We are in a city I fell in love with many years ago. I love that we saw some of the city, especially Beale Street where I spent many happy evenings listening to the blues that make this town so famous. On the other side of the coin it is the home of Graceland where my top American Idol Elvis Presley once lived. Now we come to the auditions of over 16,000 who showed up and once again we are shown an array of people who feel they should be the next American Idol but their talent only exists in their minds. So I'll keep my thoughts geared to who did make it to Hollywood.
Jason "Sundance" Head - Here is a guy with a big voice whose father had some success as a singer. Sundance treats us to a rendition of "Stormy Monday" and proves he has indeed inherited his father's talent. The judges love him and, in spite of another weak comment from Mr. Cowell about Taylor Hicks, this wonderfully talented nice guy receives his golden ticket to Hollywood. I look forward to him doing well.
Danielle McCulloch - A pretty blond girl who had attitude while she belted out Aretha Franklin's "Baby I Love You", which happens to be one of my favorite songs. Randy was not impressed but Simon and Paula saw the spark of a possible star and I must agree. She has personality, is cute and can definitely sing.
Sean Michel - Barring his looks which remind us of a Cuban revolutionary, he has a voice. Underneath all that hair I am sure there is a very nice looking young man. His rendition of the Johnny Cash song sounded good to my ears and I look forward to hearing more from him.
Melinda Doolittle - Now here is a woman who has been a back-up singer and does not have much confidence. Of all the people who auditioned this woman became my favorite with her sweet personality and a voice that is incredible. She sang "For Once In My Life" and in my book has the wow factor of going very far.
Philip Stacy - I was at once interested because of his look which reminds me of the lead singer of Live (one of my favorite bands). He is quite a handsome man and has just become a new father. The pride he felt at this was so adorable. He sings "My Girl" by The Temptations and I became a fan. He needs a little work I think but overall I think he has what it takes as a singer.
In my opinion we saw better talent in this one hour than we did last week in 4 hours of show and 22 did make it to Hollywood. Tomorrow is New York City and judging from the previews we are in for some more oddballs amid some talent.
