Birmingham, Alabama has given us some of our best American Idols. Season two winner Ruben Studdard, Season five winner Taylor Hicks, and Season four almost-winner Bo Bice are all from Birmingham. So naturally there were high hopes for American Idol's first actual stop in Birmingham, Alabama. About 11,000 people showed up for a chance to audition in front of the judges. Simon was naturally surprised to see so many people there to greet them. He said no one has ever welcomed them before.
First up was Erica Skye, from Alabama. She's in college, planning to do something in the dental field if her music career doesn't work out. She decided to sing Unchained Melody, as it's Simon Cowell's favorite. Listening outside, her family says that she is doing great, meanwhile inside our judges are cringing. After she stopped, Simon called it a neverending torture. Erica tries to blame it on nerves, but Simon just isn't having it. Erica decides to sing another song and won't take no for an answer. Paula Abdul actually walks away from the table at this point and doesn't wander back over until Erica is ready to leave. After she leaves, Erica says she wanted them to be nicer (are we talking about the same judges here?)
This led to our first montage, of the judges saying no, and people walking out in tears. Simon Cowell bringing innocent young things to tears? NEVER!
Next up was Katie Bernard, who has a high squeeky voice, which she says is completely different from her singing voice. Her singing voice is indeed rather awesome. Paula thought it was interesting. Randy Jackson wanted to give her a shot, but Simon said no. That left the ultimate decision up to Paula. Paula wanted Katie to go home and enjoy married life. So her husband came in to voice his opinion. In her high squeeky voice, she told hubby everything that happened, ending with Simon hating her. Paula said that for that reason alone she is going through to Hollywood.
Tatiana McConnico, a student at a performing arts high school, says she was born to be a singer. She loves the show and doesn't want to do anything else. After singing, Randy told her she was the best they'd probably hear in Birmingham. Paula told her she was very gool
Diana Walker, who was a very big girl, said she was a cheerleader. She joked that she was obviously the base in the pyramid. She even said she could do all the splits. After singing Saving All My Love, Simon asked her what people normally do when she sings like that. Diana said they give her a standing ovation. Randy wondered if they run to the exit when they stand. After she left, Simon commented about her dress.
Bernard Williams II, from Alabama, wants to be the next American Idol. He sang Rock With You, and put the judges at odds with his performance. Amazingly enough it was Simon who liked him, telling him 100% yes, while Paula thought he was offkey.Randy noted the decision was up to him, and Bernard called him "Dawg." Randy can't resist anyone calling him "Dawg" so naturally he went on.
Then we were up to Margaret Fowler, dressed in yellow looking like big bird, as the Sesame Street Theme Song played in the background. Using her fake little girl voice, she said she was there for Simon, and went on about how she wants to start her own clothing line. Randy asked her how old she was and she replied she was 26. Simon snapped back that he is 11, Randy is 10, and Paula is 9. After the terrible singing, Simon called her an Easter Bunny nightmare experiment. He then wanted to know how old she really was. Big Bird Bunny said she was 33. Simon asked her again, and she finally confessed that she was 50. If ever we needed proof that at least half of the people on the auditions are there for reasons other than actually auditioning, well just cue up this audition.
After a montage of the many yes votes, we got to see Kellie Pickler part two (and anyone remaining from last season KNOWS how I feel about Pickler by now), aka Jamie Lynn Ward. She gave us her sob story about how she lives with her grandma and her dad. Her dad is paralyzed. She said if she wins, she wants to get her grandma a one story house. Simon wanted to know something interesting about her, so she told them about her sob story. It seems her dad caught his wife (her stepmother) cheating and he shot her, then himself in the throat. Her singing voice makes up for the sob story though, as it's decent enough. Paula told her her voice was pretty, but she has a tendency to sing through her nose. Simon and Randy both agreed with Paula (and patted her head like a dog). Paula and Randy gave her a pass to Hollywood, while Simon would have voted not.
