The first episode in Hollywood has come and gone. It aired on Easter Sunday and while the tomb of Jesus may be empty, this episode was full…….. of entertainment. There were highs, there were lows, there were moments of cringe, and moments of holding back tears. I’ve solidified my top 4 favorites and if you disagree, you’re dead to me.
The episode opened with the platinum ticket trio singing “California Dreamin'” and while they have the luxury of sitting out of the first round (like a ‘bye’ in sports terms), they’re going to be playing catch-up when their auditions resume because some of the first rounders knocked it so far out of the park. First to audition in the Idol Arena was Triston Harper but before his song, someone thought it was a great idea to shoot clips of Triston walking in cowboy boots through thick, deep sand. 🤔 Okkkkkkkkkk. They were California dreamin’ alright. Triston is so young, he probably didn’t want to tell them how horrible of an idea that was. Those boots were made for walking but not through sand, you dummies! Triston performed an original song and he’s as country as a turnip green. I just don’t know where exactly he would fit within country music– he’s young but sings very traditionally. His target audience is anyone’s guess at this point. Just don’t make him walk in the sand again…
Emmy Russell is as sweet as a Georgia peach. I love that she’s in the season of life where she’s stepping out of her legendary grandmother’s shadow (Loretta Lynn). She will find her place in this world but I don’t think this season of American Idol is going to be part of her journey much longer.
The Middle Singers. Somewhere existing in the mid-tier talent from the episode is KBlocks, Kaibrienne, and Kayko. They each had good performances but not anything anyone will remember a few weeks from now. Kaibrienne connected with the audience in her performance, KBlocks is quirky which will help her for a little while longer until her voice can’t keep up with the competition, and Kayko is a talented musician and singer but just a little bland.
The Bottom Singers. All of America who thought Camila Galavis and Madaí ChaKell were already outmatched were 100% right. Even “American Idol” thought so, since they haven’t even posted either contestant’s Hollywood audition. One piece of advice to Madaí: never, ever, ever throw the band under the bus. It will not work in your favor. In reaction to her audition, Luke said something to the affect of this: Maybe next year, instead of American Idol they can have American Humble. Boom, roasted. Madaí was incredibly entitled and arrogant. Gross.
Cream of the Crop. I thought these four singers were head and shoulders above the rest. They’re easily my top 4 and I really, really hope they all make it to the live shows. Jennifer Jeffries (who I’ve liked from her first audition) is unlike anyone else in the competition. A voice that’s immediately recognizable and a talented writer, too.
I can’t say enough how much I like Jack Blocker. It seems as though his facial expressions might divide people between loving him or not, but my goodness he can sing. I hope the judges aren’t party poopers. He absolutely needs to get to the top 24 so America can vote for him. His rendition of “Your Cheatin’ Heart” was very special.
And then there’s Ziggy. We’re living in weird times when just being gay is so refreshing. Actually, I don’t even know if Ziggy is gay but that’s kind of the point of what I’m saying. His sexuality isn’t forefront. With American culture lifting up trans this, trans that, non-binary, gender fluid, asexual, pansexual, one day she’s a he, another day he’s a them… it’s all so exhausting. But Ziggy, whatever his preferences are, comes across as such a nice and humble person. So besides his love life not being front and center, he can sing as good as any man or woman on the show. In a way, his style reminds me of Prince, and that’s never a bad thing. Cotton Candy to the moon!
What is there to say about Mckenna Faith Breinholt? She has such a seasoned voice, as if she’s been performing for 40 years. Her attention-grabbing low note in this performance stopped me in my tracks. I have no doubt the judges will include her in the top 24 so be ready to vote her to the top, America.
-Out of the Wilderness
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Out of the Wilderness 