American Idol Auditions News (Page 4)

The time has come, American Idol fans. Beginning tonight, the competition truly kicks off, as we take over the voting. Let's see how the top 12 men do, shall we?

8:02 - Ryan Seacrest calls this the "weirdest audition tour ever." Awww, we bet he says that to all his audiences.

8:04 - Randy Jackson has been taking heat this season? That's news to us, too. Hang in there, dawg.

8:10 - Kicking off the festivities? The lead singer of M-Pact, Rudy Cardenas. The man certainly has spirit; too much, perhaps. At the very least, Ryan has competition for Metrosexual of the Night.

8:14 - Don't boo Randy, people. You didn't think that performance was corny?!? Simon makes a good point about lacking originality ... but there are worse things than the audience having a good time.

8:16 - Brandon Rogers is next. Don't turn that channel! (Unless you have money on Wisconsin vs. Michigan St. Then you can go check the score ... but hurry back.)

8:20 - The OC is coming to an end Thursday. We have mixed feelings about this. Complete and utter joy? Or unabashed ecstasy?

8:21 - Chris Sligh keeps talking about people looking "pretty." And Ryan pretends that he's glad they're sitting on different couches.

8:25 - Paula's hair is more all over the place than her critique of Brandon. All judges seem to agree that he's talented, just needs to learn how to make an impact on stage as a lead singer. He'll be back, though. Better be at least.

8:27 - Sundance Head admits that he was scared in Hollywood. And embarrassed by the results. Let's see if he can redeem himself.

8:28 - Uh-oh. Paula can't even find anything positive to say. Sundance looks seriously despondent. It's like someone just threatned to shave off his bushy goatee.

8:34 - Wisconsin 47, Michigan St. 45.

8:37 - There's no pressure at all on Paul Kim. Just the hopes and dreams of Asians everywhere.

8:39 - Kim sings that he's "never gonna dance again." But will he sing again for viewers? After Randy calls his third straight contestant "pitchy," Paula urges voters to give Paul a chance. Simon disses the man's bare feet.

8:43 - Let's see if Chris Richardson can live up to his Justin Timberlake comparisons. Good luck with that, buddy.

8:46 - Randy likes his "flavor." Paula enjoys the man's "arrangement." And Simon at least apologizes for sounding "negative." All a good sign for Chris.

8:49 - Michigan St. 56, Wisconsin 51.

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This is it, American Idol fans. The final 24. An hour from now, the competition will be in our hands. Let's get right to it ...

9:02 p.m. - Ryan Seacrest calls tonight "the ultimate cut." John Wayne Bobbitt may disagree with that.

9:04 p.m. - Sanjaya Malaker is first in the Chair of Decision (CoD). His sister was told to go home last night. But our shy, slightly feminite man is through to the final 24.

9:06 p.m. - Everyone is shocked when Tami Gosnell and Bernard Williams are sent packing. Frankly, so are we.

9:08 p.m. - My beautiful American Idol co-watcher says Melinda Doolittle "needs some plastic surgery" and "needs wider eyes." Simon says she's on to the next round. Probably more for her singing than that need for wider eyes thing.

9:09 p.m. - Damn right Brandon Rogers has earned his spot as a lead singer, Randy. We like the fake happiness other contestants show when fellow hopefuls are approved. We almost buy it.

9:14 p.m. - Gina Glocksen is nervous, but has high hopes. That can be a dangerous combination. Fortunately for G-squared, she's on to the last 24.

9:17 p.m. - But is Haley Scarnato (pictured)? She certainly has the look, as Simon mentioned once his jaw was finally off the floor last week. She also has a good enough voice, apparently, to make the final 12 women.

9:19 p.m. - Okay, Phil Stacy. You have a good story. But enough talent to move on? The judges seem to think so. Congrats. Go callthe family.

9:24 p.m. - The Simpsons Movie, huh? Not at all a plug, huh, FOX?

9:25 p.m. - Chris Sligh is really funny. Like, maybe funnier than that Simpsons Movie coming out (July 27!!! Watch FOX to learn more!). And we'll be seeing more of him, thank goodness.

9:28 p.m. - Simon is trying to scare Blake Lewis a lot. But we can see through you, mean judge! The beat box master is through. So is Rudy Cardenas, Blake's co-singer from the group round last night.

