American Idol Season 9 Dallas Auditions: Dave Pittman, Christian Rhodes Rise Above in the Big D

The American Idol season 9 Dallas auditions episode did not produce any golden ticket recipients that floored me with their vocal chops or stage presence, but the Lone Star State did offer up two contestants who touched me in a different way - perhaps in a more important way.

Christian Spear, who is just 16-years-old, has already had to battle a formidable and frightening foe in her young life; she was diagnosed with leukemia and came close to passing away. It looks, however, as though God has other plans for her, for she is now in remission and her singing ability (she sang Etta James' "All I Can Do Is Cry") and lovely, gentle presence absolutely blew the judges away. We will be seeing more of Christian Spear in Hollywood, and something tells me she is going to do well there.

I once worked with a man with Tourette syndrome, and I admire him for having the courage to not let his disease, which definitely has its challenges, stand in the way of him leading a happy and productive life. I feel the same way about Dave Pittman, another contestant who received a golden ticket on Wednesday night's American Idol Dallas auditions episode. Dave, who like my former co-worker has Tourette syndrome, performed a fine version of Sam Cooke's "Bring it on Home To Me," and delighted the judges in the process. Dave's good people, and I look forward to seeing him in Hollywood.

Both Christian Spear and Dave Pittman remind me of Scott MacIntrye, the visually impaired young man who made it into the top 12 during season 8 of American Idol. It's always inspiring to see people with disabilities rise above their limitations and reach for the stars. It really puts things into perspective for able-bodied people who feel defeated by life and give up on living life to their full potential. People like Christian Spear, Dave Pittman and Scott MacIntyre are heroes, as far as I'm concerned.

There was one other contestant who, in my view, is worth singling out. Todrick Hall performed a great original song that was chock full of American Idol references. I agree with Simon, who said, "Voicewise, I'm not jumping out of my chair." But what Todrick lacks in singing ability he makes up for in charisma, positive energy and creativity. There's no reason, in fact, why he couldn't be the next American Idol.

Other American Idol Dallas auditions golden ticket recipients who were featured on Wednesday night's broadcast include Kimberly Carver, Erica Rhodes, Meghan Wright and Lloyd Thomas.

Next week, the auditions move to Denver. It will be interesting to see what the Mile High City has to offer in terms of talent.

Source:

americanidol.com