Garnet Greene

Before Idol begins I have this feeling – I don’t want it to start – because right now, no one’s dreams have been crushed by Simon, or wilted by their exposure to public scrutiny. Right now everyone can be the next American Idol. It’s a nice feeling. I also have a bit of dread. Will Adam Lambert’s success bring in Lambert wannabees? He’s so singular, so unique, I’m afraid his clones will be tragic. If you’re going to play the glam card and the Goth card, and be outrageous, you better be able to back it up with a Lambert-quality vocal.

Boston has an amazing folk and singer-songwriter scene – but will those people show up for American Idol auditions? Night one’s special judge is Victoria Beckham – at least she is a former singer – better than some.

It’s raining in Boston and the hopefuls are ready to sing…

…and the Beantowner’s Through to Hollywood that were featured on the show are:

Maddie Curtis – Performs Hallelujah – a surprising song choice for a sixteen-year old. It was delivered with feeling. She has a unique voice with a full rich tone.

Jennifer Hirsh – Ding Dong the Witch is Dead? This is the sort of person they put through because they have a good voice – but her look, her song choice, etc. hold out little hope of success in the long run.

Claire Fuller – A very short clip of her – seemed so-so to me, but appearance-wise she’s definitely Simon’s type (a wispy brunette).

Jess Wolfe – another short clip – beautiful voice that she has a lot of control over. No evidence of nerves.

Amadeo DeRocco – Simon’s favorite of the day; great personality, good voice, big voice; I can’t imagine him winning though.

Luke Shaffer – Sweet controlled voice, a bit of the “x” factor.

Benjamin Bright – Gentle, soothing voice –zero “throw-down.”

Ashley Rodriguez – great voice, controlled, trained, good look – one to watch.

Tyler Grady – Somewhere between Jim Morrison and Animal from the Muppets. He’s got a good voice, a strange sex appeal, and personality. However, can he sing a disco song with conviction?

Round Two:

Mike Davis – Nice guy, ok voice. Eh.

Katie Stevens – Lovely voice, natural untrained talent, very young. I hope she can keep it together throughout the process like Jordan Sparks.

Joshua Blaylock – Through because he’s nice: well it worked for a certain recent winner.

Justin Williams – Good voice, obviously handsome, I really don’t like his song styling though. We’ll see.

Bosa Mora – Sincere heartfelt performance. Is he versatile, able to stand the heat of Hollywood week?

Leah Laurenti – The biggest and best voice of the day. Reminds me of the lead on Glee. Can this sheltered girl stand in the spotlight?

I think the biggest surprise of the day was how kind Victoria Beckham is. She must hate the paparazzi. She’s nearly always photographed scowling. I thought she would give Simon a run for his money. Nope. She was polite, soft-spoken and encouraging.

I didn’t really miss Paula Abdul, primarily because I didn’t miss her bickering with Simon Cowell. It will be interesting to see how Simon’s planned exit from the show affects him this year. Will he be meaner – because he just doesn’t care at all anymore, or nicer – because he wants people to watch his show next year. Stay tuned…