9:29 p.m. - And we return from commercial to the approval of Jordin Sparks. Good. She seems nice. Sadly, Tatiana McConnico is going home. Not that she isn't nice.

9:31 p.m. - AJ Tabaldo makes it to the final 24. After FIVE previous tries. Gotta admire that persistance Wow. Stephanie Edwards just needed one, though. But Simon had us with that, "You haven't ... failed." He's a tricky one.

9:33 p.m. - The YES's keep on comin! Leslie Hunt made it. So did Nick Pedro. They're not wasting any time, are they?

9:40 p.m. - We feel good about Alaina Alexander. Looks like the judges do, too, despite her initial standing freaking them out.

9:42 p.m. - Chris Richardson is in. Hasn't made much noise in the competition so far - but enough of an impression to be in final male 12.

9:43: p.m. - And Sabrina Sloan is the next to get the nod. She's been a quiet one so far, huh?

9:44 p.m. - Darn, the singing cowboy, Matthew Buckstein, was turned away again. No country this year, he says. That's ok. Carrie Underwood has us covered.

9:45: p.m. Laskisha Jones is tugging on our heart strings with that single mother story. Fortunately, she can sing, too. And we'll be seeing more of her.

9:50 p.m. - Nicole Tranquillo is also gonna be seeing more of the judges. They really love using that line, huh? But what about Sundance, guys?!? Before we can get to that, Amy Krebs gets the nod.

9:53 p.m. - Marissa and Antonella Barba share a fake hug in the elevator. But Antonella gets the final female spot. And Marissa is "bewildered," according to Ryan. She definitely sounds that way.

9:56p.m. - Yippee, Sundance Head does make it through! We were afraid there for a minute.

Now, fans, the votes will be ours. Let's not waste them.

It was a fast and furious broadcast of American Idol auditions in Hollywood last night.

Some early favorites, such as Sundance Head, were shaky in their performances. He was lucky to make the cut, for example.

Others, such as Sanjaya Malakar, impressed the judges immensely. But they were forced to watch friends, family members and other fellow Idol hopefuls head home.

Here's a photo recap of some of what went down ...

The sassy Melinda Doolittle tried to remain calm as she received approval for the next round.

What would Jesus look-a-like, Sean Michel, do? He'd go on to sing another day.

Is Simon Cowell ready to go home already? Chin up, cranky one, we've got a long way road ahead.

An early favorite, Chris Sligh did nothing to diminish his popularity.

With rumors of Michael Jackson on American Idol swirling, we settle in for the first round of Hollywood auditions. Let's see which favorites emerge ...

8:01 p.m. - Taylor Hicks is a music superstar. Really, Ryan Seacrest? That's news to, you know, music fans.

8:03 p.m. - Tonight is girls' night. Does that mean free drinks until midnight? Or cat fighting about ugly hairstyles? Oh, just that only the women sing tonight. I get it now.

8:04 p.m. - Jory Steinberg starts the evening off. We like her. The judges do not, apparently. Ouch.

8:09 p.m. - Perla Meneses isn't too high on herself or anything. She's just gonna beat this Shakira thing into the ground, isn't she? Typically, we wouldn't mind that, of course.

8:12 p.m. - My American Idol cohort says Baylie Brown is very "Dixie Chicks-like." That's a very good thing these days. Simon and company agree.

8:14 p.m. - Ashlyn Carr is going home. Uh-oh, watch out for your gas tanks, judges.

8:16 p.m. - Oh gosh. Some mother is complaining, while her daughter is blaming the song for failing. No, sorry, she's blaming the delivery of the song. Get off the stage.

8:17 p.m. - Slow down, Ryan, we can't keep up with your lists of who made it. Okay, Tatiana McConnico is through. So is Melinda Doolittle. Those weren't hard to predict.

8:22 p.m. - Are we smarter than a fifth grader? With Jeff Foxworthy? Really, FOX?

8:23 p.m. - It's the guys' day. All hail Sundace Head. We're just sayin.

8:25 p.m. - Brian Miller can sing. But he strikes us as that obnoxious kid in class. Jarrod Fowler, however, well, he's in the Navy. Nothing negative to say there.

