News and event information for Williams Lake, BC - as it happens.

By Samantha Leigh Kelley
Part 1 of American Idol review 2010

Season 9 of American Idol kicked off Tuesday night in Boston. The season premiere began with the unveiling of Paula Abdul’s absence. That’s right! After eight seasons Paula Abdul called it quits last August. But don’t worry; we’ll still have someone to laugh at. Paula’s replacement is non-other than comedian Ellen Degeneres. Ellen will be joining the judging panel in February after the auditions have finished. In the mean-time, Idol’s audience will be blessed with nine celebrity judges.

Another huge change in the works is that Simon Cowell announced this week that he too will be leaving Idol. This is Simon’s final season. He has decided to focus on his next talent search show The X Factor. I definitely have my doubts about the future success of American Idol with Simon Cowell’s departure. Many viewers tune in simply to listen to his sharp tongue and harsh criticisms (I know I do). My prediction is that The X Factor will be the new American Idol. I mean, how could you not miss that unlovable Brit’ packed full with back-handed comments?

Victoria Beckham was the Guest Judge in Boston. Judge Kara DioGuardi and Victoria seemed to form a camaraderie throughout the audition process- backing each other up and falling for the same good looking guys. It was pretty cute. I love it when I see women actually getting along on television. Let’s face it- it’s pretty rare.

Sixteen year old Maddy Curtis was the first to receive a ‘Golden Ticket to Hollywood”. Maddy is the 9th of 12 children. Her brother Jonathon (8th child) has Down syndrome. Maddy’s parents decided to adopt another child with Down syndrome, so that Jonathon would have a companion. Throughout the years the Curtis family ended up adopting 3 more children with Down syndrome.

What Maddy said about her brothers was too touching not to quote- “Those four boys bring out the best in every person they met. They see the world in colors, and we need to see the world that way.” She said this with tears in her eyes, and I think Maddy made every viewer cry with that statement. In fact, I have to hold mine back just writing about it.

Maddy received a yes from every judge after she sang Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah”. This is a very difficult song to sing but she pulled it off with complete control and grace. Definitely a goose bump worthy performance. Every judge really felt for Maddy, and so did I.

Andrew Fenlon was the 'dirt bag of the day'. He was upset that he had to wait all day to audition. I found his arrogance quite humorous as he gave Simon a run for his money. He sang “House of the Rising Sun” and actually had a decent voice. Simon obviously related to Andrew and gave him a yes. But the three other judges (the women especially) had enough of his bad attitude. So needless to say, Andrew did not make it through to Hollywood.

The whole thing was hilarious, but my favorite part (hands down) was how Andrew ignited rage in Kara. She actually told him after his audition, “You need a spanking; you’ve been very, very naughty.” Andrew seemed taken back by her comment. I wonder if there was a love/hate thing going on with her. Whatever it was, it was extremely entertaining.

The oddest audition in Boston came from Noberto Guerrero. He sang “Every Time We Touch” by Cascada. Noberto sported a long curly mullet, and Michael Jackson like attire. As you can guess his singing was flat and out-of-tune. To me his voice really did sound like nails on a chalk board. Simon told him, "You sing like a three-year-old girl and dress like LaToya Jackson. You've got a beard. The whole thing was just too weird."

At the end of the two day audition process in Boston, 31 people ended up with a golden ticket to Hollywood.

Wednesday nights auditions were held in Atlanta where 10,000 people turned up for a chance at stardom. Mary J. Blige was the guest judge. She didn’t think she’d be too harsh, but she would tell the truth. Though one thing Mary didn’t predict was that she’d succumb to all the laughing fits she experienced throughout the process.

Dewone Robinson (28 yrs old) was the first to Audition. And if this was any indication of what talent was to come in Atlanta, then the judges were in for a long haul. Dewone sang an original, “Lady, We’re Not Together Anymore”. He told us his amazing song was like a “diamond in the ruff”. Dewone sang, and it was simply terrible. His singing altered every phrase from a high pitched screetch to a low pitched impersonation of a woman. Very weird!

My favorite person at the auditions in Atlanta was Vanessa Wolf. Vanessa is a small town, bridge jumping, southern girl. She tells us Idol is a chance for her to “get out”, and who can blame her? She sang “Wagon Wheel” by Old Crow Medicine Show. She’s country through and through, and has this unique voice that I could listen to for hours. Simon told her that she was “distinct and stood out in the crowd.” Vanessa received four yeses, and was ecstatic. Now she’s in for her first airplane ride, or should I say “areoplane”!

Atlanta was littered with odd balls. And after while, the judges started letting them through. I couldn’t believe when “The Human Guitar” made it through the next round. Yes Holly Harden was a sweet southern bell, but she wore a ridiculous costume from Halloween, and couldn’t really sing that well. I guess gimmicks do work from time to time with the judges.

Antonio “Skii-bo-ski” Wheeler was another bizarre one. With an outlandish personality like he had, one could only assume that he would ‘fall flat’ with the judges. But Skii-bo-ski also got a golden ticket, he can really sing! Now, if he would only work on his speaking skills.

General Larry Platt was the last (and oldest at 62 yrs) to audition in Atlanta. His original song “Pants on the Ground” will undoubtedly be sung over and over again by American Idol fans everywhere. The Generals song begs guys to pull up their pants, and put a belt on! Larry busted out some (busted) break dancing moves at the end, and for 62 years of age, it wasn’t THAT bad. Judges and contestants alike united to sing Larry’s “Pants on the Ground” song. And, I have to admit … I did too.

Out of the 10,000 people auditioning in Atlanta only 25 hopefuls received a golden ticket to the next round.

It’s still hard to say whether or not Season 9 will showcase the best talent we’ve seen in American Idol’s past. But one thing is for sure, it will be entertaining. On Tuesday, January 19th, auditions will be held in the ‘windy city’ of Chicago and Shania Twain will be the guest judge.

Click her for the American Idol Schedule.

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