American Idol 2012 auditions continue tonight in Pittsburgh and after last night’s love-fest where we saw way more “good” than “bad” I’m wondering if we’ll get more of the same. It’s a tough balance to strike as many viewers expect the cringe-worthy Hopefuls but quickly tire of too-much-too-soon. With just an hour to spare tonight I’m guessing we’ll get more talent than tears. Let’s see what the next round of auditions have in store tonight on American Idol.
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The second stop on the judges’ tour starts with a nice little fakeout. Heejun Han gets things going with a few laughs after telling Randy and Steven that there’s only one model in their gorup. Then sure enough Heejun pulls it off and lands himself a Golden Ticket. The first of the night with many more to come.
After a run of Golden Tickets we get our first oddball with Samantha Novacek and her friend, the planker Patricia Bell. Samantha can sing. Patricia can’t. Patricia can only plank and that’s her contribution to the effort. Samantha makes it through but no word on if they’ll send her planking entourage too.
We get our typical “I wrote my own song to impress you judges” guy with Creighton Fraker. He doesn’t do a thing for me but the judges are wow’d. Randy says Creighton has a “weird voice.” I wouldn’t have expected that to be a compliment, but it earns him a Golden Ticket. Cannon fodder for later.
After a Bieber knockoff named Eben we get our sob story for the night. Retread Travis Orlando is back after last season of American Idol. Travis dropped out of high school. His mom walked out on the family. His father is on dialysis. Travis throws in tears and it’s all a recipe for a much needed GED Golden Ticket.
When JLo is late to arrive Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson take the matter in to their hands and perform for the crowd. JLo is surely furious that she missed an opportunity to be the center of attention. Her driver is still looking for a new job.
Our first singer on the second day is Erika Van Pelt. When Erika isn’t auditioning for American Idol she’s busy as a wedding singer and DJ. Her rendition of Steven’s favorite song (how can almost every song be the judges’ favorite?) lands her a Ticket to Hollywood.
The next singer, Shane Bruce, breaks one of Branden’s Top 5 requests for American Idol 2012 with his delivery of “Hallelujah,” which he refers to as “that song in Shrek.” Sheesh. Let’s move on.
Our stint in Pittsburgh ends for American Idol with Hallie Day and sob story #2 of the night. Hallie dropped out of high school (check), tried to make it in the city but hit poverty (check), turned to addiction (check), and finally attempted suicide (check). Now she’s turned her life around and wants to be the next Idol. The judges give her a chance with the final Golden Ticket of the night.
So there we are. What did you think of the talent in the Steel City? Sure enough it was a Tour De Talent rather than Tears with 38 Golden Tickets. Next stop: San Diego auditions this Sunday night after the NFL playoffs.
Tonight’s “Moment of Zen” comes courtesy of JLo’s questionable shorts which look like cutoff balloon pants better suited for a clown. Hopefully JLo’s former stylist can get a ride to her next interview from JLo’s former driver.
Confirmed Golden Ticket Holders – Pittsburgh:
- Heejun Han
- Reed Grimm
- Aaron Marcellus
- Chase Likens
- Samantha Novacek
- Creighton Fraker
- Eben Franckewitz
- Travis Orlando
- Erika Van Pelt
- Hallie Day