Last time on
Idol, Los Angeles came... and went. Hopefully we saved the best talent for
last as the audition tour hits its final stop, San Francisco. First
impressions are lasting, and this is the last chance to make one. Adam
Lambert was found here. Will history repeat itself among over 9000
contestants?
SAN
FRANCISCO
AT&T Park/Westin St. Francis
First up, a young lady originally from the Ukraine. She is a choreographer,
a video star, and "a glammed up Shakira". But will Inessa Lee (22, Tujunga,
CA) find the victory she's looking for? Not with that vocal. She's "All Out
of Love" (Air Supply). And we're all out of voice.
The morning
talent was bombing... and so were seagulls, but perhaps it was a good sign,
as Brittany Mazur (21, Tucson, AZ), Lara Johnston (20, Novato, CA), and
Matthew Nuss (25, Huntington Beach, CA) all strike gold. Will Stefano
Langone (21, Kent, WA) join him? He was actually in a bad accident two years
ago. He was told that he would never walk again... and yet here he is, not
only walking, but striving for greater things. He sings "Grapevine" by the
great Marvin Gaye. I personally think that it was a little much, but the
judges loves that he has a fire to him, so he's through.
Day 2 begins
with a new dawn and Clint Jun Gamboa (26, Long Beach, CA), a karaoke host at
a dive bar. He was told, multiple times, that he should be in the line for
American Idol. And now here he is with "Billionaire" by Travie McCoy & Bruno
Mars. Jennifer likes "Jun Bug". Randy tells him not to lose that gospel
voice in him. The judges want him in Hollywood!
Next...
Kenneth Berba (22, El Paso, TX)... gives us the quickest judgment ever. No.
No. GOD NO.
After that,
fresh off of Lombard Street... a Transformer. Drew Beaumier (24, Fountain
Valley, CA) sings "Born to Be Wild" by Steppenwolf. And the Autobots fall to
the Judgicons.
The ladies
have come in full force, but will Julie Zorrilla (20, Los Angeles) join her?
She originally comes from Colombia. Her parents took a big risk in coming to
America, having abandoned everything that they've built just to escape the
guerilla fighters there. "Summertime" from "Porgy & Bess" is her
selection... and it's very dirty, very raunchy.. it's perfect. She's
through.
Dave Combs
(25, San Francisco) sings "Oh Darlin'" by the Beatles... He represents
the rocker crowd. So he thinks. Steven thought he was on another planet,
telling him that he's better off tending bar. And he doesn't get any easier
with the crowd.
Emily Anne
Reed (26, Arlington, VA) had her house burned down. She was at work when it
happened. She lost a lot of stuff in the fire, but most importantly, she's
lost her only home. She tries to rebuild with "You're Getting To Be a Habit
With Me" by Harry Warren. She's very... different. Jennifer thought it
was interesting, specific and unique. Steven thought that the melody left a
lot to be desired. Randy disagrees, so it's up to Jennifer. She gives her
ONE MORE SHOT.
We're down
to the final audition... James Durbin (22, Santa Cruz, CA). Raised by his
mother instead of his musician father that he's never really met. He died of
a drug overdose when he was 9. Then he was diagnosed with Tourette's and
Asperger's. Then he met Heidi... had a son... and then got a place of his
own. He needs to keep calm if he wants to prevail. He sings "Dream On" by
Aerosmith. Let's hear from the man himself... Steven? "That was over the
top. That was so good." Needless to say, he's ... GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!
And that
rounds out the field to 327. But it's not going to get any easier as they
are slowly whittled to the 24 who will be competing for your vote.
Next time...
HOLLYWOOD.