Denver American Idol Auditions Break a Golden Ticket Record

Talented American Idol hopefuls scored a record breaking 26 golden tickets in two days in the Mile High City of Denver. Victoria Beckham returned as guest host for the second time this season. According to the LA Times, the auditions were filmed on August 5 - 6, 2009, and Beckham filled in as a last-minute replacement for Paula Abdul, who announced she would not be returning to Idol earlier that week.

It was an enjoyable show to watch since the producers chose to showcase the best talent in Denver rather than the worst. The contestants were unique, and many of them had great stories to share. The first contestant of the night, Mark Labriola, a 28 year-old Jack Black look alike took the judges by surprise with his moving performance of Tempted. The judges seemed as interested in Mark's past as they did his singing. It seems Mark's mother took him from his father at four years old, and they lived in hiding for six years in places like Alaska and Hawaii.

Danielle Hayes, a 24-year-old karaoke host from Seattle, performed a heartfelt version of I'm the Only One. Tori Kelly, 16, sang an outstanding rendition of John Mayer's Gravity. Casey James, a 27-year-old musician who survived a serious motorcycle accident a few years ago, won the female judges and Randy over, but Simon wasn't sold on him. With a majority vote, he made it through to Hollywood.

The best performance of the night goes to 16-year-old Haeley Vaughn with a very distinct look and sound who performed Last Name by former Idol winner, Carrie Underwood. The outgoing teenager aspires to be the first black female pop country star.

After a great evening of performers, it was disappointing to see the show end with "Bikini Boy" and obvious copycat of last season's "Bikini Girl."

Watch Idol's "The Road to Hollywood" episode tomorrow night at 9:00 p.m. EST on Fox for a recap of this season's winners of the golden tickets to Hollywood.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/americanidoltracker/2010/02/today-in-idol-denver-auditions-beckhams-back.html