American Idol 4, January 18: Breaking The Band

Regina Brooks tells us she pawned her wedding ring to go to DC and try her luck (it was that or her karaoke machine), and just talking about how badly she wants this makes her tear up. She stands before the judges and gives a captivating rendition of "Misty." Mark thinks she’s not what they are looking for, but Randy says her performance was certainly mature, and that’s one reason why they raised the age limit to 28. Simon asks Regina to bring in her husband, who she had said didn’t want her to participate (but he told Ryan he’s totally supportive). Hubby says he believes she can do it. Despite that, Simon says no, but Paula says yes. Mark says he’s emotionally invested now, so Regina is going to Hollywood. She can’t hold back the tears, and as she runs to her mother’s arms she says, "I finally got a little validation." And, sometimes, a little bit goes a long way.

Marlea Stroman is a beautiful single mom, who finally dumped the boyfriend and came to "get a life." She sings Bonnie Raitt’s "All At Once," showing a cool tone to her voice, and generally pleasing sound altogether. She gets a resounding thumbs up to Hollywood.

Sarah Mather tells Simon that her parents are, in fact, British (and he’s immediately interested), and launches into a spirited "Rescue Me" that Randy is pleasantly surprised with. Mark and Paula says yes to Hollywood, Simon offers "one thumb up," but she’s going!

Ryan says this leads to a series of "yeses" from the judges, and we see many auditioners bursting with joy, mostly women, and including Melissa Walton! Melissa not only bursts from the room, she’s on the street showing her yellow invitation!

But the luck runs out for purpley-dressed Aven Moore, with his bizarre rendition of "Tomorrow" featuring the longest, ghastliest note ever heard on American Idol. Hollywood? No.

Constantine Maroulis sings with a headbanger band in NYC, and they don’t know he’s about to audition for American Idol, so let’s not tell them! Constantine rips into Aerosmith’s "Crying" and I’m hooked. Simon says a decided no, but Paula says yes. Randy agrees with Simon that Constantine was vocally all over the place before the chorus, but thinks Constantine deserves the break. Mark makes it official, Constantine is going to Hollywood!

Then we get a dual introduction to two cute girls with a dream. There is Amanda Hubert, with her rakish argyle scarf, and Jillian Bennett, who tells us repeatedly that she’s crazy. Amanda auditions with "Broken Wing." (Do not ever audition with that song. Besides the fact that it’s kind of corny, it’s extremely demanding. Take it easy on yourself.) Amanda shows some promise, but too much cracking and screeching to forgive. Jillian sings something loudly and proudly, but much too showy. Amanda tells the judges a minister told her God wants her to sing. (Organ wash!) Simon tells her God does not want her to win this competition. "He just showed us that, clearly!" Paula tells Jillian that it’s just not what they are looking for. Sorry. Jillian nods bravely, loosening her hair as she leaves, then suddenly does an about face and returns! She’s going to make a CD! Amanda is now on her knees. Oh my. Simon says, "If your parents could see you now," which makes Amanda stand up immediately. It’s a no, Simon says. And Amanda cries. It’s a no, Simon says. And Jillian cries.

Outside, God-sent Amanda tells us that Simon is an @$$hole. Repeatedly.

Brian Bagley, from my hometown of Baltimore, MD (holla!), is a hip-hop dance instructor, ballet student, and aspiring Idol. He thanks Paula for inspiring him to dance and sings a very old fashioned "Sunny Side of the Street" that, while entertaining, is all wrong for this show. The judges gently tell him so. Other than Randy, who says he’d have rather seen him dance. Brian takes the news well, and tells us he has to go outside and beg for money because he can’t afford to get home. To add to the woe, a nice gentleman with his hands full reaches for some money and drops a bottle of wine on the ground. Brian can only cover his face.

Travis Tucker is another dancer, who gives a full performance of "Dancing Machine" – and he’s great, but can he sing? Oh, yes he can, with a full-bodied "Isn’t She Lovely." Paula cautions him about power chording us to death, but there is obviously talent there. He’s going to Hollywood.

Mary Grober delivers a lusty "Hanky Panky" (complete with spanking), and while Mark is enthralled with the spanking bits, even he can’t clear her to Hollywood.

Ian Holmes II, dressed in funky gear, making it work somehow, sings a spirited "I’ll Be There" which owes more to Mariah than Michael, complete with high-notes (which I think he pulled off, but the judges are clearly cranky by this point). Randy says he’s on the fence, Mark is too. Paula is a definite yes. Randy relents with a yes, and so does Mark. Ian is going to Hollywood! He collapses in crying heap outside the audition room. I would too, that was nerve-wracking!