It’s Sunday night in March so what does that mean? Three things are possible, and only three: You’re crying because your college basketball bracket busted like 7 days ago, you’re at Walmart buying more allergy pills, or you turned on your TV for American Idol. I guess there’s always another option: You live somewhere where it’s still snowing so right at this moment you’re questioning all the life choices that brought you to where you are. Move south, just admit you made mistakes. It’s fine, we’ve all been there.
But if you plopped down on the couch to yell at the American Idol judges, I was right there with you. Their decision making process baffles me sometimes. Good singers get sent home and contestants with famous parents get tickets to Hollywood. In this episode, that award goes to Lola Wilson, daughter of the Wilson Phillips singer and granddaughter of Brian Wilson. Her singing voice was fine but it’s unfortunate when the judges, who have musical careers of their own, seem to care more about keeping the peace and protecting their own image than being honest, even if it’s sometimes brutal. That’s what everyone loved about Simon Cowell. His disapproval made his approval mean so much more. Adult Lola will be a successful professional, but it won’t be as a singer.
Surprisingly, the judges sent Lola through to Hollywood and didn’t accept Mae Mae, the contestant who preceded Lola’s audition. Baffling. Besides that suspicious decision, judges made the right one for the following folks. Here are my favorites from last night…
Freddie McClendon. While I think the “tragic backstory” formula for reality shows is very, very annoying, the story Freddie McClendon shared was heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. But even if we didn’t know the reason he wrote this song, he would’ve wowed me with his voice. Truly unique this season so far.
Desmond Roberts. Wow. The range of this dude really shocked me and if his personality is as likable as it seems in his short audition, that coupled with his incredible talent will take him to the top 10. Great song choice (Benson Boone “Beautiful Things”), too, showing that it’s possible to “yell” while still singing… a note for other contestants who just seem to yell the entire time.
Mattie Pruitt. This is my favorite sound when it comes to voice quality. She is really good, but to be honest, I’m worried about her just being 15 years old. So much can change in just the years between 15 and 20. That’s why I subconsciously gravitate towards Idol singers in their upper 20s. Their voices are often much more seasoned and the lyrics they sing are more believable. For instance, does anyone believe a 15 year old can sing about heartbreak?
The Best Smile Award. Two of the best smiles I’ve ever seen on the show belong to Jamal Roberts and Drew Ryn. Beautiful and genuine. They’re both in luck, too, they have great voices to go along with those happy smiles.
-Out of the Wilderness
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