It was slim pickings in Chicago -- only 13 contestants went through to Hollywood, most of them girls -- and for once, it was Ryan Seacrest who looked bored. Even fainting spells (Amy Lang, pictured) and crying fits couldn't amp up the energy on this episode. And to think, this is the city that brought us Jennifer Hudson and Mandisa. Still, Shania Twain was entertaining in all her guest judge goofiness. And there were a handful of highlights, such as:
Katelyn Epperly: Randy praised her smoky vocals on Duffy's "Syrup and Honey," and with so many soundalikes (he says that like it's a bad thing), she managed to stand out from the pack and impress an especially tough panel.
Charity Vance: This sweet thing was no Fantasia, but she competently delivered "Summertime" and the judges responded in kind. Still, will that little voice shine in such fierce competition? Time will tell.
Angela Martin: She had auditioned twice before, made it to Hollywood and all the way to the Top 50, then had to bolt due to a court date. To her credit, Angela's had a rough couple of years and her moving version of Mary J. Blige's "Just Fine" put those emotions on full display. Will the third try be the charm?
John Park: Shania Twain was plain old tongue-tied in the presence of this Asian hottie. She complemented his "beautiful bottom end" on Donny Hathaway's “If I Ever Leave You Baby,” and we're loving his overall demeanor. John is already rumored to have made the Top 24, to which we say, hallelujah!
Honorable mentions: We agree with Simon that her rendition of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come" came off "a little indulgent," but Paige Dechausse shows promise, as does Marcus Jones, who wasn't given a special segment but delivered a soulful audition.
0 comments:
Post a Comment