|
|
GSNN
Primes |
|
Previous Episodes January 18 January 19 January 22 January 25 January 26 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
In the world's ultimate talent search, where the eyes of a nation are upon the best undiscovered singers in the country, where the audience has the power to make or break you, and where a million-dollar recording contract is on the line, there is only one rule: If you can sing it, bring it. Recaps by Chico Alexander, Jason Block, Don Harpwood & Gordon Pepper, GSNN
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Copyright Statement Powered by 1&1 Internet |
|
Auditions: Portland It's the opportunity people have been waiting for all their lives, but in a place known for being weird, will we see trailblazing talent... or will we be left to shout "Timber!" It's the Portlandia auditions! PORTLAND, OREGON Brittney "Tripster the Hipster" Zika (21, Portland, OR; nanny/social media tech) had a dream that she was on stage with Sara Bareilles singing "Gravity". That turned into an epiphany, which turned into an audition... which turns into a trip on the uneven bricks. She sings... "The Story" by Brandi Carlisle. A very pretty voice, and the judges are awestruck by the look not even matching the voice. She gets in on a sweep. Ben Purdom (18, Philadelphia, cable salesman) is not feeling that great right now. He's been sick for a couple of days. Can he sing on it? He'll try on "Born this Way" by Lady Gaga. "(BLEEP!)" My thoughts exactly, Steve. Jermaine Jones (24, Pine Hill, NJ, music teacher) began singing in the church. The self-professed "mama's boy" was founded on music, but is the 6'8" guy born to be an American Idol? He'll try "Superstar" by Luther Vandross. Nice robust tone, albeit a bit deep for this song. Very dynamic, and it's something you aren't taught. And the Gentle Giant makes it through to Hollywood. Day 2 in the City of Roses begins with Britnee Kellogg (27, Vancouver, WA, banker/mother-of-two), who's been held back by people telling her not to do it, people telling her she can't. Her kids beg to differ, though. Her husband decided to pursue other women instead of basketball dreams. She sings, a propos of a lot, "You're No Good" by Linda Ronstadt. She's got a nice raspy voice for this song. If she can keep making wise song choices like this, she could go far. She gets a golden ticket. Hoping to follow her footsteps is Sam Gershman (21, Clarksville, MD, motivational dancer), whose dad is Ira Gershman. ... Okay. She sings "I'm a Woman". Very. Very. Cloying. Portland is one of the greenest cities in the country, so maybe Idol will pull a weed... David Weed (22, Mountain Home, ID, fast food), who works in fast food, sings "Tom Sawyer" by Rush. Someone bring out the Weed killer, please. Romeo Diahn (22, Portland by way of Liberia, shipping clerk) emigrated to a refugee camp in Ghana West Africa, waiting for a chance to come to America. He finally got a chance to come here, and since then, he's been living the American dream. He'll try to live another with "Is This Love" by Bob Marley. Rather plain sung. But it's good enough for Hollywood. Just after 2, and everyone's still looking for the golden ticket. Naomi Gillies (22, Boston, student) is "Cryin'" for one. Bonus points for an Aerosmith song, but what will Steven think? He likes a good old fashioned belter. Bad idea jeans montage. Next up, Ben Harrison (28, Eugene, OR, shipping agent)... looks like a fat Gordon Ramsay. And is about 100 times as annoying. And apparently things have gotten so bad in Portland that Steven breaks out the cuckoo clock. People think that he needs a little more polish and experience. He starts to sing "Somebody to Love" by Queen... Yep. Meanwhile, it's the end of the road for many people. Will it be the end of the road for Jessica Phillips (25, Brooklyn, NY, dental hygienist)? Of course it will, because it's the final audition. Her boyfriend had a massive stroke. After a month and a half in the hospital, he woke up not knowing who he was or who she was. Every day after is a miracle in the making. Now she's trying to translate that miracle into gold. She takes us out with "Again" by Faith Evans. Very nice, very soulful. She needs a little more focus, though. But it's a good start. And it's good enough for the judges, who give her the ticket to Hollywood. She joins 44 others heading to the almighty Hollywood Round. One more stop on the road to Hollywood, and it runs through St. Louis. See you in 23. To see extras from this episode, go to www.americanidol.com. |
|