American Idol Recap: Los Angeles
The best part about this episode had nothing to do with the performers. How awesome was it to see Olivia Newton John looking so fantastic. She was the guest judge in the city of angels. Her shirt set the tone with: It is what it is.
I started watching with an attitude. American Idol can be a bit consuming on a weekly basis. And it's only week three. Tick tock, tick tock… am I going to get the most out of my time? Let’s see what LA-LA-Land has to offer...
A formula for success? “I want to break out of the mold. I want to take what other people have done and multiply it – then raise it to other heights and then basically I want to fluctuate it, reverberate it and make the vocals blend with the music and also stand out from the contrast.” Wow, that sounded impressive during the explanation. But when he put it to the test, not so much. Eric trained for 2 years to audition for AI. After showing his “range” with that Hilary Duff song, Simon duly noted he used Randy and Paula’s “Learn to Sing Like a Star” voice coaching DVD.
Call him eccentric, kind of like those cat-like reflexes of his, huh. Nothing could prepare us for this interesting specimen. Meet Martik Manoukian, the self proclaimed “most exciting entertainer on Earth.”
The chick on the inflatable bull probably wants us to give her one moment to take back time. Then, you have the banana boy; who just wanted to carve out some pb&j time.
Whose clock was ticking louder with the flickering performance of “You Light Up My Life?” When Simon told the singer, “not a note is in there,” the contestant, (without hesitation) replied, “you are correct.” So why bother? Those hopefuls spend a lot of time waiting around at these things. How many really think they have a chance?
Sholandric wants to use his time with the judges to bring romance and love back into the music. Since when is screaming romantic? Randy pulled out a new one, your about 12 keys on the chorus. Is that what he said? What does that mean?
"She came out of the womb wailing,” Marianna’s mother boasted. Well, I hope so. And what, does this make her a rock star? Oh right, I see... her mom had a successful singing career. A lot of time and resources were invested into Marianna's future since she was 4. I think that’s why she was so frightened to leave the room to face her mother without a ticket to Hollywood. Simon joked that her singing basically answered the question to her song, “Should I Stay or Should I Go" now. He also compared her to a famous singer, “you sounded like Cher after she’s been to the dentist." Randy gave her 1000% no. Did her mom think she could change their minds? Is that why she walked in there after the audition?
One judge was outnumbered when it came to putting Brian Miller through to Hollywood. Simon called his performance, “forgettable.” Brian is a repeat contestant to AI so he asked, “did I improve since last year?” Simon answered, “I can’t remember you.” Paula could. Do you?
Quite unforgettable is the girlfriend/boyfriend straight out of Compton -- Sparkles and Darold. You may have noticed they tried to out-bling each other, but when it came to music and flava – they are simpatico. After smooching all over the place… Ryan inquired, “soul mate?” Darold answered, “yeah, pretty much.” Lucky girl.
Well, ladies first then... 
Simon let Sparkles down easy.
First, calling her fabulous, but then hitting her with the “your singing was off-putting.” So she tried to “charm” Simon into giving her the gold. It didn’t happen. Plus, Simon ratted her “inappropriate behavior” out to Darold, telling him she was “licking her lips and went down on her knees.” With teef like that – why would someone like Darold be jealous of someone like Simon?
Here we go! A backup singer with a great smile and stage presence. It's time to come from the shadows and step into the spotlight. Brandon Rogers impressed the judges and is moving on. We have another backup vocalist who made it from the Memphis auditions.
I’m always skeptical of those who say they are self taught. Phuong compares herself to Taylor Hicks so she sang a song he performed last season, “Dancing in the Streets.” When Simon told her the competition was "not for her" she exclaimed, “Give me a chance. I just want a chance.” What was that? She just got her chance.
All 4 judges were “Feeling Good” about Alaina and put her through. However, Randy added she was "pitchy all over the place." So why was it that Simon gave her a “really,really, really great?” She definitely has the look. After 6 years of trying to make it in the music industry, Alaina said this was going to be her last shot. The time paid off for her.
Beep, beep, beep… sound that age detector alarm again. This one though wasn’t trying to be sneaky about it, but symbolic. Sherman lost his lady love to cancer. He helped “smooth her passing” with positivism by getting signatures to petition for an audition. She died days before. After dedicating, “You Belong to Me” to her, Simon stood up to shake his hand.
One thing I am curious about, the original AI schedule had San Antonio listed for Wednesday's city. And L.A. for next week. Why the switch? If good things come to those who wait, does that mean Texas will be filled with all we have been waiting for... and more?
