1. Chicago Auditions

    Tuesday, Jan 19th 2010

    Posted by @IDOL_Insider

    American Idol continued with it's second week of auditions, and this time they headed to the third largest city in the U.S. for the third time. Who would be joining the three judges: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi? None other than music sensation Shania Twain. The judges take their seats and Randy is wearing a shirt that manages to be both tie dyed and plaid. Kara is a Shania fan, and it seems like Ms. Twain makes Kara "feel like a woman."

    First up in The Windy City is Katelyn Epperly. Her parents are going through a rough time and are getting a divorce. After some therapy from Simon, Katelyn performs Duffy's "Syrup and Honey." It wasn't a sticky situation for Katelyn, who impressed the judges with her originality. They'd like to see more energy from her, but she's going to Hollywood! And again, Simon calls Kara "Car-a." Who thinks he'll figure it out before the end of the Season?

    Next up was "Broadway baby" Amy Lang. Does that mean she sings on Broadway? Or that she was born on Broadway? Or that she cries at musicals? We don't find this out, but we do learn that she has a crush on host Ryan Seacrest. After flirting with him and flirting with the judges, Amy sings "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin. Her singing took a back seat to her dance move, "Boob Boxing." Yes, Amy can flex her chest in one knockout move. Unfortunately, her performance wasn't enough to convince the judges that she can stay abreast with her competition.

    Sixteen year old Charity Vance sings into a broom at her parents' hair salon which is run at the Vance household in Little Rock, Arkansas. She chose to sing "Summertime" which is a daring choice since Fantasia killed it during Season 3, and it's become one of the most memorable Idol performances. Shania showed her music knowledge and gave Charity some feedback on her voice. Although Charity has a little voice, the judges like that she shows great vocal control. With four yeses, sweet Charity is off to Hollywood. Would Arkansas bring us an American Idol for back-to-back seasons?

    An interesting assortment of characters audition for the judges. They come clad in all sorts of costumes and with a variety of props. None of them advance.

    Angela Martin has auditioned for the show for the last two seasons. She's had to endure some hardships like you wouldn't believe over the past few years. Hoping the third time would be a charm, Angela auditioned for the judges, who remembered her, with "Just Fine" by Atlanta guest judge Mary J. Blige. The judges like Angela and appreciate that she acknowledged their critiques from last year and improved her voice. It's unanimous -- Angela receives her third golden ticket in a row. At the end of day one, seven other contestants will join Angela in Hollywood.

    Day two in Chi-Town was off to a rocky start. Curley Newbern has quite the name but his high-pitched take of Maxwell's "This Woman's Work" was enough to make the neighborhood cats squeal in heat. Before the judges could vote, Curley exited the room. Jokingly, Simon said it's a yes from him.

    Alannah Halbert can also hit high notes. Shania suggested that Alannah should start the song lower and then bring it up. Alannah didn't really understand, so Kara, Shania, and Randy all sang in the same key, but Alannah still couldn't figure it out.

    Brian Krause was in the army and sang for the troops to provide them with entertainment; a very noble thing, indeed! However, his voice is not pleasing to the ears and the judges thought he may have been a jokester of a contestant. Brian says he's the real deal.

    What is going on with Chicago? Is it all that wind? It's noon and ZERO golden tickets have been passed out.

    Harold Davis sings Usher's "Nice and Slow," but par for the Chicago course, his vocals aren't good enough. He blames it on his allergies. See! It is that Chicago wind!

    We're treated to a montage of awful singers that "don't impress me [or Shania...or Simon, Kara, and Randy] much." Would anyone from the United Center stadium be able to carry a tune?

    Enter John Park, a student from Chicago. Towards the end of high school, John started to apply to singing programs at colleges. His parents did not feel that singing would be a good career for John. He stood in front of the judges and sang "I Love Me More Than You'll Ever Know" by Al Cooper. The judges were impressed, in particular Shania, who attempted to compliment his voice, but it came across as a bunch of innuendos. Shania gave feedback such as "You have a beautiful bottom end," "You have nice lips," and "You have a nice head." Randy poked fun at Shania, so she whipped him with her shirt tassels. What does all of this mean? It means that John Park brought hope to Chicago and is on his way to Hollywood.

    Paige Dechausse is 21 years old and came to auditions via limo with her whole family. She has struggled with asthma her entire life and even had a near death experience. Fortunately, Paige defied the odds and is still singing today. Taking on Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," Paige showed vocal talent and confidence. Although Simon gave her a no, the other judges passed Paige on to Hollywood. After some heavy cheering and celebrating, Paige took a puff on her inhaler and jumped some more!

    Justin Ray, and Marcus Jones wrapped up Chicago auditions on a good note, and all three are moving on in the competition.

    Out of a whopping 12,000 Chicago hopefuls, only 13 people walked away with golden tickets.

    Next, Idol heads to Orlando, Florida where Broadway sensation and actress Kristin Chenoweth joins the judges.