The last contestant of day one was Chris Sligh. He said that some people say he looks like Jack Osbourne, while others say he looks like Jack Black. He looks in the mirror and sees Christina Aguilera. He hoped that he didn't sound like crap when he sang. When asked why he was there, he told the judges he wanted to make David Hasselhoff cry. Simon didn't understand the reference, so Chris explained that when Taylor won last year, they cut to a shot of David, with a tear in his eye. After he sang, Paula clapped and cheered. Paula likes his humor, and that he's different. Randy liked him too. So naturally he was on to Hollywood. Afterwards Chris said that Paula crumbled in his chubby little hand.
From day one, 15 people went on. For day two, the hopefuls would be without the sympathetic ear of Paula Abdul. She had a family obligation that took her back to Hollywood.
Victoria Watson, (Cousin It), has been growing her hair all her life. It's now 6 feet long, and if she doesn't wear heels it drags on the ground. Her mother has hair just as long. She says she gets told by people that she sings like a Disney princess. Naturally the judges had questions about her hair. She also told the judges that she just wants to be a good role model and to touch people with her music. Simon said she seems like a nice person. The mother then comes in to the audition, and Victoria sang her song. It wasn't that bad actually. Randy thanked her, but neither judge thought it was wonderful. Simon said it was basically a daughter to mom audition.
Lakia Hill said he had the total package to be the next American Idol. She says she has the voice and the looks. After the terrible singing, Simon wondered what the heck that was. He then said it was a complete mess and called Lakia one of the worst he's heard in Birmingham. At the end, Lakia thanked the judges. This led to another montage of the Southern Hospitality, with the people taking their "no" reactions very good.
Nichole Gatzman had "Team Nichole" with her for the audition. Her mother didn't think she could sing at first. Nichole said it wasn't until she entered a pageant and sang, that her mother realized she could sing. Until then mom told Nichole she had no talent. I didn't think her voice was that bad, she was actually rather good. Simon told her she sings through her nose and Randy agreed. Randy told her to give it some work and come back.
Last up was Brandy Patterson, who says she has an extraordinary voice. She predicted the judges would wonder where she had been when she walked in. She sang (and danced to) Madonna's Like a Virgin. Simon told her it was an absolutely rotten audition. Brandy said maybe it's the floor. Simon agreed, telling her to try it again on the carpet. Brandy believed him and went to the carpet and sang again. Simon sarcastically told her that it was a massive difference. Brandy said she was better on the carpet. She walked out upset, saying Paula is better than those two anyhow. She ranted and raved to Ryan Seacrest about it for awhile and the judges walked out, leading to a confrontation in the hallway. It was long, drawn out and funny, so I watched, rather than typed. If you missed it, I definitely recommend you check it out online. Simon was laughing and loving it the whole time.
All in all, 20 made it through from Birmingham, meaning only 5 from day two made the cut. I wonder if it was the lack of the sympathetic Paula that made Day two so much weaker.
Oh, and in "random AI contestant sightings," as I sat watching the news typing this up (I watched House, so that explains the lateness of the report), I saw Bird Bird Bunny singing at Waffle House apparently in her hometown. They had their own "contest" for her there. She "rapped" about the judges and even that was pathetic. AND I saw a report about the Super Bowl (no I don't like football) and saw Jonathan Jayne and Kenneth Briggs. Talk about an unexpected visual assault, that was it.
This has been the sad end of the deal. But I do give the judges thumbs up for picking only the best. WAY To go guys. I will always watch you all. Kepp up the good work..
I missed the show until Benard Williams sang. Its nice to know that I didn't miss anything...
" After a montage of the many yes votes, we got to see Kellie Pickler part two (and anyone remaining from last season KNOWS how I feel about Pickler by now), aka Jamie Lynn Ward. "
Exactly my thoughts on her! She didn't seem quite as phony as the Pickle, then again, she hasn't had several weeks to drone on my eardrums yet.
"All in all, 20 made it through from Birmingham, meaning only 5 from day two made the cut. I wonder if it was the lack of the sympathetic Paula that made Day two so much weaker."
