American Idol- Recap & Review – Solo Day

photo: fox

American Idol
Solo Day

Original Air Date: Feb 17, 2011

Patricia Morris Buckley – Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

The Solo Audition round once again showed the softer, less critical side of Idol. We watched mostly the good auditions as the camera gave us snippets of various singers. Sure, there were a few duds and eye-cringing notes, as well as some favorites who disappointed (I’m talking about you, John Wayne Shulz and Scotty “I only know the words to one song” McCreery).

Probably the most disappointing had to be Chelsee Oaks, who barely tried, she was so upset about her roommate Jacqueline Dunford, who had to drop out of the competition due to illness. Chelsee called Jacqueline her best friend ever (never mind that they met only days before, which makes you wonder if she has ANY friends back home).

Most of the singers used the band, some sang a cappella and many brought their own instruments. The best had to be Casey Abrams, who used a stand up bass, which he slapped so well I didn’t miss the band at all. This guy is really great, which makes me sad I don’t think “pop star” when I hear him.

The judges say that the screaming Clint Jun Gamboa impressed them – sometimes I wonder if they’re going deaf. But then, he’s never going to get my vote, especially after I re-listened to his reason for kicking Jaycee out at 1 a.m. on Group Day – “choreography” he said, which translated means “he was too fat.” I bet Clint kicks puppies and kittens in his spare time as well.

Got to say, Carson Higgins may not have the best voice going, but man is he entertaining. Love him! And the judges about peed in their pants over the vocal gymnastics of Jacob Lusk and gave him a standing ovation. Lusk cried after because he had given his all.

Then there’s “emotional time bomb,” as Ryan calls Ashley Sullivan. She biffed her words three times and couldn’t finish her song. It’s a crime that she wasn’t cut long ago. I’m sick of her crying and begging. There has to be something else going on with her and I think the producers would be wise to steer clear of her instability.

After the auditions finished, the judges divided up the contestants into four rooms. Instead of prolonging the drama as has been done in years past, they quickly told rooms 1 and 4 they would go on, while rooms 2 and 3 were done.

With all the cheering, tears (Sullivan again) and hugging, seeing exactly who made it wasn’t easy. But the list seemed to include Haley Reinhart, Ashton Jones, Thia Megia, Clint Jun Gamboa (boooo), Carson Higgins, Chris Medina, Brett Lowenstern, Robbie Rosen, Casey Abrams, Lauren Alaina, Jaycee Badeaux, Jacob Lusk, Ashley Sullivan (seriously?), Scott McCreery, James Durbin, Jovany Barrento, and Julie Zorilla.

Next about 50 contestants are going to Las Vegas to learn a Beatles song in 24 hours and audition once more. After that, we get our Top 24!

Did someone you liked make it? Did you think it was fair for Jacqueline Dunford to have to drop out because she was sick? Do you think Scott McCreery has any chance of learning new lyrics in 24 hours? Give us your TwoCents…