Popstars 2, Episode 5: And Then There Were Ten

Day 2 of the L.A. Workshop: In this hour-long episode, the 20 finalists gather for “Popstar Bootcamp” … and for more cuts. But as the hour begins, the ranks still include:

Boys
Moi Juarez
Jackie Salvucci
Greg Treco
Jahzeel Mumford
Ejay Day
Donavan Green
Corey Clark
Michael Washington
Josh Henderson

Girls
Laurie Gidosh
Kimberly Caldwell
Angela Peel
Angel Ortiz
Shana Montanez
Shannon Yoesle
Tenia Taylor
Katie Webber
Lian Ellis
Dorothy Szamborska
Monika Christian

First up, the Popstars’ judges – Executive Vice President of 143 Records, Jaymes Foster-Levy; choreographer Tony Michaels; and record producer/songwriter Brad “RipRock” Daymond – have the contestants show their stuff in the recording studio. They sing the song they learned the day before, but as Brad says to the remaining hopefuls, “Tape doesn’t lie. Either you’re gonna fit, or you’re not gonna fit. This isn’t a learning experience. This is an audition.”

Brad is right, because in front of the microphone we can really see the strengths and weaknesses of each individual. Some people sing well, but have no timing. Some voices are weak compared to others and some are so strong, they can’t possibly blend into a group.

Then, Jackie Salvucci flirts with Katie Webber.

Next up, more dancing, but now they must sing at the same time. I have officially decided that choreographer Tony Michaels is a Dance Nazi. Gone is the warm and friendly encouragement from last year’s choreographer, sweetie Travis Paine. Tony should have a bullwhip in his hand when he yells at the kids, “Do not walk on my dance floor!” Jeeze buddy. Lighten up. It’s supposed to be a little bit fun, or they might as well go home and become accountants.

Now it’s time for more cuts. In this segment we lose Kimberly Caldwell, Lian Ellis, Shana Montanez, Corey Clark, and Ejay Day.

Day 3 of the L.A. Workshop: To start off the second half of this special hour-long episode, the kids are granted a bountiful three hours of sleep before a workout with celebrity trainer, Michael George. Moi is in his element, but Angela is getting grouchy and says, “I can honestly say that childbirth was easier that what I just did.”

Then, Jackie flirts with Katie some more.

Next up, the kids are broken up into groups of five to learn harmonizing. Monika is feeling the pressure and says, “It’s like no holds barred today. They’re not gonna help you out with anything. No more constructive criticism. Either you got it or you don’t.”

After getting their asses kicked some more by Tony, they break off into their groups of five to practice one last time before their big performance at the Sunset Room. Angela is even grouchier now, and is looking haggard. She’s got it down and wants to rest, but the rest of her group wants to keep going. But some fun is around the corner. It’s time to get new clothes, a makeover, and some pictures taken. Then, the kids are surprised when they are brought out to meet Leeza Gibbons from Extra who will run a practice interview with them. Leeza says, “I am your introduction to Media 101.” Some of the kids do well under the grilling, but most of them look like deer in headlights.

More flirting …

Finally, it’s time for the performance at the Sunset Room in front of music industry executives. Tenia is worried and says, “You never know what the judges are looking for,” and she’s right. The only one I was positive would make it last year was Nicole, but this year I’m not sure at all. Probably Monika, but I could be wrong. Plus, I’ve been trying to listen to the snippets of vocals from the intro to try and match the voices to the contestants, but it’s hard to tell. Tenia? Shannon? Laurie? And for the guys I have no clue. Josh, who seemed like a shoe-in, hasn’t been that strong lately. Donovan and Jahzeel are great, but it doesn’t sound like their voices in the song.

Anyway, after the three groups of five perform, the judges announce the ten finalists, who are:

Top Ten
Donavan Green
Dorothy Szamborska
Katie Webber
Moi Juarez
Josh Henderson
Jahzeel Mumford
Shannon Yoesle
Laurie Gidosh
Monika Christian
Tenia Taylor

Now Jackie can’t flirt with Katie anymore because he’s out and she’s in.

But I’m going to miss my favorites, Angela Peel and Greg Treco. I’m not sure why Greg didn’t make it, but Angel was just too tired and her sparkle faded from not getting enough sleep. I’m sure she would have made it otherwise. She can sing. Greg is just a sweetie and I love him. Michael is also a cutie and he can really sing.

Here’s the part I don’t understand. In the next episode, the judges go to the homes of the finalists to tell them who’s made the group. But if the auditions are over and they have no new performances to judge them from, why didn’t they just pick the five winners tonight? Maybe they’re going to play around with the vocals they recorded earlier and see who fits together best? Hmmm. Curious.

Anyway …

IN TWO WEEKS (because it’s not on next week): The judges pick the winners!

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