American Idol 2011: Auditions in New Orleans, LA AI#10

1/20/2011- Tonight's American Idol audition recap was an hour long and jam packed. The producers seem to be focusing more on the contestants than the judges which is the way it should be I suppose, but I do miss Simon's sense of humor, Kara's coaching and Paula's emotional response, not to mention Ellen's one-liners. American Idol is changing, as does everything in life. That is not necessarily a bad thing.

Steven Tyler has his own vibe going on, and his responses are off the cuff, and thought invoking. J.Lo seems to have the right mix of honey and vinegar. Randy seems to be relaxed this year, perhaps his personality as the daddy-bear of the group keeps the show on a more even keel than in the past. These next few shows will fly as we meet people from all over the United States.

This evening, the show got started right away with a view of one contestant sobbing as he played the piano in the lobby. Apparently, he was not going to Hollywood.

As she entered the building, J.Lo said Randy was going to be tougher on the contestants today and not let anyone go to Hollywood. Then she said she was going to back him up, but as things went, what good would the audition process be if they picked no one? They found several gems, a few uncut and unpolished, and perhaps a diamond in the rough.

Meet some of the contestants from New Orleans, Louisiana from tonight's Idol show:

Jordan Dorsey, 21, La Place, LA

Jordan Dorsey is a musician and teaches piano. He said he is stern and firm with his students. He expects that they will practice their lessons several times, not just once or twice. He said, "I want to show my students that the more work you put in and the harder you strive, the mores it will bring success." The camera panned to one of his students who said he was very nice.

Jordan had a wonderful tone, and great timing to his performance and in the middle, he decided to switch it up a bit. He snapped his fingers, and slid seamlessly to a faster tempo. Although he performed his own arrangement, the song was recognizable and possibly even better than the original.

When he was done, Randy said, "We're not going to even comment." He looked at his fellow comrades and said, "One, two, three", and in unison they all said "Yes". Afterwards, Jordan said, "I feel really great; I am surprised, I did not expect it." I say, expect to see some touching ballads from Jordan.

Sarah Sellers, Richardson, TX, 28, Marketing Analyst

When she walked into the room, Steven Tyler asked Sarah Sellers, "Where did you get those lips?" Sarah replied, "I'm not sure. Nobody in my family has large lips." There was some inane chatter back and forth but when she used those lips, all silliness ceased. When Sarah performed, she performed. She said she was a marketing analyst by day, and a wanna be singer, and a foodie and music bloggist by night.

When Sarah was finished with her audition, the AI panelists remarked, "So good." I am sure we will see more of Sarah in Hollywood.

Jovany Barreto, Harvey, LA, 23, Ship Builder

Jovany's parents were born in Cuba. He said, "I am the first generation in my family born in the US. Today I am going to show Jennifer my best. She is a goddess. I have loved her forever, but after she married Mark Antony, well he is the God." When Jovany met J.Lo in the audition, he was careful to praise Steven and Randy first, and then he told her he thought she was great. Well apparently she reciprocated his feelings.

He sang a Spanish song that was rich and sultry, yet controlled. J.Lo said, "You have a beautiful voice." Tyler said, "From my melodic sense, you were delicious." Jackson brought it home saying, "Three yeses for Jovany."

But it wasn't over yet. In the introduction clip, we heard how he had bet his friends back home 'a million bucks' that he would take his shirt off in front of J.Lo. Well, he won that bet. The audience was treated to not only a chest shot of Jovany (a pleasing shot I might add) but Tyler and Jackson got into the action. J.Lo was pleasantly surprised and laughed good naturedly when she realized the guys were primed ahead of time. When it was all over, Ryan Seacrest kidded Jovany and asked him why he got the guys to bare their chests? He was referring to why not J.Lo, of course. Jovany chuckled and replied, "C'mon man, I was trying." Although the tone was sexual, it was not as lurid as the flare-up we saw from Kara and Casey Jones last year.

Randy Jackson is from New Orleans

American Idol producers let us know that Randy Jackson was born and raised in Baton Rouge. We got to meet Randy's brother, Herman Jackson. Randy said he was enjoying being back home.

Jacquelyn Dupre, Summit, MS 24, Cosmetologist

Next up, we met Jacquelyn Dupre. In fact, she brought Randy Jackson's football coach from high school and some pictures of Randy to go along with her audition. After a quick hug hello to his old coach, and a review of the handsome "Dawg" in the photos, Jacquelyn performed.

While her extra props might have given her a bit of influence with Randy, she didn't need them. She had a nice strong voice with beautiful rifts. Tyler told her, "Nice up-and-downs, volume wise, great. I liked you," then Steven said "Yes." J.Lo said "Yes", and Randy said "Yes."

