American Idol 2016 Recap: Auditions Return To Denver & Little Rock

It’s time for another country boy. John Wayne Schulz returns after auditioning for Season 10 and losing the final spot in the Top 24 to Idol winner Scotty McCreery. So maybe he can be the token country boy this season? We’ll see. As for his audition, his story was touching, but his version of Garth Brooks’ “The Dance,” was just alright. He’s not bad, don’t get me wrong. But there wasn’t anything that special about the performance. But he was definitely good enough to get another shot and the judges agreed. We’ll see him again in Hollywood

Jordyn Simone doesn’t look or sound 15 years old, but she swears she is. She’s got a lot of soul and emotion and strength in her voice. The judges can’t believe she’s only 15 either, but they liked her, so she got her golden ticket!

Now Jake Dillon is a little more what I think I want on American Idol as far as country singers go. His talent seems a bit more natural and nothing seemed gimmicky or fake. And he seems like a good guy who could use a break like that. But Harry thinks he’s only “good” and not great. All I can say is if John Schulz made it through, this guy should. Harry said no, but Jennifer and Keith said yes, so he’s off to Hollywood to prove himself to Harry.

We’ve got another quirky girl in Ashley Lilinoe, but she seemed a little more natural as far as her voice goes. It’s still nothing I’d ever want to listen to, but there was something intriguing about her and her version of “Black Velvet.” She got two of three yeses, so that’s enough for a golden ticket.

Andrew Nazarbekian doesn’t realize that Adele didn’t write “To Make You Feel My Love” but that’s OK, because he’s a pretty decent singer. He’s a bit Broadway, but I think there could be more to him, so it would be nice to see him during Hollywood week. But what did the judges think? They want to see more of him, so he’s off to Hollywood.

The final performance of the night is another country boy and this one has a dark back story. After getting mixed up in drugs, Elvie Shane found his wife, a stepson and his way back to a lighter place. Now he’s auditioning for American Idol. And there’s a reason he was saved as the final performance. His version of “House of the Rising Sun” was unique and filled with soul and passion. So it’s no surprise that he got three easy yeses to Hollywood.

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