I thought about that, I also wondered if the producers intentionally stacked the better singers on the first day so that only the "for your amusement only" singers were all that faced Randy and Simon.
Jewel joined them in Minneapolis, Carol Bayer Sager joined them in NY, if they knew Paula was going to be out one day, why didn't they have a guest judge for Birmingham?
Well, I'm glad the good ole boys and girls of the B'ham audition were mostly polite, cause their mommas and poppas taught them well. Jamie Lynn Ward, is gonna make some guy very "happy", she's sooooo sweeeet! I have always like the sweet ones but wound up with the smart ones, I guess I just like pain!!! LOL
Where is the Sproutster, how does he read the sweet little southern girls????
Thank you Curlio, great recap.
It's sad but I agreed with Paula, I too liked Chris Sligh, just because he's different.
I wondered why they passed on Victoria Watson, after they made a big deal about what a nice person she was? I don't understand what the two judges were hearing? I thought Nichole Gatzman did better than some of the people they sent to Hollywood?? I think the judges were in a bad mood that day?
I agree with Shenova ...if they knew they were short a judge why not bring in a guest?
I'm amazed how the "pickler clone" had to top Kelly's sob story. Could she be any more pathetic? I just hope she's not as annoying as pickler! If they keep putting through nasally country singing contestants they may have to change the title to American Country Idol? Just a thought.
I like the girl but not the sob story. I think that kind of thing is better left to be discovered later, if ever. It has no bearing on winning this contest. I don't think however, she should be burned at the stake, being young and impressionable, she was probably advised to bring it up, just my guess. I hope she is a good singer and at least gets her due, if any is deservered, on down the road. I have really missed my gang here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Will
If Sprout reads this, do they show the deluded singers when they have Indian Idol, my guess is no, they don't seem to have that side to their personality, or am I wrong??
momROCKS said: I agree with Shenova ...if they knew they were short a judge why not bring in a guest?
I'm amazed how the "pickler clone" had to top Kelly's sob story. Could she be any more pathetic? I just hope she's not as annoying as pickler! I
It looks like "loopy Paula" is back. She seemed so sober the first few shows, now she appears to be under the influence of something again. The AI Producers really should have had someone on standby to step in for Paula.
I'm not so sure about the Pickler clone, but it's not her fault. I just have such a bad taste in my mouth about Pickler. When she first arrived last season, my whole family wanted to "Pick Pickler". But she quickly wore out her welcome and eventually we all wanted to "Shank Pickler" with somehing really sharp.
Count me in on the Pickler v2.0 hate. Actually, I guess really it's Carrie Underpants v3.0. Either way, I've had enough dopey blonde country singers to last a lifetime.
I thought the Rock With You guy was atrocious. Some times I wonder if my TV isn't messing up the singing.
I liked Jack Osborne. I imagine him and the Fidel Castro look alike from last week will form a legendary friendship.
Will said: Where is the Sproutster, how does he read the sweet little southern girls????
I should be asking you that question! What do you mean where am I? Do you mean to say that you dont read my views on AI on this site? How dare you! If you would have been reading my views Youd know I am very much around! Your loss, if you missed my posts! You see I dont need you; I dont need anyone of you! #%&@, ^$%#, %#%@! Wow, so this is what it feels like to be Ms Likea Virgin! Suddenly, I was possessed with her spirit. Sorry about that! Or Not! LOL! Seriously dude, where the heck have you been? Everything is fine, I hope.
Ok, ok, I will get to the point how do I read the sweet little southern girls? Like Scarlet OHara! Oh come on, it was too easy. Ok, I had no problem with KP last year, in fact, I like her, I am not in love with her, like you, but she did not irritate me like she irritated the majority. Did anyone see her last year on Jay Leno Christmas Shopping? I thought she was hilarious!
Jamie Lynn Ward Ok, I agree with you that she was sweet, but I also have to agree with wise Mom Rocks here that it is a little pathetic to wash such laundry on national / international television.