8:26 p.m. - Matt Sato. Seems like true emotion from this kid. Gotta support that.

8:28 p.m. - Phil Stacey is through. So is Sean Michel, long hair be damned.

8:32 p.m. - It's group night. No one wants to be with Matt Sato for some reason. We'll sing with you, Matt!

8:34 p.m. - Baylie teams up with best friends, Antonella and Amanda! Exciting ... and apparently anger-filled. Knowing the lyrics might help, ladies.

8:42 p.m. - That was a Sato-laden roller coaster ride. Matt forgets his words and is gone. Just like that. See how quickly the dream can die, people?

8:43 p.m. - Gina Glockson (pictured) is not pleased with Perla. We don't blame her. That gal is no Shakira. Simon lets her know it, too.

8:45 p.m. - Chris Sligh won't be hearing anything but praise in the near future. He and his male co-singers show us how it's done. Well done, Blake Lewis.

8:47 p.m. - Uh-oh, Sundance. Pick it up, Sundance! Hey, that's Robyn Troup of Grammy fame you're singing with.

8:51 p.m. - Baylie forgets the words. All the words. So does Amanda. Gee, we didn't see this coming when she was flirting with guys all night long or anything. But the A-train stays. B-squared goes home. That's an upset.

8:52 p.m. - Amanda says she and Antonella got through because "God likes good people." Just one problem ...

8:57 p.m. - Amanda is cut.

It's our last show before viewers receive their golden ticket and head off to Hollywood with the rest of American Idol hopefuls. Let's see how it goes ...

Most jeg-lagged: Simon Cowell. He's also changed spots with Randy. We're scared and excited.

Most fawned over: Haley Scarnato. First, Ryan says she has the face for a CD cover. Then, Paula talks to her about fashion like her BFF. Most impressively, Simon is speechless looking at her. Oh, and she sings Bonnie Raitt pretty well.

Least biggest fan of Seabiscuit: Baylie Brown. This wanna-be city girl is headed to one of the most well-known in the world: Hollywood. We like her pluck. Move over, Kellie Pickler.

Coolest cousins: The first one couldn't sing, but we enjoyed William Green and Akron Watson. The former's faux anger at the judges was hilarious - and the latter could actually carry a tune. Just take your funny relative with you to Hollywood, Akron.

Toughest: Ashlyn Carr. Anyone who will go through a concussion in order to follow her singing dreams deserves a chance - and maybe a singing coach. You know, someone who will work on those weird faces.

Most Studdard-like: Jimmy McNeal. Wow, a decent audition to end the show. That's new. And welcome. Maybe Cupid had something to do with it.

Welcome to Los Angeles, fans.

Last night's American Idol auditions in Birmingham were decent, but this is Hollywood. Let's see if the contestants can step it up ...

Most unexpected: It's actually not Olivia Newton-John. The well-known singer from Grease is more welcome than this panther dude. He actually seems surprised to be rejected.

Most awesome assonance: Alaina Alexander. That hoarse voice could help her make it as a sex operater - or an American Idol, apparently, considering she's moving on to Hollywood. Or remaining in Hollywood. Either way.

Most surprising Taylor Hicks wanna-be: Phuong Pham. Her mom told her she was no Katharine McPhee? Ouch. No golden ticket? Double ouch. That dancing? Let's just move on.

Most experienced: Brandon Rogers (pictured). A back-up singer for Christina Aguilera and Anastacia? That almost seems like cheating. But there are no rules against it and Brandon seems likable.

Most boy band ready: Brian Miller. Simon forgot him from last year. Never a good sign. But he may cry if we don't give him a golden ticket. Thanks, guys.

Best closing note: We wish Simon hadn't embarassed Eric Mueller like that - but how could he not with such rich material as the help he tried to recieve from a Randy and Paula CD?

So long, L.A. San Antonio on Tuesday has to be better.

We're live from Birmingham, Alabama!

Let's see how these American Idol auditions compare to those from New York last week.

Highest expectations set: Ryan Seacrest. Alabama is the home to former Idols, Bo Bice, Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks. Those are two of the show's five winners. But no pressure, newcomers.

Most Muppet-like: Katie Bernard. Just don't talk on your way to Hollywood, ok? But bring alike your shy, cute husband. He seemed to be the only thing standing between Paula and a nervous breakdown.

