‘American Idol’ Final Season Premiere, Pt. 2: A Little Rockin’ Good Time
Wednesday’s American Idol premiere was all about nostalgia and the glory days of seasons past. But Thursday’s episode, featuring the Little Rock and San Francisco auditions, placed the focus squarely on the Season 15 contestants (aside from cute guest appearances by previous winners Lee DeWyze and Little Rock’s own Kris Allen), with a slew of promising singers that gave me J.Lo-style “goosies” from head to toe. No, I’m still not convinced that, as Harry Connick Jr. hyperbolically claimed, this will be “the best Idol season ever” – Kris Allen’s Season 8 will always hold that honor, as far as I’m concerned. But I am already convinced that it’ll be better than Season 12. And at least that’s something.
These were the standout auditions of Thursday:
Cameron Richard – This awkward but lovable 15-year-old Southern boy delivered the first true classic heartstring-plucking Idol moment of the season. He was born with a cleft palate and doctors thought he’d never be able to speak, let alone sing, but when he belted Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love,” he proved he’s a real miracle child. The judges’ faces lit up when Cameron sang; Keith Urban in particular seemed moved nearly to tears. Cameron’s emo voice was a little reedy and nasal – I question whether he has the wide range needed to tackle this show’s many theme nights – but his voice was definitely distinctive, and he performed with so much passion. It was obvious he was feeling every note. Harry, a sucker for this fellow Louisiana native’s thick Cajun accent, told Cameron he had a “wonderful gift” and “looked like a young Paul McCartney.” And as Cameron collected his golden ticket and said, “This is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” I became as choked up as Keith. This was the kind of feelgood TV moment that made Idol such a hit in the first place. Cameron is now living the American dream.
Daniel Farmer – I don’t know if this 24-year-old smoove operator will win American Idol, but he may have just won a date with Jennifer Lopez. Serenading her with D’Angelo’s “How Does It Feel,” he refrained from the reenacting the song’s famous music video with a shirtless performance, but he was sex-eyeing J.Lo so blatantly and thrusting his grinding pelvis so forcefully in her direction, I wondered if Keith and Harry felt a little awkward (or invisible). This could’ve been really creepy, or at least have been just a blooper-reel joke audition, but Daniel actually had a surprisingly strong voice, and J.Lo admitted, “For me, funny and sexy go together.” She seemed genuinely seduced. Harry and Keith, the odd men out, noted that Daniel needed to work on nailing his runs, but they put him through to Hollywood anyway. Hopefully once he’s there, he and J.Lo can keep things professional – lest the series’ final season be marred by a Paula Abdul/Corey Clark-style scandal.
Dalton Rappatoni – This 19-year-old School of Rock teacher use to be in the Perez Hilton-managed boy band IM5 (something Ryan Seacrest didn’t mention, of course), but Dalton’s actually a lot cooler than you might think. And he’s more than just a pretty face. Yes, I was digging his rock-star vibe (imaging a bleached-blond Billie Joe Armstrong with a faux British accent and a bitchen pair of floral-print Dr. Martens), but it was his very cool and very un-boy-band-ish song choice that really made me take notice. Doing a brooding, sort of Sheeran-esque acoustic version of “The Phantom of the Opera,” Dalton displayed a huge amount of originality and bravery. I loved it, and so did the judges. “You just took this famous Andrew Lloyd Webber song and sang it like you wanted to,” marveled Harry, saying this was “one of my favorite auditions we’ve ever done.” Jennifer appreciated Dalton’s “interesting mix of soft and hard, masculine but feminine.” Keith loved Dalton’s “artistic contribution” and predicted Dalton would make the top 12. I hope Keith was right. I’m intrigued by this kid. Perez’s loss is Idol’s gain, for sure.
La’Porsha Renae – This triumphant abuse survivor and single mother of an absolutely adorable 7-month-old just might rank up there with other classic Idol divas (think Season 3’s Fantasia/LaToya/J.Hud trifecta). She took Radiohead’s “Creep” – a song choice I was not expecting – to church. She turned the alt-rock ode to self-loathing into a spiritual hymn. What a powerful performance. She proved she is so very special, and she does belong here, on the American Idol stage. Harry, who’s not always a fan of runs, loved La’Porsha’s because she totally pulled them off. “I love hearing a whole fresh take on a song,” said Keith, who praised La’Porsha’s “command of her gift” and predicted, “She’s gonna give some people a run for the money – some vocal runs for their money!” Other contestants this season should indeed be very scared.
Trent Harmon – This 24-year-old was a farmer in hipster’s clothing. He talked all about working on his family farm, but then, instead of doing an expected country song, he completely wailed on Allen Stone’s “Unaware,” showcasing an otherworldly R&B falsetto and sexy indie swagger. He pretty much turned into a different person when he sang. This was a fascinating audition, and, as Harry put it, the best of the season so far. Jennifer was “freaking out” and swooning the entire time (sorry, Daniel Farmer, but you’ve already been replaced by this farmer), and Harry gushed, “You’re just a natural talent. The competition needs you as much as you need this competition.” Is it too soon to predict a Dalton Rappatoni/Trent Harmon finale?
