched on her face and in her voice. Katy: "There's a pain you can feel and people resonate with it." She also likes Curt's country voice but he really is just alright. Lionel said Curt is her rock but she is in for sure. He's not.