Will said: I think that kind of thing is better left to be discovered later, if ever. It has no bearing on winning this contest.
Her back-story did buy her more airtime, because AI producers love such things. True, it has nothing to do with winning. However, her back-story will work against her, if she makes it to the Top 12. I think Jamie Lynn should have waited a year or so before auditioning, because after KP last year, even if she makes it Top 12 I dont see her surviving long.
Will said: I don't think however, she should be burned at the stake, being young and impressionable, she was probably advised to bring it up, just my guess. I hope she is a good singer and at least gets her due, if any is deservered, on down the road.
How are you still single? Gals, y'all scream there are no nice guys left - Here's one! Anyway, I agree with you, it is not correct to judge her at this stage and yeah, it is possible that she was advised and well, KP did get her dues. So why not! As far as her talent goes, I sincerely think some songs should be banned from AI. Reflections is a very tough song and though she was not perfect, she did not murder it so I give her props. I think Simon was on board with yes, but since Randy and Paula had already given her green signal he improvised.
I love Chris Sligh! His humour was awesome and yes, Simon, it was dry! I really thought he will be a disaster but when he started to sing, I was shocked, not surprised and I mean that in the nicest way possible.
Today, I am in sync with Mom Rocks, Victoria did have a unique talent. In fact, she sounded a little operatic and I thought it was nice enough. When something like Team Nichole is announced, I just know that the contestant wouldnt make it through. I agree we have seen worse get through.
Will said: If Sprout reads this, do they show the deluded singers when they have Indian Idol, my guess is no, they don't seem to have that side to their personality, or am I wrong??
Actually last year they crowned a deluded singer Indian Idol! I am not kidding! Well, I am a little bit! I am asking for trouble, but I love trouble! Mwahaha!
Will honey, Indians are very much human and delusion is as rampant in India, if not more. I think every human is deluded my delusion is that I think that I am very funny! So I dont see why Indians should not have delusions. Indian Idol auditions definitely feature deluded personalities. Indian Idol follows the same norms as Pop Idol and hence it is exactly like American Idol!
The difference between American Idol and Indian Idol auditions are the judges. The judges of Indian Idol are rather innovative (not always funny) when deluded singers walk in. They are known to wear masks, disappear from the room if a contestant is singing with eyes shut, giving fruits like banana / apple to the contestants after they finish, encourage the contestants to sing more, if they are awful, the list goes on
Will said: I have really missed my gang here!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ditto! We have missed you too.
The Core Of Man's Spirit Comes From New Experiences!
Okay, I am beginning to think that the nation is going to think everyone from NC has a sob story. Case in point: Jaime Lynn...dad shot stepmom then self, now paralized; Fantasia grew up in the projects, dropped out of school, got pregnant as teen; Clay Aiken...bullied as nerd, estranged from dad, raised by single mom; Kelly Pickler...dad in jail, raised by grandparent, estranged from mom; Chris Daughtry...3rd husband to former stripper, adopted her kids; Bucky Covington...worked in family business, twin, GOB (Good ole boy). Bucky is probably the most "normal" of the bunch. But I promise you not all North Carolinaians are pregnant nerds who's paralized father is in jail because he married a former stripper then shot her!!!!!
On that note I love Chris Sligh. He is so funny!!
And regrets to any former or present NC idols I may have left out:)
If you can't be a good example, then be a horrible warning!
I was really hoping that more "good" air time would have come from Birmingham. Is it just me or is AI showing most of the bad singers, and it was funny in the beginning but is becoming a bit boring. There were some really good singers from Birmingham that went on to Hollywood but were not shown.
Kellie Pickler Jr. made me want to laugh (TMI=Too much information!!!!!!) I kept thinking through the entire show now America thinks Alabama is full of rednecks, ooops I guess it is. LOL
I liked Chris and I really think Nicole was good enough to go through to the next round.
:)
Guest said: Earth to whoever "writes" this "review:" Bashing Kellie Pickler at this point just makes you look like a bitter hag.
