American Idol 4, February 1: Expect The Unexpected

Leandra Jackson is up next, and she’s already affected by her sister’s bad result. Leandra sings "Summertime" and the living is dreary. She definitely gives it her all, but her pitch is all over the place and she’s just a hair away from being nasal. Not good. The judges say no, but LL wants to give her a hug. Simon (of all people) says they all should join LL and Leandra because "we need this." Leandra doesn’t get to Hollywood, but she can say she got the only group hug of the day, including from LL! Don’t think for a moment her phone line won’t be crackling with that news!

Brianna Davis, dressed like a gothic rainbow, says she was born to sing. She nails "Phantom of the Opera" and I mean she nails it, with some notes that make my television hum. The judges are too fascinated to say no. Simon sees a bit of Sarah Brightman (me too), Paula thinks it’s a voice that can adapt to a number of styles. We shall see, because she’s going to Hollywood.

Anthony Fedorov had an accident as a child and doctors told him he’d never talk again. Not only is he talking, he sings Jon Secada’s "Angel" (an extremely challenging song) perfectly! He too is going to Hollywood, without question.

And so, 31 of Cleveland’s finest are advancing to the next round. On to Orlando, and a montage of Ryan at theme parks. Charming. No guest judge here.

Melissa Ganz says she’s done a lot of auditioning and she’s finally hearing what folks like and what they don’t. She unfurls a painful "White Boys" from Hair, and no one knows where to start. No to Hollywood.

Eschine Orcel says she will wow the judges with her notes, and sometimes she’s surprised herself with the sound that comes out. (Uh-oh.) The sound that comes out is definitely surprising. Surprising that anyone can be that tone deaf.

Ryan Miller takes a crack at "I Believe In A Thing Called Love" and while, forgive me, he’s not horrible (he actually sang it correctly), this is not the song you audition with. Nuh-uh.

Vonzell Soloman, with her neon pink shoe and her neon green shoe, delivers a polished "Chain of Fools" that the judges enjoy greatly. She’s definitely headed to Hollywood.

Dezmond Meeks says he just can’t stop dancing, his friends even tease him about it. And he can’t help dancing when he sings. He dances and sings James Brown’s "I Feel Good" and it gets interesting. He’s definitely unique, vocally he’s somewhere between Terence Trent D’Arby and Corey Glover from Living Colour. Paula is convinced. Randy says no, and Paula can’t believe it. Simon says it was a bit theme park show for him, and Paula is fit to explode. Paula campaigns for Dezmond, but Simon tells her to convince Randy. He’s decided (but doesn’t mind picking on her). Randy is swayed by Paula’s impassioned testimony and says yes, so Dezmond is going to Hollywood. Appropriately, Dezmond drops to his knees and thanks Paula. Without her, he’d be going home. Outside he says so, holding back some tears. Alright kid, don’t let her down!

And 15 people are headed to Hollywood from Orlando. Just one more audition show to go, before we get to the new and improved, industrial strength Hollywood rounds. Have you found a favorite yet?

Let’s see how it all unfolds, shall we?

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for 16 years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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