American Idol’s “Hollywood Week” is upon us once more! And not a moment too soon because I just can’t wait to get to the good part – you know, when the “Idol hopefuls” congregate under a “microscopic, microwave-like” condition on top of a humongous stage while getting ready to “sing their little hearts out like their lives depended on it” (well, their future singing careers certainly depended on it) in an attempt to oust the next guy or gal standing next to him/her. Not a good place to be, I think. It’s like getting ready for a firing squad to rein bullets on them after they’ve belted out somebody’s hit song which probably had been sung one time too many in as many possible ways as it could be performed without sounding like a broken record.

Do I sound a teensy-weensy cynical here? Me thinks not! That’s the way it usually goes – season-after-season, year-in-year-out!! But I never tire of hearing the judges’ onslaught of words when they deliver the blow on the unfortunate, less-talented (ie in comparison with their singing compatriots) contestants. That’s when they break out into fits of tears or rants for the more “dramatic” ones while others walk away with a “bewildered” look on their faces like they’re mouthing the words “I am the next American Idol, how could they do this to me? Huh, huh??” or for the more sensible ones, a look of acceptance. After all, when you are placed among so many talented, potential, raw talent, reality check hits you in the face: You’re not as good as you think!!

But for those who managed to breeze through this round, the explicit joy and relief can certainly be seen 7 continents away (well, with a little help from technology called a “television set”, lol!!).

Anyway, though the night is still young as far as the progress of this reality show is concerned, it’s beginning to pick up momentum as one by one, the viewers’ favourites are filtered out. Is yours being rudely yanked off stage? Or do you still have the opportunity to hear his/her God-given voice? Well, “yours truly” will happily reveal that most of her 2nd level favourites will still be around to proceed to the Group Round.

In my 2 earlier posts, I had mentioned my 2 favorites in both gender: Paris Tassin and James Durbin. I am happy to report that they made it through. It’s only appropriate that I insert videoclips to recap the songs they sang that fateful day or was it night?

Paris’ voice was all-powerful when she sang her little heart out during her rendition of Celine Dion’s major hit song “My Heart Will Go On” from the movie “Titanic”. Again, there’s nothing like a tear-jerking moment to get those tears moving (mine ie). I’m just a hopeless romantic. So, I guess I’ll be rooting for her all the way to the bank. Whoops! I meant Finals. Yup! You can count on that!

James Durbin’s version of The Beatles’ “Oh Darling” was such a darling-of-a-delivery
as far as this writer goes. Yes, another winner, I say! Amen to that!

Now, my so-called 2nd level favorites in no particular order who managed to sail through:

15-year old Lauren Alaina with Simon Cowell’s favorite song from the movie “Ghost” entitled “Unchained Melody” – especially poignant to me because memories of “Patrick Swayze” and his early passing came flooding back. So, more tears from “yours truly”. I know, I’m a real “cry-baby”. So, sue me…

Thia Megia, the 15-year-old who had participated in another reality show “America’s Got Talent”. I certainly would like to see and hear more of her and this time, let’s hope that she makes her way further than what she did in the other competition.

Hollie Cavanagh, the 17-year-old “bundle of nerves and shakes” was unexpectedly calm and composed when her opportunity came to exhibit her extremely unique voice and Thank God, she made it through.

Chelsee Oaks and Rob Bolin, the “ex’es” both equally deserved to sail through to the group challenge. I for one remembered them in the audition as being good. But after this 2nd round, I felt that they’re a few notches higher than “good”, especially Rob. Their relationship aside, I hope the pressure doesn’t get to him. It would be nice for a change to just “hear” a good talent instead of “ogling” at the “just average type of singer with the good looks”. Yes, life is not fair… sometimes… to the not so “beautiful”, yes??

This next batch are not exactly in my “favorites” list. However, they deserve a mention in my post because of their respective uniqueness:

Jacee Badeaux, the 15-year-old “little boy with the big voice”, Scotty McCreery, the 16-year-old “country-twang” teen with an unusually low adult voice, Stefano Langone with the “Movie-Star looks” quote/unquote J. Lo and Chris Medina who sings from his heart – they all made it.

Last thing to note: My only regret is that Nick Fink of the Nick Fink-Jacqueline Dunford “love duo” did not make it. I personally think he’s so cute and adorable and would probably attract the female fan base. But unfortunately, the cut was justifiable because the song he delivered was not even worth mentioning in my post. If I had not witnessed his “50-oldies” voice during the earlier round at the auditions, I would not have been so disappointed.

Perhaps, a miracle in the form of a call-back due to “judges suffering from a temporary lapse of insanity” when they passed sentence on him might happen and we’ll be told that he’ll be back in the Group Round. Yes, wishful thinking on my part!! I’ll bet he’s now thinking that he was a tad over-confident during “Hollywood Week”. What a pity… what a waste… Would have been fun writing about him in the following weeks if he had stuck around. Sigh!! Well, looks like “Juliet” would have to go on without her “Romeo”.