Actually it just makes me look like I didn't like her then, I don't like her now, and I won't like her a year from now either. I don't like the Rolling Stones either. Does that make me a bitter hag too? Oh my God how dare I have a personal opinion that differs from the majority. I've got to get back into the Stepford Wives Club for that personality overhaul - can they make me just like you?
Guest said: Especially now that Kellie has produced by far the best CD of any Idol from last season.
Actually, I'd give that honor (at this point) to Chris Daughtry. And yes, I still dislike him too.
"Now you know why lions eat their young" Capt. Phil Harris
ok this is jamie lynn ward n i did have a sob story yea but they didnt tell me it was gona be shown like that they asked me questions i didnt no they were going to put all of that on there n they even left the part out where they said weel tell me more about that n cut to simon but hey life goes on n i gotta few thang going on myself so u'll c me again im workin doin a little school and workin on a carrer yea i been through heck n back but so has every body i jus told mine but that dont make it easier n its just a taste of thre story i have to tell but thanks for your time
god bless
jamie lynn ward ;)
Don't mind me, I'm just a guest.
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Birmingham, Alabama has given us some of our best American Idols. Season two winner Ruben Studdard, Season five winner Taylor Hicks, and Season four almost-winner Bo Bice are all from Birmingham. So naturally there were high hopes for American Idol's first actual stop in Birmingham, Alabama. About 11,000 people showed up for a chance to audition in front of the judges. Simon was naturally surprised to see so many people there to greet them. He said no one has ever welcomed them before.
First up was Erica Skye, from Alabama. She's in college, planning to do something in the dental field if her music career doesn't work out. She decided to sing Unchained Melody, as it's Simon Cowell's favorite. Listening outside, her family says that she is doing great, meanwhile inside our judges are cringing. After she stopped, Simon called it a neverending torture. Erica tries to blame it on nerves, but Simon just isn't having it. Erica decides to sing another song and won't take no for an answer. Paula Abdul actually walks away from the table at this point and doesn't wander back over until Erica is ready to leave. After she leaves, Erica says she wanted them to be nicer (are we talking about the same judges here?)
This led to our first montage, of the judges saying no, and people walking out in tears. Simon Cowell bringing innocent young things to tears? NEVER!
Next up was Katie Bernard, who has a high squeeky voice, which she says is completely different from her singing voice. Her singing voice is indeed rather awesome. Paula thought it was interesting. Randy Jackson wanted to give her a shot, but Simon said no. That left the ultimate decision up to Paula. Paula wanted Katie to go home and enjoy married life. So her husband came in to voice his opinion. In her high squeeky voice, she told hubby everything that happened, ending with Simon hating her. Paula said that for that reason alone she is going through to Hollywood.
Tatiana McConnico, a student at a performing arts high school, says she was born to be a singer. She loves the show and doesn't want to do anything else. After singing, Randy told her she was the best they'd probably hear in Birmingham. Paula told her she was very gool
Diana Walker, who was a very big girl, said she was a cheerleader. She joked that she was obviously the base in the pyramid. She even said she could do all the splits. After singing Saving All My Love, Simon asked her what people normally do when she sings like that. Diana said they give her a standing ovation. Randy wondered if they run to the exit when they stand. After she left, Simon commented about her dress.
Bernard Williams II, from Alabama, wants to be the next American Idol. He sang Rock With You, and put the judges at odds with his performance. Amazingly enough it was Simon who liked him, telling him 100% yes, while Paula thought he was offkey.Randy noted the decision was up to him, and Bernard called him "Dawg." Randy can't resist anyone calling him "Dawg" so naturally he went on.
Then we were up to Margaret Fowler, dressed in yellow looking like big bird, as the Sesame Street Theme Song played in the background. Using her fake little girl voice, she said she was there for Simon, and went on about how she wants to start her own clothing line. Randy asked her how old she was and she replied she was 26. Simon snapped back that he is 11, Randy is 10, and Paula is 9. After the terrible singing, Simon called her an Easter Bunny nightmare experiment. He then wanted to know how old she really was. Big Bird Bunny said she was 33. Simon asked her again, and she finally confessed that she was 50. If ever we needed proof that at least half of the people on the auditions are there for reasons other than actually auditioning, well just cue up this audition.
