Live Blogging – Auditions from New York City

The guest judge is Carol Bayer Sager, didn’t recognize her name but she’s a singer songwriter and has written such hits as: Through the Eyes of Love, Don’t Cry Out Loud and Groovy Kind of Love. She was married for 9-years to composer Burt Bacharach.

The first person (and I use that word loosely) was also on “So You Think You Can Dance”. His name is Ian Benardo. This guy is just a weirdo. A self-proclaimed superstar, dancer and singer. He has two therapists. He’s singing “Gloria” and is horrible. Are these people for real? I don’t think he gets one vote and he’ll probably blow-up. Ian ranted and raved for the next 5 minutes. I understand this kind of stuff is part of what gets ratings on the show, but I think people with attitudes like that shouldn’t even be allowed to try out.

Next up is a teenager from New Palestine, OH that is auditioning in New York City and her parents don’t know. How can you not know your daughter is in NYC. Sarah Burgess shares her story with the judges and then sings. She does a good job. Simon likes her and votes her through. Carol says she wants her dad to sit at home and see his daughter performing and see that she can do it. She’s going to call her dad now on the cellphone. She confesses to her dad and he seems to be happy for her. She gets a hug from Ryan and is super excited about going to Hollywood. I feel really badly for Sarah and her feelings of unacceptance from her dad. Her dad really needs to step up to the plate and start loving his daughter unconditionally.

Fania Tsakalakos from Athens, Greece and New Jersey. She starts to tell her story and Simon cuts her off and just wants her to start singing. She doesn’t make it pretty clearly.

Ashanti Johnson has tried out for Idol three times and has made it to Hollywood twice. She’s back again and “better than she’s ever been”. Simon thinks it was old-fashioned and cabaret. Everyone says “No”. Carol Bayer Sager tells her to go try out for Broadway. Ryan intros a little “soap opera” clip with Ashanti begging for another chance. I like the way she’s asking for criticism and things to improve herself on, but she still gets rejected. Best of luck to her.

— Commercial Break —

Amanda and Antonella are textbook definitions of prima donnas. They just come across as spoiled little rich kids. They just keep talking and are very humble…NOT! Simon says he’s sure they’re both very popular. They sing a duet together. Comes across at horrible opera. Now they sing solo. Amanda Coluccio sings “Crazy” by Patsy Cline. She’s got a good voice and strong tone, but a little too embellished for me. Amanda makes it to Hollywood.

Up next is the best friend Antonella Barba and I think she sings much better than Amanda. Paula is really getting into it and enjoying Antonella’s audition. Simon agrees and thinks she’s better than her friend. Carol says good and a great look. Simon gives her one lesson in show business and says “When someone is down on the floor, kick them.” I disagree with Simon, especially regarding your best friend, but I expect it from him. Ryan alludes that their friendship may not make it through Hollywood.

— Commercial Break —

Up next is a sound effects guy. Simon cracks up when he says he feels like he’s on a reality show where he works at a bank. Clifton Biddle starts to sing a ZZ Top song and does it really LOUDLY. The stomping on the floor in cowboy boots didn’t work to well, so they ask him to do another song and he just does a song on his harmonica. Randy liked it and compared him to John Popper of Blues Traveller.

William Van Stone Jr., not sure if it was a guy or a girl, but she kind of looked like the person that impersonates Tori Spelling on Saturday Night Live. Bill wraps up a string of bad ones.

The last contestant of Day 1 in New York City is Kia Thornton. She sings “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin. She’s not bad, but she’s not unique. She sounds like every other person that chooses a female soul song, normally sung by Aretha Franklin. Simon really likes her though. He says the song was bad, but “songs are simple, voices are hard”. Carol tells her not to over sing. Everybody likes her. 100% yes across the board, except for Randy who gives her 1000%. She walks out and falls to her knees with joy. Simon says “One problem….no emotion”. Man he can be really funny sometimes.

— Commercial Break (End of Day 1) —