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American Idol – Golden Tickets, Rejections and Snacks!

american idol

The journey continues as we get closer to Hollywood week on ABC’s American Idol.

The show doesn’t open with American Idol auditions. It opens with a flash mob surprise for judge Lionel Richie. It was sweet and I think he was really touched. Nice!

But we’re here for American Idol auditions! It’s 4:15 a.m. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania and we start in the home of one of the 17-year-old contestants. I’m a geek because I actually love behind-the-scenes footages of people and shows. The auditions are in Nashville and she and her family drove hours to get to the auditions. Gabby Barrett’s dad once told her, “I just want to know that I gave you everything I could to help make your dream come true.” He works as a maintenance man and a home cleaner. She is auditioning with “Go Girl,” by her idol Carrie Underwood. She has Carrie’s sound. Katy asks to sing something other than Carrie Underwood. She decides to sing a “church” song after seemingly getting nervous about the changes. They stop her again once she hits a lick that they liked. They vote after only a couple of notes and Lionel gives a yes. Luke hesitates but says yes. Katy decides to punk her dad — mean! — and tell him that she didn’t go through. Really?! Oh man, he starts to cry! I’m not crying, you are!

Caitlin Lucia 22, from Orange County, California also sings a song from her idol, Katy Perry. She’s hoping that Katy loves her version of “I Kissed a Girl.” I liked her voice as soon as she started singing. Reminds me a little of Halsey. Katy likes her rendition of it and tells her that she might have a bigger motor than she’s showing. All three judges say yes and Caitlin is on her way to Hollywood!

The next segment is about Elvis, because they are in Tennessee!  Amelia Presley comes in, who is a cousin to Elvis Presley and, of course, she’s singing Heartbreak Hotel. Others come in and try to imitate him and they show the next singer, Drake Milligan who has been imitating Elvis since he was a little boy. Fortunately he doesn’t sing like Elvis, and he has a great country vibe. He gets through to Hollywood.

By the way, if you’re wondering why American Idol is losing in ratings to The Voice, it’s because I just watched a montage of Katy Perry EATING?! Seriously?

Back to the American Idol auditions and next up is Mylon Shamble, 24, from Bradenton, Florida who is singing “Stand By Me.” The judges start waving golden tickets in her direction. She’s different. I didn’t get to see much about her, but she is different and I like her.

Next segment is about nerves and how some of the contestants just are overwhelmed in front of the judges and can’t’ perform the way they want to.

The next performer is Lee Vasi, 20, from Fayetteville, North Carolina, who grew up with The Commodores and her favorite song is Zoom. Lionel gets up and starts singing it and Lee joins in — what a fangirl dream come true! She continues with her audition. Did she get in?

She’s a mix of good and bad — she has some great tones, but she’s very pitchy. Luke says she’s so close to being the complete package. Lionel thinks it’s just nerves and the judges decide to let her through.

The next American Idol segment is ridiculous so we’ll skip it.

Entering the room and surprising the judges is the bubbly Michael J. Woodward, 20, from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Lionel Richie shakes the nerves out of him and he does really well.

Katy Perry said she wanted flair and that’s the next montage. Can we skip a second time? Yup.

Next up is 18-year-old Brielle Rathbun, 18, from Johnson City, Tennessee, and she comes from a large family, combined biological and adopted. I love her cornrow look. She’s part of the Funbuns. Sounds like a great family, but her mom left the family — wow mom, how nice of you (insert sarcasm). You go dad! After teaching Luke how to dance, she’s singing “Gravity.” This girl has a lot of emotion in her voice. Possible dark horse. She’s going to Hollywood!

Up next is the “different” as she called herself, Carly Maffa, 25 from Williamstown, New Jersey. Her mom has progressive multiple sclerosis. She’s singing a song for her mom. I don’t like her song, but she has this rocker vibe — Janis Joplin-ish — but I’m not a big fan of her audition. The judges love her though and she’s through to the next round. It was sweet how Katy lets her mom give her the golden ticket.

Growing up in a suburb of Chicago, Ayana “Rose” Lawson family has been homeless for about five years. The 22-year-old from Harvey, always tries to smile. She talks about her experience, but she says that you get used to it. Music is her life and that’s what makes her smile. Dang, she better be able to sing, because her story is killing me. She’s asked to sit down, but I hope she understands that it can’t always be that way. She has a nice gentle voice, but I don’t hear the power. Lionel immediately says that the voice could be better. Unfortunately, her competitors are much stronger and the judges say no.

Samuel Swanson, 28, from Pine Level, Alabama, grew up on a farm and moved from Alabama to Harlem. Luke Bryan is so glad that he’s decided not to work for the county. Calls him “velvet, velvet, layered with silky velvet.” Lionel compares him to Luther Vandross. Wow! He’s going to Hollywood!

Needing some inspiration, they bring in the heavy metal rocker Damiano Scarfi, 19, from Middleton, Connecticut. While he hit a decent note in his diary, his audition is horrible.

In the last segment, Jurnee, 18, from Denver, Colorado, has been singing since she was two and writing music since she was seven. She gave up music to find her identity and dated guys until she realized that she was gay and came out to her parents. She talks about her marriage to her soulmate who is a soldier in the Army, set to deploy soon. Knowing who she is makes her want to pursue her dreams now. She’s singing “Rise Up,” and she is incredible. Keep an eye on this girl. I hope she doesn’t get eaten up in Hollywood. She has to come alive with her body more said Katy.

Adam Sanders auditioned on Season 12, and got cut and talked about his story that social media bullying got to him. He recreated himself as Ada Vox. I love Ada!

Welcome to Hollywood Week!

Written by Lisa Iannucci

Lisa Iannucci has been interviewing professional athletes and Olympians, sports writers and film/tv personalities for more than a decade. Her book, A Film & TV Lover's Travel Guide is now available: https://www.amazon.com/Location-Film-Lovers-Travel-Guide/dp/149303085X

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