After a montage of the many yes votes, we got to see Kellie Pickler part two (and anyone remaining from last season KNOWS how I feel about Pickler by now), aka Jamie Lynn Ward. She gave us her sob story about how she lives with her grandma and her dad. Her dad is paralyzed. She said if she wins, she wants to get her grandma a one story house. Simon wanted to know something interesting about her, so she told them about her sob story. It seems her dad caught his wife (her stepmother) cheating and he shot her, then himself in the throat. Her singing voice makes up for the sob story though, as it's decent enough. 
Paula told her her voice was pretty, but she has a tendency to sing through her nose. Simon and Randy both agreed with Paula (and patted her head like a dog). Paula and Randy gave her a pass to Hollywood, while Simon would have voted not.
The last contestant of day one was Chris Sligh. He said that some people say he looks like Jack Osbourne, while others say he looks like Jack Black. He looks in the mirror and sees Christina Aguilera. He hoped that he didn't sound like crap when he sang. When asked why he was there, he told the judges he wanted to make David Hasselhoff cry. Simon didn't understand the reference, so Chris explained that when Taylor won last year, they cut to a shot of David, with a tear in his eye. After he sang, Paula clapped and cheered. Paula likes his humor, and that he's different. Randy liked him too. So naturally he was on to Hollywood. Afterwards Chris said that Paula crumbled in his chubby little hand.
Victoria Watson, (Cousin It), has been growing her hair all her life. It's now 6 feet long, and if she doesn't wear heels it drags on the ground. Her mother has hair just as long. She says she gets told by people that she sings like a Disney princess. Naturally the judges had questions about her hair. She also told the judges that she just wants to be a good role model and to touch people with her music. Simon said she seems like a nice person. The mother then comes in to the audition, and Victoria sang her song. It wasn't that bad actually. Randy thanked her, but neither judge thought it was wonderful. Simon said it was basically a daughter to mom audition.
Lakia Hill said he had the total package to be the next American Idol. She says she has the voice and the looks. After the terrible singing, Simon wondered what the heck that was. He then said it was a complete mess and called Lakia one of the worst he's heard in Birmingham. At the end, Lakia thanked the judges. This led to another montage of the Southern Hospitality, with the people taking their "no" reactions very good.
Nichole Gatzman had "Team Nichole" with her for the audition. Her mother didn't think she could sing at first. Nichole said it wasn't until she entered a pageant and sang, that her mother realized she could sing. Until then mom told Nichole she had no talent. I didn't think her voice was that bad, she was actually rather good. Simon told her she sings through her nose and Randy agreed. Randy told her to give it some work and come back.
Last up was Brandy Patterson, who says she has an extraordinary voice. She predicted the judges would wonder where she had been when she walked in. She sang (and danced to) Madonna's Like a Virgin. Simon told her it was an absolutely rotten audition. Brandy said maybe it's the floor. Simon agreed, telling her to try it again on the carpet. Brandy believed him and went to the carpet and sang again. Simon sarcastically told her that it was a massive difference. Brandy said she was better on the carpet. She walked out upset, saying Paula is better than those two anyhow. She ranted and raved to Ryan Seacrest about it for awhile and the judges walked out, leading to a confrontation in the hallway. It was long, drawn out and funny, so I watched, rather than typed. If you missed it, I definitely recommend you check it out online. Simon was laughing and loving it the whole time.
If you would have been reading my views Youd know I am very much around! Your loss, if you missed my posts! You see I dont need you; I dont need anyone of you! #%&@, ^$%#, %#%@! Wow, so this is what it feels like to be Ms Likea Virgin! Suddenly, I was possessed with her spirit. Sorry about that! Or Not! LOL! Seriously dude, where the heck have you been? Everything is fine, I hope.
