American Idol 2, January 22: L.A. Talent, Detroit Bust

Los Angeles produced 44 Hollywood contenders this year!

On to Detroit, home of Motown. Was there mo’ talent? (I’ll be here all week! Try the veal!)

Bill Beumer was the first in line, waiting something like two days before the auditions started. He performed (kind of) “Never Gonna Let You Go,” and waited with a sweet smile for judges reactions. He would be disappointed. Simon called it “flat and emotionless.” He later told the camera that Simon could kiss his [bleep].

Antoine Flowe did Aretha Franklin’s “Think” and he should have done more of that before he came. He’s lifeguard in real life. Simon said if he lifeguarded like he sang “many people would be drowning.”

Dennis Council was a former stripper and his yellow and black outfit made him look like Prince had a child with a pirate! This styling turned out to be an immediate problem. “If I Ever Fall In Love” was his choice (another popular one, for some reason), and Simon chose to call it “ghastly.” Randy said he should be a singing stripper. Dennis took much offense to that.

Kewanna Niblett sang “At Last” (I think) and did okay. Simon thought she had a throwback kind of ‘20s singing voice that he found interesting. All three judges gave somewhat tentative okays to Hollywood.

Teya Blackmon threw up in the bathroom before her audition. Nerves. They got the best of her. She came in with a chair and performed “Sweet Thing.” To the chair. Her voice had moments of brilliance, but her routine including taking off the coat, taking off the sweater, lots of Mary J. Blige mannerisms. Judges said no. Randy said she was “out of tune.”

Candice Coleman, a waitress, served up a smokey “At Last” that the judges unanimously loved. “Thank God for you!” said Simon.

Michael Craig, a big strapping 16-year-old, gave a spirited “What’s Going On.” Paula said he was “soulful for a 16-year-old who looks older than 16!” Simon liked the voice and the looks but thought his presentation was a problem. Despite that, he moved on!

Karissia Miccia said her mother does not support her singing aspirations. In fact, Mom said she hoped Karissia wouldn’t get picked! Shameful. Karissia gave a way over-stylized performance of “Who’s Loving You.” The judges, apparently aware of the back story, said she has a nice voice, but gave a bad audition. Simon said she needs training, but she has good voice to start with. Poor Karissia told Ryan Seacrest that she didn’t want to go home and face Mama. No wonder.

Joseph Daoud did “Tearing Up My Heart” and he tore up the floor with some clumsy choreography. Paula said she liked some of the “lower body movements.” She was a dancer, that’s why she liked it. Ahem. Simon said it was “really really really awful.”

Minaux Le Roi, clearly French, did a monotone “Love Me Tender” that may defy description. Simon said it was “absolutely atrocious.” Minaux’s face showed no expression, so Simon thought he needed to elaborate. He asked Minaux if he thought he was good. “I have a cold,” Minaux limply offered.

Frederick Johnson was awakened for his performance of “Together” and he performed it like a sleepwalker! Simon simply said, “You’ve summed up Detroit!”

Nicole Perano, a champion boxer under the moniker “Lady Tiger,” sang “Finally” and her personality seemed to charm the judges, so they didn’t rough her up (or, maybe it was fear!). “Not good enough” Simon offered. “I beg to differ!” Lady Tiger said in a voice that sounded like she was ready to put on the gloves. “So, differ!” Simon countered. In the end, Nicole took her defeat graciously, but had a little breakdown in front of Ryan and her adorable child, Dominic!

And, so ends this round of auditions. Two more cities to check and the fun really begins. I would watch out for JD Adams and Michael Craig. There seemed to be a drive to find more talented male contestants this year. These two could go very far!

Sting7 can be reached at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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