Brett Loewenstern, Boca Raton, Fl, 16, Student

The first thing I thought of when I saw Brett's hair was Carrot Top without carrot. Brett said, "Growing up, people would pick on me, I was not invited to parties. Kids would call me a dork or a geek." His mom said, "He was picked on and left out a lot. It hurt to watch." Brett said, "I had an epiphany at one point and realized that all that matters is that I am happy with myself. I can't worry about what other people think. I've got what it takes. I want to help others who are being bullied."

When he entered the audition, he said hello to Steven and Randy and then Hola, the Spanish word for hello, to J. Lo. She giggled and then the four of them talked about his hair and his condition of it for a minute or two.

When Brett opened his mouth, his voice caught your attention from the first note. Wonderful tone, excellent annunciation and lots of soul. This kid has talent.

When he was finished, Tyler told him, "Your speaking voice doesn't match the singing voice, but it was hot, and fabulous." Brett apologized for smiling too much because he was so happy, and J.Lo told him to smile big. Randy confirmed it, "Yes dude, you are going to Hollywood."

Gabrielle Franks, 24, Baton Rouge, LA

Gabrielle said "I have a strong voice, an excellent personality and I think America will fall in love with me." When he walked into the audition, Randy said to him, "You have Mick Jagger's mouth." But apparently not the vocal chords, his voice was unremarkable and uncontrolled.

Tyler said, "Good energy but no." J.Lo and Randy concurred. I think the Lady Gaga song choice might have done him in.

Alex Attardo, New Orleans, LA, 18

Alex told the judges, "I went to Idol Camp at fifteen and that was the first time I sang in front of people. That was four years ago. I am destined to sing." When they asked him what he was going to sing, he replied, "I am going to be singing Proud Mary." Proud Mary is a bayou type of song and performed by many greats. Unfortunately, not this time.

Alex's version of Proud Mary was painful and forced. Tyler told him, "You were so off the melody that even if you told me you were doing your own rendition, I wouldn't buy it. You were terrible." Randy called it as he saw it too. "It's a no, dude" and under his breath with a chuckle we heard, 'the camp really worked for you."

Jacee Badeaux, Lafayette, LA, 15

Then in walked fifteen year-old Jacee Badeau and I thought of the kid from Two and a Half Men, a soft faced kid, with a robust exterior and a bit of a rebel.

The judges wanted to know why he was there, and asked Jacee if he wasn't kind of young, Jacee said, "No, I don't think so; I am excited and ready." J.Lo wanted to know what song he was going to do, and he said, "Otis Reading's, Sitting on the dock of the bay". That is a tall order for most people, and Randy said, "Wow" upon hearing the song choice.

During the first bar, you knew we were watching a star being born. This kid was that good. He had a sweet, clear voice, resonating, his phrasing was soulful yet his gestures and stage presence was corny.

J.Lo said "You are so sweet and so cute." Tyler said, "Your voice is really beautiful and the sparkle in your eye, I really love." Randy commented how Jacee had pointed to his watch when he sang the line, "Wasting time" and chuckled, then asked his panel, shall we vote? J.Lo said "Yes," then Randy said," Yes." Steven gave Jacee a double "Yes." Afterwards, Jacee said, "I am so happy. This is so exciting."

Paris Tassin, New Orleans, LA, 23, Medical Assistant

Paris Tassin was the last contestant of the day in New Orleans on American Idol. She said when she had her daughter, "I got pregnant at 18 and I wasn't ready. I went to find out about the sex of the baby and they told me that she had hydro-encephalitis and that she might not survive. They told me I shouldn't have her and if I did, it wasn't going to be good. I went through the pregnancy anyways. I wanted her so badly. My daughter's name is Kyria and she has problems with her hearing. She wears hearing aids but she is healthy. She is the best thing that has ever happened in my life." When asked by Tyler, "What kind of music do you like?," she replied, "I like country and pop. Today I am going to sing a Carrie Underwood song."

As she sang, it was obvious that the song had meaning for her. She told the story lyrically and did it well. Although she hit some spots that were good, she had a few rough notes too. That is to be expected and forgiven at this stage but she will need some work. J.Lo was visibly touched, tearing up by her rendition.

American Idol came away with thirty-seven people from New Orleans, Louisiana. It looks like there are some talented individuals this season. It also looks like the panel of judges are relaxed, having fun and getting along. Their focus seems to be finding talent, and that is good for the audience.

Source:

American Idol, Fox Channel, 1/20/2011