Arguably the most successful American Idol, Carrie Underwood was found at auditions in St. Louis, Missouri. So the judges had high expectations for those auditioning in the same city as the country music sensation once did. The episode began with a well deserved homage to Underwood before the auditions began and did not disappoint as auditions began. It just might be possible that we have seen our next American Idol after these auditions.
22 year old Johnny Keyser hit the perfect key with his incredibly soulful rendition of “Change is Coming” The judges loved him and it is definitely safe to say that America loves him. As judge, Jennifer Lopez pointed out, he is going to be a star. Keyser is good looking and has a voice that can sooth for days. He seems to have everything that we could want in an American Idol and Hollywood week will only prove it.
Rachelle Lamb took on Faith Hill which was the perfect song to showcase her phenomenal country vocals. Who else would love to see her duet with Hill, Miranda Lambert, or another country powerhouse come finals? What a shame it would be for us not to see Lamb go far in this competition. On the other hand, the sooner she is eliminated, the sooner someone outside of Idol will be able to take her under their wing for her big debut album. We’ve seen it time and time again. You don’t actually have to win American Idol to be a successful musical artist. And we have had our share of country artists on Idol… maybe it’s time to switch it up a bit and find something different this year. We have seen plenty of individuals with a unique sound… perhaps it is the year for, say, a Paul McDonald. Reis Kloeckener showcased his beautiful tone with “Lean on Me” and definitely has a few thousand people anticipating to hear him sing various genres week to week.
The freaks also came out for their final appearance at the St. Louis auditions. Elvis… and that wasn’t the only costume. A group came who may have thought they were on The Sing Off. But even judge, Steven Tyler, of all of the individuals in St. Louis for Idol didn’t seem to be too fazed. In fact, Tyler showed his giving side in this city. He was seen giving a few hopefuls a pep talk prior to their auditions and he even reached out to one contestant, Ethan Jones’ father in rehab. All of that said, Tyler did not seem to have any words for a hotel employee who auditioned with a group of his staff by his side. Even with all of that support, he was not one of the lucky 40+ people to get the ticket to Hollywood. Nerves and a lack of training prevented him from moving onto the next round but if he works on this in preparation for season 12, getting to Hollywood will not be a problem at all.
Before the evening’s auditions came to an end, a sneak peak of Madonna’s new music video aired although there was an awkward transition from the video to the rest of the airing of Idol. That aside, it would not be surprising to see Madonna perform live on the Idol stage in the coming months. Although we’re really watching for the next American Idol and 22 year old southern rocker, Lauren Gray could be it. Taking on Adele and doing any of her songs justice is not as easy as it looks but Gray made it seem oh so effortless and captivated audiences everywhere. Her delivery was superb and as the judges pointed out, her fearlessness is something to envy. Her ability to try new things and not be afraid to hit a note and run this way or that, it will take her far.
Lauren Gray has certainly made a name for herself and has thousands of viewers rooting for her come Hollywood week, which begins next week! There is quite a handful of talent to look forward to seeing again in Hollywood week which is hell week for many. But if our favorite vocalists from auditions can make it through Hollywood week, we’ve got a very satisfying season of Idol to look forward to. The easiest part has come and gone. Now the hard work begins. Stay tuned!
Watch American Idol Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8/7c on Fox.
