American Idol 2, January 28: The Good, the Bad, and the WORST

Adrian Love took a shot at “No More Drama” but got stuck at ‘no more pain.’ Simon echoed the sentiment and sent him home.

Stephanie Schultz (she looks awfully familiar) sang “Falling” like a dream. Simon said, “You’d make a great pop star!” And I agree. She’s gorgeous, stylish, and talented. Have to consider her a front runner.

Atlanta yielded 31 finalists, and on we go to the last city for auditions, Nashville. A city so rich in music history must be bursting with talent. Right? Well, we quickly learned that Nashville was bursting with talent... from out of state!

Edwin Naeger was the first we saw. And what a vision he was. Shoeless, wearing some heavy woolen animal skin looking thing with plaid sleeves and a Robin Hood hat. You can’t make this up. He strode in, took a swig of Paula’s Coke, (“Did he ask?” she mumbles). He declared he was going to sing “Somebody To Love” and proceeded to do so. Mainly, to Simon. Randy and Paula spurred him into opining, “Simon is sexy!” And he’d like to “give him a kiss.” Simon put an end to the madness by destroying him, “You snarled through a song. I don’t know why I need to say anything more.” No kiss came.

Ruben Studdard, a big fella, sang a beautiful “Ribbon In The Sky” that had all three judges agreeing he had “a very good voice.” Ruben flew out of the audition room and promptly gave shout-outs to his mama. Awww. And his daddy too.

Ira Lewis, Jr., age 5, came in and sang “What Going On,” which is what the judges thought. Paula, a sucker for a cute kid said, “You were so good!” Randy agreed. Right on cue, Simon deadpanned, “I didn’t like it.” You’re never too young. Ira reported to Ryan Seacrest, “The Caucasian didn’t like it!”

Alden Wynn, very blond and good-looking, sang “I’ll Be” and I’ll be! Paula had that look that only Justin Guarini could give her. A very good sign. Judges agreed, “very very good.”

Jeff Woodard mumbled “Unbreak My Heart” (I think). Randy took the honors: “You can’t sing, dude. You shouldn’t be doing this.” He said it like an accusation.

Corey Clark, with Guarini-esque hair, sang “Never Can Say Goodbye” and did a fantastic job of matching Michael Jackson’s pitch! The judges were also impressed, Paula saying he had “star quality.” Simon said he had “a good recording voice.” He also noted that the similarities to Justin ended with the hair. I didn’t perceive it as a dig. Corey can say goodbye to Nashville, he’s going to Hollywood.

Kelly Rene (missed the last name) did a spirited “Heard It Through The Grapevine.” Simon said, “good voice, good personality. It makes all the difference.” Kelly was genuinely thrilled to be told she is advancing.

Kimberley Locke sang a gorgeous “Rainbow” which had the judges bubbling. “Good voice,” said Simon. “Such control,” said Randy. She is definitely advancing.

Ricky Smith sang a song I could not identify from what we were offered, but he sang decently. Paula said she liked the voice but his style bothered her. He looked way older than his 22 years. He took off his glasses, and presto! 22. He was encouraged to spruce up, but he is going to Hollywood!

Now, my friends, the spectator portion of the program is done. The 234 finalists chosen from the cities to come to California will be narrowed down to 32. In a four-day audition process, so we’re told. Who’s going to make the big 32? In the promos, instant audience-favorite Frenchie Smith was sounding awfully good! We’ll do it again tomorrow!

Sting7 can be reached at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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