We finally made it to American Idol 2012 Hollywood Week and while Round 1 is always the least exciting part, Wednesday night’s episode was still so much more fun than this season’s audition episodes combined.
We got to hear a lot of good voices, see some early favorites go home and see one contestant pass out and fall off the stage. Now that’s drama. So much better than the first several weeks.
The Standouts
Johnny Keyser. We just saw Johnny during the St. Louis auditions, so he’s fresh in everyone’s minds. His Hollywood Week Round 1 performance was even better than his initial audition. The judges seemed to think so too. He goes on to the next round.
Heejun Han. I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz about this guy but I don’t see it yet. All I see right now is a bundle of nerves and insecurity. Anyone who says everyone else is “prettier” than them has some issues that should probably be worked out before becoming the next American Idol. The judges put him through anyway.
Elise Teston. I like Elise. She seems a lot older than the Idol age limit, but that’s neither here nor there. She has a great rasp in her voice — the beautiful smokes-a-pack-of-cigarettes-a-day voice. And that’s not a bad thing. I love that sound.
Baylie Brown. She sounds as sweet and smooth as the first time we heard here. Expect to see a lot more of her, I think.
Phillip Phillips. If you can get past his name (serisouly, what WERE his parents thinking?) this guy has a sound. I really enjoyed his soulful rasp. I’m glad he made it to the next round.
Reed Grimm. Having been on the stage his whole life, Reed is a natural. But he’s not just a great singer, he’s got an amazing personality that makes his stage presence off the charts.
David Leathers. This kid’s voice, range, tone — all of it — are off the charts. I can’t believe that voice is coming from a 17-year-old boy and not a 30-year-old woman. That’s a compliment, so no one take it the wrong way, please.
Erika Van Pelt. There are a lot of girls this season with the same sound, but she has an amazing power in her voice and some great soul as well.
Creighton Fraker. This guy puts off a little Justin Timberlake vibe, only with a more powerful voice.
The Surprising Cuts
Jane Carrey. Everyone who claimed that the daughter of Jim Carrey received special treatment can chew on this. I thought her audition was actually quite good, but the judges sent her packing anyway. So what are people going to say now? That the judges were too hard on her because she’s Jim Carrey’s daughter? You can count on it.
Travis Orlando. For the second season in a row, Travis was cut after Round 1 and for the second season in a row, I think the judges made a mistake. I think he has a great look and a great sound. I think cutting him was a terrible decision.
The What the #^%^ Just Happened Moment
Symone Black. I thought her version of “Sittin on the Dock of the Bay” was a great one. I thought her tone and pitch were great. She had great control of her voice. But then she start weaving and stumbled several feet off the stage, on to a cameraman then onto the ground. I think I’m going to blame Randy Jackson for opening his annoying mouth. I know I want to throw myself down anytime that hack opens his mouth.
What did you think of Hollywood Week Round 1?