Most well-grounded: Tatiana McConnico. Pictured here at age 13, this is a straightforward, down to earth 17-year old who seems quite ... normal. An American Idol oddity, sadly. Great name, too. Sundance Head has some competition.

Birmingham-ing-est: Bernard Williams II. The man has serious Alabama pride. He knows his Rubens, Taylors and Bos for sure. He also knows his Randy Jacksons, apparently, as a plea to his "dawg" gets Bernie through.

Saddest, prettiest story: Jamie Lynn Ward. A paralyzed father. Blue eyes. Blonde hair. And an actual voice. A new contender has emerged.

Biggest surprise: Chris Sligh. A goofball at heart - but, no, Simon it's not Justin Guarini. It may, however, be this year's runner-up, just like Mr. Guarini. Sligh is sly. Who knew this Screech Powers look-a-like could sing?

Cingular Wireless - now the new AT&T - has renewed its deal with FOX, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment to provide American Idol fans with mobile access to memorable moments from the show’s auditions.

For the next three weeks, the Cingular Video library will feature up to ten bad American Idol audition clips. To access the clips, consumers need to have a 3G phone and must sign up for the $19.99 MEdia MAX Bundle, which includes unlimited Cingular Video.

In addition to video content, ring tones are also available.

Throughout the season, AT&T’s wireless unit will be introducing new American Idol-themed content, as well as returning favorites such as IDOL Chat, IDOL Trivia and Live IDOL Tones, just to name a few.

The show’s last season generated more than 64.5 million text messages.

Was there big talent in The Big Apple? Did anyone step up to knock Sundance Head off the headlines? Let's sum up American Idol's New York auditions and find out ...

Most tiresome reality TV wannabe: Ian Benardo. You didn't make it on So You Think You Can Dance and you didn't make it here. Time for a new career path.

Top tear contestant: Sarah Burgess. Her sob story of no daddy support won over the judges. But she'll have to actually perform well, not just cry well, in order to make it in Hollywood.

Best audition: Kia Thorton. Great name. That always helps. Sort of reminds us of a smaller Mandisa, which is meant as a compliment. This gal has potential.

Best BFF: Amanda Coluccio and Antonella Barba. They looked a bit like they got lost on their way to a Pussycat Dolls tryout, instead of American Idol. Nevertheless, looks are part of making it big, too. Can't blame them for hotness.

Most harmful to Paula's sanity: Jenry Bejarano. We don't think Paula Abdul was drunk during this audition, just a fan of a guy who can definitely carry a tune. Still, he is a minor, Paula. Be careful.

Second weirdest name: Jory Steinberg. Sorry, Jenry has you beat by a tad, Jory. But you can get him back in Hollywood when that whole singing competition really takes off.

Slammingest Body: Porcelana Patino. She wasn't a terrible singer. But the look and attitude is what will give this gal a chance on the big stage.

It's time for Memphis hopeful to show us their American Idol chops. Let's hope they can top last week's Seattle auditions. Shouldn't be that tough ...

Most enthusiastic of the night: Frank Byers. Or, sorry, "Frank and Beans." He didn't get through, but maybe Simon would've changed his mind if those cheerleaders had actually dropped Ryan.

Most similar to a film festival: Jason "Sundance" Head (pictured). With a father named Roy Head - he of the former number-one hit in the 1960s - this uniquely named fellow expected to make it big a long time ago. At 27, his time may have finally come.

Most sentimental: Travis McKinney. Apparently, crazy dancing equates to emtotion for some. We're sorry. We can't go on right now. Too many tears flowing ...

Best American Idol name: Danielle McCulloch. Just sounds right, doesn't it? Scared us a bit when she hit a high note, but brilliant compared to other singers so far. Glad she got through to Hollywood.

Best use of third person: Randy Jackson. He just referred to himself as a "dawg." American Idol Worship liked it.

Saddest story: Topher McCain. His wife left him. He watches Dr. Phil. He has a giant crush on Paula Abdul.

Best impression of a dictator: Sean Michel. Castro, bin Laden, Jesus Christ. Whatever. The guy can kind of sing.

Proudest father: Phil Stacey. We think the judges just wanted to do right by the new father. Guess we can't blame them for that.