Only a few short weeks ago, there were 300-plus fresh faces in front of that famous panel of judges on “American Idol,” but already the count is down to 70. And those remaining Thursday had the daunting task of reforming groups, singing songs from before they were born, and making their acts look like they were Vegas quality, and face on-the-spot eliminations, all on the way to Las Vegas! Sentimentality sailed out the window, and by the end of the night, 42 talents were tallied. Who stood the test of 50s and 60s fire?
Staged at the lovely Aria hotel, of course, home of the “Viva Elvis” show, contestants hardly had time to huddle off the bus before the hard work of hitting it off with a new group and hitting new notes. “Dedicated to the One I Love” was a challenge for country super voice, Skylar Laine, who clearly admitted to being out of her comfort zone, but she, Chase Likens and Colton Dixon came together just fine on harmonies, and still stood out, but Cari Quoyeser, who had so impressed in her Houston/Galveston audition, this time was dubbed “weak” in the range, and already had to hit the road. David Leathers, Jr. Jeremy Rosado, Ariel Sprague, and Gabi Carruba hit the stage with more smiling, high-energy than a young Michael Jackson with their own “Rockin’ Robin” and shellshocked the judges with joy! No cuts yet for them-yet. The stage was set ablaze again, as Adam Brock, Erika Van Pelt, Angie Ziedermann and Shelby Tweten took on “Great Balls O’ Fire” to rousing jubilation, and Randy Jackson teasingly tortured them until his verdict that they, too, were all through, for now. “Why Do Fools Fall in Love?” Is a tricky tune for kids too young to reckon doo-wop harmony, but Schyler Dixon, sister of Colton, Brielle von Hugel, and Molly Hunt did their best to channel sweet sounds as sassy Army girls with the song, but Molly fell short in the judges estimation. There were said farewells to other favorites, too, like Aubree Dieckmeyer and expectant father, W. T. Thomson, among others.
More like millions of eyes, including the judges’ were looking on as Reed Grimm, Eben Franckewitz, Elise Testone, and Haley Johnsen dazzled with their “The Night Has a Thousand Eyes.” Randy Jackson called it “over the top,” and was practically stupefied that such a stage show could have been crafted so quickly, but it was standing ovations all-around and all through for this foursome! Richie Law and Jermaine Jones were all the other had by the time the performances had to get done, and as much as Richie rubs people the wrong way, he and Jermaine got it together good for a baritone blast on Burt Bacharach’s “Make It Easy on Yourself,” and got during the audition, with J-Lo even honoring the low voiced cowboy with her fun imitation! Some female favorites got good news, as Halie Day, Chelsea Sorrell and Baylie Brown will keep going. Jessica Sanchez, Candice Glover, and Deandre Brackensick did a rocking version of Buddy Holly’s “It Doesn’t Matter Anymore,” getting their own standing O’s and getting safety for the time being. Caleb Johnson, Joshua Sanders, Shannon McGrane, Joshua Ledet, and Curtis Finch flew through with their Elvis “Burnin’ Love” and “Blue Suede Shoes” mix, and the judges loved the look of Clayton Farhat, Adam Lee Decker, Scott Dangerfield, and Curtis Gray in their “Jailhouse Rock” gray and white stripes, but Curtis Gray couldn’t survive the cut. Courtney Williams, Britnee Kellogg, and Jessica Phillips desperately desired to summon up the Supremes with their “Keep Me Hangin’ On,” all in hot pink, and Jessica Phillips was pained by the cut after the performance, but hopefully time will bring another open-door for her and her recovering fiancé. Lauren Gray, Matthenee Treco and Wendy Taylor made a bold choice as a mixed trio to sing “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow?” and Mathenee may have suffered the cost, as his male voice couldn’t find a way to stand out. Heejun Han at last found perfect harmony with his group mates, Phil Phillips, Jairon Jackson and Neco Star, as he and they sang ever so sweet on “I Only Have Eyes for You,” and had some sweetness for the notorious vocal coach, Peggy, too, sending her love from the stage after she scared the fear out of them through rehearsals! Creighton Fraker, Jen Hirsch, Aaron Marcellus, and Nick Boddington sealed the group performances with “Sealed with a Kiss,” and sadly, had to bid farewell to Nick.
All sense of safety was like sinking sand, as all the talents were trotted into the audition hall for the announcement that considerations of both days of group performances would be reassessed, as the numbers had to be chopped to 42. And bitter goodbyes came to Schyler Dixon, Britnee Kellogg, Angie Ziedermann, Johnny Keyser, Jairon Jackson and Candice Glover among the attrition. But there is another day for them, and more sorrow for the 40-something, as trimming to the Top 24 comes next week.
“American Idol” airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. ET on FOX.
Source: “American Idol” telecast, Feb. 16, 2012 FOX TV.