After the first round in Hollywood crushed the dreams of 82 American Idol hopefuls, we have gone from 190 contestants to 108. I can begin this review with this disclaimer: I am only able to continue writing, because I am still completely unaware of the fate of one Adam Lasher. I don’t know if I upset the Idol producer gods in a previous life, but for some reason I am being left in the dark on his status in the competition. I can’t even crack this case using my Veronica Mars like sleuthing skills searching for clues on social media. I need answers.
The contestants are given only 12 hours to form a group and then find, and then perfect, a song for the group performances. For some this is a cake walk, and for others, it’s as drama filled as an early season episode of Dawson’s Creek.
TEAM BLUE EYES- Our first group up consists of Kory Wheeler, Jenna Renae, Kelsie Watts and man-bun pastor, Jordan Sasser. (For now I have decided to drop the ages and hometowns of each contestant, because each has most likely been introduced in a previous review. Also, I think I just got a little lazy.) The Eyes of Blue perform a Bruno Mars number, and it’s overall praise from the judges. Our first group finds all four of its members sailing through to the next round.
MILK & COOKIES- This group wins bonus points from me for such a random name. Jenn “Drew Barrymore” Blosil, Bri Ray, Lynnzee Fraye and Sara Sturm give some serious girl power to a boy band anthem, One Direction’s “Drag Me Down.” J.Lo thinks it “wasn’t perfect” but loves it just the same. It’s a sweet treat served with heart, and we’ll get a second serving from these ladies as all four make the cut.
Random Idol Fact: Jennifer Lopez likes gluten-free chocolate. A lot.
OOH X 2- Tristan McIntosh is the stand-out performance in her group, but they all earn a spot in the next round. OOH! OOH!! (That was my ooh… times two. I’m good at math.)
As Teriran (no last name needed here), the 19 year old from Memphis, is performing, we catch a glimpse of Jennifer Lopez saying to Harry “I’m gonna miss Idol.” It’s a sweet moment that comes across with sincerity and appears to be truly heartfelt. These last two seasons of American Idol seem to have focused more on the heart of it all, and I think I am gonna miss Idol, too.
JUST TRENT- Trent Harmon has returned, still toting his toxic case of mono. Advised from his doctor back home, Trent is not allowed to audition with anyone in a group setting. (Hence his genius “group” name.) He delivers his solo in what feels like an uncomfortable performance to me, but the judges feel completely different. He gets nothing but praise from them, and is easily sent through to the next round.
SINGING OUT LOUD- Micelle Marie, Ashley Lusk and Lindsey Carrier are joined late in the night by Shelbie Z, who abandoned her original group. (I just want her to abandon that dang ‘Z’ in her name.) Lindsey straps on her best pair of bossy boots and tries to take charge, but ultimately pays the price: she is the only one not to make the cut.
CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP vs. ENVY- Anatalia Villaranda triggers a battle of the bands, American Idol style. After ‘Poh’ is seen ditching her group, Chicken Noodle Soup, to quit the competition (“She can’t do this.” Her dad says), Dalton Rapattoni and Kassy Levels are left one member shy to even perform. Anatalia, butting heads with the other members of Envy, Sonika Vaid, Stephany Negrete and Andrew Nazarbekian, jumps that ship and sails over to the Soup. It turns out to be a wise choice for all involved as both groups emerge as winners for this round.
TRICK OR TREAT TRIBE- Marcio Donaldson, Jon Klaasen, Kyle Thomasson and Kacye Haynes bring the “Uptown Funk” to their group performance, and will be funking us up for at least one more round.
SMOOTH SOUL- Joy Dove and Lindita deliver performances worthy of another shot, but it’s curtains for Daniel Farmer, as his Idol journey comes to an end.
THE GOOD VIBES- Talk about a group not living up to their name. With a completely underwhelming performance, Joe Dahman, Alesana Tolai, Olivia Thai and Jessica Paige leave Harry saying “you look like your dog just died.” Jessica is the lone survivor of her group, as the vibes are anything but good for the other three.
Thomas Stringfellow, 17, an early favorite of mine, makes it through, amidst the showcasing of a bunch of randoms. (aka, contestants not on my radar)
REBIRTH- Originally a group of four, Rebirth lost La’Porsha Renae when she noticed another group needed one more person to make a group of three (the required minimum number to audition). Sacrificing herself in her original group, the remaining three left behind, Manny Torres, Malie Delgado and Christian Eason, rename themselves and fine tune what they have. It’s a solid win, as the judges feel it’s one of the best performances of the day.
THE SISTAS- La’Porsha joins forces with Tonie Starr and Marlena Johnson, and despite some lost lyrics, the sisters, err, sistas, shine through. La’Porsha’s daring move appears to have paid off for both groups.
Next week, the search for Adam Lasher continues.
[Photo credit: Michael Becker/FOX]
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