'American Idol' auditions: The clueless singer who confused Luke Bryan with Justin Timberlake
The judges on Sunday’s “American Idol” celebrated Katy Perry's pregnancy, teasing a coming "fourth" judge and a "bigger and better" show.
But after the introductory high-fives, singer Lou Dawg, 23, had no clue who the judges were. He confused judge Luke Bryan with Justin Timberlake, couldn’t name a single Perry song and had no idea who Lionel Richie was.
“I’ve been in the business 242 years.” Richie said. Lou wondered if he was the host from “Wheel of Fortune.” As if he was a coach on NBC's rival “The Voice” instead, a frustrated Richie turned around in his chair to escape Lou.
In an original song, “Feel My Lovin,” Lou had a decent voice but sounded amateurish as if he was playing at a party instead of competing for a chance to go to Hollywood for ABC's singing competition. Lou admitted he didn’t know if singing was a hobby or a profession. The judges sent him home to work on his craft, and hopefully remember their names next time.
Baby news: 'Never Worn White': Katy Perry reveals pregnancy in love song to Orlando Bloom
Danny La Rota, a 24-year-old dental student, sang an interesting cover of Lorde's “Royals,” creating an offbeat tempo that transformed the song into something wholly unique.
“I don’t know what the heck you’re doing in everybody else’s mouth,” Perry said. “You need to shut their mouths and keep your mouth open.”
Two “Idol” superfans finally got the chance to live out their dream and win tickets to Hollywood. Devon Alexander, 22, who sang “Not in That Way” by Sam Smith, grew up with a television that only had one channel, and he'd watch “Idol” every week. Makayla Phillips, 17, used to pretend her Barbie dolls were host Ryan Seacrest and herself. She sang “Who’s Loving You” by the Jackson 5, to much acclaim.
But it was Mosean Wilson, 23, who brought the soul, with an original song “Slipped Away.” An only child, Wilson was raised by his grandparents, and found his father dead of a drug overdose when he was 21. Wilson just wanted to provide a better life for himself and his daughter, transforming his desire into his belting vocals.
“You’re what it’s all about, buddy. We can just see your willingness to prove yourself,” Bryan said, and Richie left his seat to give the young man a hug.
Performing a duet of “Shallow,” from "A Star is Born," a duo had Perry fawning and Bryan disgusted by their lovey-dovey antics, describing them as “Ken and Barbie.” But behind their cuteness, Kat Luna, 19, and Alejandro “Space Cowboy” Carrido, 26, had powerful vocals that matched the star power of the song.
“You guys are both going to be in the Top 10 if you want,” Perry said, though the judges suggested Carrido change his name from Space Cowboy to Alex Cortez.
Several contestants brought companions for support. Marcus Tinsley, 28, introduced the judges to his pet pig, and performed “Mine” by Bazzi, earning him a golden ticket. Singing “Language” by Tori Kelly, 17-year-old Olivia Ximines brought along her dance team to celebrate her eventual trip to Hollywood.
Jimmy Levy, 21, brought his psychic mother, who gave the judges messages from beyond. Levy comes from a family of mediums who interact with the spirits. Singing “Nobody Love” by Tori Kelly a cappella, Levy found his groove with a raw alt-rock voice.
For Tavia, 29, Hollywood was the friend she made along the way. She brought a British guitarist, Terry, to her audition, and their friendship was infectious, leading judges to suggest they should continue to play together as an act. Bryan allowed Terry to vote for Tavia in his place, but Perry and Richie agreed she should practice more and come back.
The judges were on the fence about Faith Becnel, 20, who performed “Hey Sister, Soul Sister” by Patti LaBelle. They thought her performance was unpolished, but decided to give her the chance because she had potential.
Marna Michele, 27, sang “Million Reasons” by Lady Gaga. Born with arthrogryposis, a curvature of the joints, Michele has used a wheelchair for most of her life. She fell in love with music because, she said, it allows people to see her positivity and gives her the chance to be a role model for people with disabilities. Insisting she wanted no sympathy, Michele incorporated the judges' tips into her performance wowing them.
Sophia Wackerman, 20, and Ren Patrick, 26, had very different backgrounds, but the way they incorporated their experiences into music were profound. Wackerman’s mom died from Stage 4 lung cancer, and she used her grief as fuel singing “Water,” by Bishop Briggs. Patrick recently escaped a toxic relationship, ironically using advice she got from Perry at a party years earlier. She sang “Dancing On My Own” in a performance that made the judges celebrate her independence.
For Wackerman, the judges decided to take her out to meet with the other contestants, publicly declaring her a star and an “Idol” top contender.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'American Idol': A clueless singer, a space cowboy and a psychic mom