Brook Sample – This 28-year-old waitress was incredibly nervous and awkward, but in a semi-endearing way. She looked like a star and her cover of the Dixie Chicks’ “Cold Day in July” was smoky, sexy, and sophisticated, but she kept apologizing for everything (even for her last name!), and that dork-girl shtick could get old quickly. “I think you owe yourself a little more confidence,” Harry told her. However, J.Lo liked Brook’s self-deprecating demeanor and told her, “I think America will love you.” Jennifer may have been right. Idol viewers love humility and often misinterpret confidence as arrogance. Brook’s dorkiness could take her far – but then again, so could her lovely voice.
Olivia Rox – Harry suggested that this adorable, radiant 16-year-old (daughter of smooth jazz saxophonist Warren Hill) might be the “bookend to Kelly Clarkson” that Season 15 is seeking. Well, she’s at least this season’s Jax; her gorgeous piano performance of Bruno Mars’s “When I Was Your Man” reminded me a bit of last year’s Jax audition of “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” All three judges just kept uttering the adjective “talented,” over and over again. It was apt. “You’re somebody that will really add a lot to this competition,” said Jennifer. Also, Olivia has cool pink hair, which is a plus! Every Idol season needs a pinkhead, after all.
Melanie Tierce – This free spirit with flowers in her hair and stars in her eyes wowed with her winsome, exquisite indie-girl cover of Andra Day’s “Rise Up.” Harry was so floored that he was hollering, “YES!” and jumping out of his seat before Melanie even got to the chorus. Jennifer broke out in her first “goosies” of the season. Keith got all verklempt again and gave her a standing ovation – another Season 15 first. “Absolutely stunning. One of the best auditions I’ve heard in three years as a judge,” raved Harry. “People would buy a ticket to sit in the audience and watch that.” So of course, Melanie got another sort of ticket: a golden one.
Malie Delgado - This radio personality and former Miss Alaska’s cover of Gretchen Wilson’s “Chariot” was serviceable and strongly sung, but nothing special. (Her unexpected rap in the middle was fun, and showed she has some sass, but I wouldn’t recommend she make that a regular part of her act.) Harry described Malie as a “strong aquamarine” in a season full of “many shades of blue” and warned her that she’d be facing a “dog fight” trying to stand out in this competition. That didn’t bode well for her chances of surviving Hollywood. Malie will likely be heading back to Anchorage soon. Hopefully she won’t be too blue when that happens.
Brandyn Burnette – This 25-year-old piano man with the ‘50s-matinee-idol good looks was so committed to his emotional performance of his original ballad, “Lost” (which was Howie Day/James Blunt-esque, in a good way), he didn’t even notice Harry creeping up behind him. And he didn’t even miss a beat when Harry gave him a bear hug from behind. That shows this kid can handle the pressures and surprises of live TV! Plus, he was charismatic and displayed serious songwriting chops. So of course he got four yeses – three from the judges, and one from Ryan Seacrest, who was sitting in on the panel as a joke. But Brandyn’s no joke. He’s the real deal.
Kyrsti Jewel – This 15-year-old daughter of Idol-superfan parents (seriously, her mom and dad have every old episode on VHS) proved that all those years of Idol-obsessing were not in vain. The intensive studying paid off. While her audition of Jessie J’s “Mamma Knows Best” was a little strident and eardrum-piercing (she seemed to be pushing herself too much, maybe because she was showing off for her parents, who accompanied her into the audition room), she did show she possesses what Harry called an “incredible instrument.” I think the most enjoyable part of this audition, however, was her parents’ utter elation when they witnessed her achieving the Jewel family’s dream of going through to Hollywood.
Tristan McIntosh – This striking, poised 15-year-old daughter of a military mom poured all her sorrow over missing her mother, who’s currently stationed in the Middle East, into her heartbreaking and raw performance of Mickey Guyton’s “Why Baby Why.” This felt like a truly intimate moment, even though it was being broadcast on national television to millions. (Yes, millions of people still watch this show.) “I see in you something very, very special,” said Jennifer, comparing Tristan to Alicia Keys. “I think you made your mom so proud today, and I can’t wait till she sees this.” But of course, Tristan’s mother did see it. She was hiding in the wings! And then, when she surprised Tristan, Tristan wasn’t the only one bursting into tears. I was totally ugly-crying by that point, too. Damn you, Idol – you’d think after 14 years I’d be immune to your onion-in-the-eyes emotional manipulation, but this moment really got to me.
So there you have it. Two episodes in, and I’m feeling excited about this season and thinking Idol is going to go out with a bang – and maybe find that “Kelly bookend” after all. Let’s hope the talent is as impressive next Wednesday, when the show moves on to Philadelphia. See you then!
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