American Idol Season 9 - Hollywood Week 1

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This was a very late post. I was supposed to post this the past weekend. Can't wait to watch this week's episodes.

I stopped blogging about the American Idol auditions in the past weeks because most of the people who auditioned weren't that good in my opinion. I guess my standards were set higher this time around because of the awesomeness of the contestants last season. But, one thing's for sure - I know I'm not the only one happy to see Ellen deGeneres on American Idol last week. I loved her before I even knew she was going to be an American Idol judge, and after watching her on the show last week, I love her more! Now, I can't wait to see American Idol more because of her. She's definitely a breath of fresh air, not just for the contestants, but also for the judges. When she was introduced by Ryan Seacrest, she mentioned that what makes her fit to be a judge on Idol is her skills to entertain people. And I strongly agree with her. She was too funny the whole time, especially when she was playing with the contestants when they all actually got through. Love her!

Simon Cowell & Ellen deGeneres on American Idol

On this photo, she just told Simon "So this is how it's gonna be... I come on, you leave.". Well, I guess you also heard about Simon Cowell leaving the show after this 9th Season of American Idol. It's really bad news for AI fans like me, and I'm still hoping he'll change his mind. The show needs him terribly. It won't be American Idol without him. I was pretty saddened by Paula Abdul leaving the show, but now Simon?! Argh.

Anyway, going back to the auditions, they're finally in Hollywood! For last week, they had the sudden death were the contestants would sing a solo and they can be cut just basing on that. Afterwards were the group performances. The group performances were fairly better this year than last season, actually. I'm pretty surprised there wasn't that much drama this year. There were a couple of people who irritated me and there were some who stood out for me last week and I'm hoping they'll make it to the top 20 this week. Here they are...

Andrew Garcia

I wasn't rooting for him before this. Now, I love him! He took a risk and performed his own rendition of Paula Abdul's hit song "Straight Up". Here's a video of him singing it on Idol:

He's now one of the most popular Season 9 contestants because of this song. I'm 100% rooting for him. I hope he'll be this original, memorable and awesome every week.

Funny story. Andrew looked like one of the other contestants, Mark Labriola, who got eliminated during the group performances. I was almost devastated 'coz I really thought it was him. I knew there was something weird going on and when they called the guy Mark, I was relieved. Hahaha. It's the glasses.

 

Janell Wheeler

Oh my. I love Janell! She's pretty, she's got a very nice voice. I love the vibe of it. She also seems to be a good performer. She plays the guitar, too! Hah!

I love her raspy voice and facial expressions when she sings. She draws people to her performance.

She's my 2nd female contestant that I actually love this season (read on to know who's first). I hope she makes it to the Top 20.

Katie Stevens

She's only 17, but her voice is powerful. Kara Dioguardi even said that she can be the winner this year. Well, I don't really like her to win, but it won't be a surprise.

If you don't remember her, she's the one who was close to her grandma who has Alzheimer's. She wants to fulfill her dreams while her grandma can still remember her. Touching. I hope she'll go far and be consistent. I don't really have high hopes for her, but let's see. She might surprise us. 

Lilly Scott

She's another contestant that I'm rooting for this season. Why? Because like Janell and Andrew, Lilly seems to be a very genuine performer. I can see them 3 performing their own renditions of different songs so that's what I'm pretty excited to see.

I love Lilly's soulful voice. Mai said it can put anyone to sleep, but she just sounds amazing. I love her and her look. She's got star quality. I really hope she makes it to the Top 20, too.

 

 

Michael Lynche

Michael, or Big Mike to American Idol viewers, is the second Idol wannabe this season that I love. You'll fall in love with his voice. His looks don't exactly match his amazing voice, but that's exactly what makes him lovable. He's got a personality, too, that draws people to him.

His wife gave birth during Hollywood week and he was being pulled out of their group performance rehearsals because he was phone-patched to his wife's delivery room. Can't imagine how emotional that moment was for him. He still was able to pull through with his group. I hope he makes it to the Top 20 'coz he's simply lovable! Reminds me of Ruben Studdard.

Didi Benami

Didi is the popular waitress contestant this season. She's got a very soulful, country voice. She sang "Terrified" by Kara Dioguardi on her solo, which was a really smart move for her. I did love the song. I was pleasantly surprised, too, like Simon, because I did love the song. I haven't heard of that song yet before Didi sang it and it was just lovely. Fits her pretty well.

What I don't like about Didi is her facial expressions when she sings. It's like she's struggling, but really she's not. Awkward. I hope she can do something about that 'coz I tend to look away when she's hitting the notes that'll make her face cringe. Hehehe. Still, I love her!

Crystal Bowersox

She's the #1 female on my favorites list this season. The way she sang "A Natural Woman" was just amazing. Simon described her best - infectious. She got her fellow contestants sing backup for her during her solo.

She's got a baby and she's doing this for him. I hope she does well because she seems genuinely cool and nice. Love her personality. I do hope that when she gets to the Top 20, they can clean her up a bit 'coz it might affect how people perceive her. I do love her vibe, but I feel that most people would vote for the ones who look good. And she's actually pretty so I hope she'll clean up a bit.

 

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No one really stood out for me during the group performances. Most of those who did came from the ones I listed above. There were a couple of contestants that I was rooting for before Hollywood week that are gone. When I was watching them, I wanted to smack them 'coz I can't believe they didn't give their all for a chance of a lifetime to be in American Idol. I don't want to mention their names anymore because I feel that they just wasted their supporters' time. Hollywood week is no time to slack off and think you can go through without exerting effort. I hate it when amazing singers forget lyrics. I know, nerves can be a factor, but, it's a chance of a lifetime and it's such a waste of talent to make a stupid mistake like that.

Anyway, I can't wait to find out who made it to the Top 20 this week. I wanna see Ellen more.