When the American Idol judges decided not to give Salt Lake City auditions hopeful Jessica Bassett a Golden Ticket to Hollywood, we were shocked. We honestly thought she not only had one of the best performances of the night, but was one of the best singers we had seen so far. Apparently we weren’t the only ones who thought Jessica was robbed. Even former judge Ellen DeGeneres couldn’t believe it!
We love American Idol judges Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. this season. However, we couldn’t help but wonder if they might have decided to put Jessica Bassett through to Hollywood if she had looked different. Her voice was simply stellar, and she gave an engaging and strong performance. So we can only think that the judges maybe felt her “look” — with the braces and the old lady clothes — wasn’t up to par with the other Golden Ticket winners — some of which don’t have half her vocal abilities.
We know the American Idol judges are looking for the “total package” and maybe they felt Jessica wasn’t ready because she doesn’t have the visual appeal aspect going on yet. Well, in their opinion at least. We thought Jessica was a beautiful girl, just a little lacking in the fashion department. Honestly though, we couldn’t care less if she had walked in wearing a sack. This girl has a gorgeous voice, obvious talent, and deserved to go to Hollywood far more than quite a few other Golden Ticket winners who made it through.
After Harry and Keith both voted to send Jessica home, J-Lo told them they were “crazy” and “let the good ones slip away.” We are absolutely on board with that statement when it comes to this young lady.
Apparently talk show host and former American Idol judge Ellen DeGeneres agrees. She definately would have voted yes for Jessica Bassett to go to the next round. To prove it, she even invited the 22-year-old singer to perform on her show. Singing an original song called “Lydia,” Jessica proved she absolutely should have gone to Hollywood. Plus, we couldn’t help but notice that she was looking like a movie star on Ellen’s show!
Somehow we think that if she’d looked like that in her original audition, the judges might have had a different vote. We had to think that way, but we just can’t help it. We hope that someone will be watching this girl and see the amazing potential she has and sign her up. With Ellen DeGeneres as a supporter, we’re thinking the odds are good!