The American Idol Season 11 Premiere continued last night in Pittsburgh, PA where the talent delivered almost as much Savannah did. We touched familiar ground as more of the wackier contestants made their way to the stage coming from all across the nation and there were enough sob stories to keep the tears coming for days. All in all, this was a very entertaining and moving hour long broadcast that has shed the spotlight on a few individuals worth rooting for throughout the season.
22 year old Heejun Han may have come of as an incredibly nervous oddball who doesn’t know how to have a conversation, but he does know how to sing well. In fact, he sings better than that, making the Pittsburgh auditions a stop worth taking just for him. That is how talented this kid is and it would be a shame if he did not make it through Hollywood week. But the incredibly odd communicator is not the most unbelievable moment of the night. Patricia planking while her sister auditioned was indeed the most outrageous moment, especially with the cameras circling around Patricia on the floor, taking attention away from the actual talent. Does anyone even remember what Samantha’s voice sounded like or were you too distracted by the planking?
Not so much on a weird level but moreso on the love it or hate it level, starving artist, Creighton Fraker came into the auditions with a voice that may remind viewers of Paul MacDonald. Naturally, he made it through but it will be interesting to see what group he finds himself in during Hollywood week and if he will stick out like a sore thumb, whether good or bad. One thing is for sure, New Yorkers should keep an eye out for him if for some reason he doesn’t make it through Hollywood week. Then there’s 26 year old Reed Grimm who decided to sing the theme song to “Family Matters.” His song choice actually worked! Sometimes it’s the simple things.
Erika Van Pelt did not even need to say that she was a wedding singer. Some people just have that voice and she does and she should make it through Hollywood week with no problem. Repeat contestant, Travis Orlando however has some work to do. Orlando made his way back to Idol after his family was torn apart last year. His mother walked out on the family for another man, leaving Orlando, his twin brother, and father to live on their own. Dropping out of high school may have lost him some points but living in a homeless shelter with his family definitely brought the tears. Orlando almost didn’t make it through to the next round but he fought for a ticket and his drive got him through. He has clearly been through a lot but as Steven Tyler mentioned, he has to open himself up completely, pain and all. Not showing us his soul is what almost got him a “No.” So keep an eye out for his musical maturity during Hollywood week.
Perhaps the biggest tearjerker of the night came when 19 year old coal miner, Shane Bruce came in to audition. As the judges mentioned, it was good that Bruce knew that he had a good voice but it wasn’t strong enough for Idol at this point… basically he knew the reality of the situation when most contestants choose not to face their reality. Still, this did not make the rejection hurt any less. Poor kid. If Idol is still around for season thirteen, he may be ready then. But something tells me coal mining is where he will happily remain.
On a lighter note, Randy Jackson singing one of Justin Bieber’s tune after his dobbleganger, 15 year old Eben Franckewitz made his gleeful exit with his ticket to Hollywood was quite hysterical. The final contestant of the Pittsburgh auditions, 24 year old Hallie Day also brought a smile to our faces. Day showed everyone that she is a contestant not to be messed with. Her rendition of “I Will Survive” was so beautiful, unforgettable. If anyone is getting through Hollywood Week, it needs to be Day. Wacky as some of the contestants may have been, the talent was there and Pittsburgh has plenty to smile about. Thirty eight tickets to Hollywood were given out this week and Sunday, we’ll discover the talent awaiting he judges in San Diego. Will they be better than what Pittsburgh delivered? Stay tuned.
Watch a special episode of American Idol this Sunday night at approximately 10/9c on Fox.
*Photo Credit: Michael Becker / FOX
