Home to thousands of Hollywood actors, producers and musicians, the “City of Angels” is synonymous with stardom. Since everything in California is bigger and brighter than anywhere else on Earth, you can bet your botox the Los Angeles “Idol” auditions were as colorful as they were entertaining. Ten thousand “Idol” hopefuls gathered at the Rose Bowl in hopes of amazing the judges with their talent.
Joined by guest judge, Avril Lavigne, big geek Neil Goldstein returned for a second shot at the “Idol” title, performing Meatloaf… well, kind of. He forgot the words to the song before belting out the tune. Simon told him he was not suited for the business, and as if last week’s arrest wasn’t prompt enough for Neil to exit gracefully, he refused to leave and started arguing with the judges about reality. Simon finally convinced him to leave without an escort. Turns out, Neil had a brush with Simon before the judges panel, and the fact that Simon didn’t even acknowledge disheartened him.
Pastor Jim Ranger took a big chance performing his original song, “Drive,” but the father of three managed to impress the judges. Avril was jaded by the fact that he had three children, which influenced Kara’s decision at first too, but he came out of the audition with golden ticket number one. After a long line of no-goes, sandwich maker Damien Lefavor nearly tore his throat out singing “You’ve Lost That Loving Feeling.” I didn’t think that was possible, but when it comes to “American Idol” auditions, I’ve learned that anything can happen, and usually does.
Mary Powers rocked the audition with a little Pat Benetar, while her daughter stood outside hoping she’d get to meet Simon. All four judges agreed she had what it took to go on to the next round. Ryan Seacrest brought Mary’s little girl in to meet Simon, making the girl’s day. Adam Lambert has influenced thousands of “Idol” hopefuls, and the last audition of day one not only looks like Lambert, but, A.J. Mendoza also shopped a demo to Lambert once. Lambert supposedly had nothing but good things to say, but the judges didn’t agree and sent him packing.
Day two said goodbye to Avril Lavigne, and Katy Perry took her place on the judges panel. She showed up with her attitude on.
First audition of the day, Austin Fulmer, danced around the stage like a young Mick Jagger singing Cheap Trick’s “Surrender.” The judges weren’t impressed with his style, and despite his protests to try something else, they said farewell. Unfortunately, Austin seemed to set the bar for the morning, as the string of following rejections just couldn’t handle the fact that they weren’t all that.
Andrew Garcia is focused on making the best life for his family as he can. He poured his heart and soul into his audition. Simon noted that he was the only genuinely good singer they had seen all day. The judges four were in agreement, and Garcia was one step closer to recognizing his dream. Thank god there was a commercial after that, because not only was his story touching, but his voice was so amazing I got a little verklempt.
Tasha Layton earned golden ticket number nine. Then Jason Greene came along and scared everyone, including me with his rendition of the Devinyls “I Touch Myself.”
As the auditions went on, I thought Katy and Kara were going to kill each other before the end of day two.
Chris Golightly’s only constant through the course of his life has been music, and the judges felt his passion. Except for Katy, who didn’t think his story was reason enough for him to go on. Two small Ys, a big Y and a giant Y, and Chris walked lightly out of the audition with the final golden ticket. Thankfully, I kept the tissues nearby.
Tomorrow night, we’ll be in Dallas, Texas, so I’ll see you there!