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Whoa-- Julia, thanks for burning the late-night oils for the faithful. 2:00 am, you are a dedicated scribe.
Was laughing when the poor old guy whose lady love gave it up to cancer because I figured you'd make fun of him in some way, but you handled it tactfully and respectfully, while still getting a laugh in there -- "petition for an audition."
How the hell do you get the spellings to all these weird names? Phuong, Manoukian, Sholandric, etc. You almost need a Playbill.
Olivia was a good guest. Do think she's had some work done, though. The eyes were a little catlike. As evidenced by "it is what it is," looks like she's gotten over the loser boyfriend who faked his death. Poor woman has given so much good love to the world and gotten little good lovin' back.
BTW, that "Grease" show sucks.
Nice job with the clock metaphors throughout this one.
"Tick-tock, am I going to get the most out of my time?" Not with panther man, inflatable bull chick and banana boy.
Onward Lone-Star State.
I couldn't even watch last night. It was boring. I just figured I'd read about the rest of what I missed here. Thanks.
Ironcly, that T-shirt Olivia was wearing, is made by a company, BeSoDoSo(dot com) (and given to her by) her lost boyfriend's ex-wife! ;-)
I agree, Olivia Newton John def looked like a bit too obvious of a plastic surgeon job. She looked good, but just a tad too plastic.
I do laugh at this part of the show, but by now, I am so ready for the "real" show to start in Hollywood.
I think next week is San Antonio on Tues, and then a recap of "the best of the worst" on Wed, and then Hollywood the week after.
I liked the older guy whose wife just died. He was very sweet and actually a decent singer.
And the judges acted with total class towards him.
Not a huge fan of Idol. Train wrecks and car crashes are more my thing. Ummm, maybe I am an Idol fan.
Sherman stole the show last night. He sounded polished and soft. Almost as good as 'ol Willie Nelson himself. I'd love to hear him sing the whole song - maybe I can hire him to sing at my wedding.
Anyway, it's going to be hard for Idol to capture a more touching moment.
Now, back to the train wrecks. San Antonio is the next stop.
Olivia still look amazingly good. She's classy and beautiful and has released a grweat new album: Grace and Gratitude, wht a good voice!
I am starting to feel like this show is wasting my time too. But I am afraid I'll miss something. That's why I watch. I am ready for Hollywood.
Thanks for the great re-cap Julia. It is starting to get pretty boring. It's a shame they don't show us more of the people they gave the gold tickets. I don't think they showed us even half of the ones that got through. I can't wait for this to get really started.
I'm with you G but I guess people like to see all that misery. Olivia did look good and shame on you Catamount Grease is a classic. Some of my fondest memories are of watching that show with my kids and having them sing along with the record. Maybe I should have one of them audition for AI. I too thought Sherman was good, maybe not the next AI but better than most I have seen so far this year. Congrats to the judges for treating him with respect.
I thought last night's show was one of the funnier ones:)
"please...i'm down on my knees!" or "please...if i don't make it through...it will mean i was wrong:("
thoes two girls were hysterical.
I have to say at first I got embarrassed by some of the performances but I think these people have to know what they are - entertainment - rather strange entertainment. I has to be part of the plan, I think we see more duds than good performers. We can only hope that things will be bigger and better in Texas. I can't wait until they get to Holywood and things heat up. Julia have you seen an Ace in this crowd so far or are they all Jokers?
T-
To clarify - I agree, the movie "Grease" was a classic, but this show they have on NBC where they are trying to find leads for the Broadway musical stinks. It trivializes the movie.
Call me crazy, but I thought the panther guy was hot. I had a dream about him last night. I'll keep that to myself. MEow!
Thanks Catamount I actually saw an ad for that show after I posted. I was not aware of it before. I thought that might have been what you were referring to when I saw the ad. Thanks for the enlightenment. And kitty I wil call you crazy. That guy was bizarrrrrre.
What was that all about between Simon and Sparkles. I think he was interested in her. Simon is strange !!!
show is really boring, but your recap is great. That panther guy was scary, but I could see him in a mtv video with backup singers, or a super bowl ad for whatever turns some weirdos on. Just waiting for the talent to come out of the wings, still watching and waiting Enter stage left puleeze.
I remember Brian Miller. He's a hometown boy. Go BM!
Looking for more. Just watched the show.
I'm reading these recaps and remembering how funny the shows were back then.