American Idol, Night 4 Auditions

American Idol (AI) is in Louisville, KY at Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby for 2 days worth of auditions.

First up is Tiffany Shedd who has her parents with her. Her father calls her a 'sure bet'. She attempts a Mariah Carey song and does horribly. She is an awful singer - a glass breaker. The judges just hated her. She says she will go to college since she didn't make AI.

Joanna Pacitti, age 23. She moved to L.A. to live, sing and learn the music business. Kara recognizes Joanna as having previously been signed with A & M records - but apparently things didn't work out in Joanna's favor. Joanna sings "We Belong" by Pat Benatar and does a superb job. She goes to Hollywood.

Ross Plavsic a.k.a. super nerd - says he studied YouTube and other tools to learn to sing and analyze what people do with their mouths while singing. He is carrying a water bottle with him. He says he will sing an operatic song called 'Cara Mia'. It is unrecognizable and the judges struggle with not laughing at him, then they start to sing with him. He stops and looks puzzled, and then claims he did poorly because of his dry throat - they offer him a drink (his is empty) and he walks over and drinks Paula's using her cup and straw! No ticket for Ross.

Mark Mudd, who has historical ties to a Dr. Mudd that fixed the broken leg of John Wilkes Booth. Mark says he has been in 2 horrific car wrecks and almost died 5 times. He seems like a good ol' boy. Mark chooses "White Lightening" by George Jones. It is not good at all. The judges have nothing to say. He stares at them and the silence continues. Truly bizarre. Finally, Randy tells him he is not right for this competition. On his way out - he quietly tells the judges "take care and be careful". The judges took this as a threat. Seriously.

Next we hear Brent Keith Smith who sings "Can't Get Enough" by Bad Company. Paula is grooving to his singing. I think he sounds soulful. Kara cheered him on. The judges all agree Brent should go to Hollywood.

Short montage of terrible singers. They were pretty darn funny.

Matt Giraurd is next. He is a Dueling Piano Player which means there are 2 piano players butchering songs and cracking jokes on purpose. He doesn't read music and has been playing about 4 years. He has a different sounding voice with a good tone. The judges like him and send him to get a golden ticket.

And with Matt, the Day 1 auditions wrap up. 10 singers are passed through to Hollywood - but I don't think we got to hear 1/2 of them. I can't wait for Hollywood week!

Day 2 begins with hometown girl Alexis Grace. She is a 20 year old Mom of a little girl and her fiance is in military training somewhere. Alexis has been singing since she was 2. She is a slight build and blonde. She says she will be singing "Dr. Feelgood" by Aretha Franklin and I am not sure I am expecting much. But, she has a BIG voice!! Kara loves her, Randy likes her and Paula says that Alexis has a good commercial face. She gets a resounding YES.

Aaron Williamson, age 27 has quite a bit of airtime and he is very energetic. He keeps letting loose these screams and Whoo Hoo's. Very high energy. He sings "Have you Ever Seen the Rain" by Credence Clearwater Revival. When he lets loose with the fist very loud and abrupt notes Paula almost jumps off her chair. He continues over singing and screaming the song and finally the judges join in with him. Awful. No ticket for Aaron. He seems surprised.

Rebecca Garcia who is very tall - comes and sings Carrie Underwood's 'Before He Cheats" it is pitchy and just not good. Kara begins to comments and then says "Wait - it says here that Rebecca was voted Most Humorous in high school" - she is insinuating that Rebecca has come to the AI auditions as a joke. Nothing could be more wrong and Rebecca begins to cry. She is sent packing anyhow.

The last audition of the night gets a story. She is Leneshe Young and grew up with a single Mom and siblings - they struggled through poverty and were often homeless. Leneshe walks into her audition with her head high and lots of confidence. She is dressed nicely too. She has an awesome can-do attitude. The judges asked her what she would be singing, and she chooses to sing an original song called "Natty" that she wrote. She has a really good voice. Simon says she is 'quirky and fun'. The judges all loved her song and the lyrics and praise her with compliments saying she is cute, original and brilliant. She goes to Hollywood. We all need to watch this gal!

There is also a quick snippet of 4 singers - Kris Allen, Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson and Shera Lawrence. We get just enough of a taste to not be surprised when all 4 are sent to get their golden tickets.

In all, 11,000 people auditioned in Louisville and only 19 get through to Hollywood. Next Tuesday is Jacksonville, FL and there will be some interesting folks there.