Excuse me, what?
Memphis: The city of mumbling. It’s not so catchy, but it certainly was true.
Iyma heyra whn youra luvyn mye, sang 16-year-old Timika Sims. Huh? I’ve heard Ashanti’s “Rock With You,” and it sounds, well, absolutely nothing like that.
But Timika wasn’t the only one with a case of the mumbles at the Memphis auditions. It seems there also were problems with Christopher Rivera and Alexis Partee. And many others who mumbled and stumbled their way into the audition room. Sheesh!
Jason “Sundance” Head
Fortunately, there were a few — 22 people made it through to Hollywood — singers who actually could sing. There was Jason “Sundance” Head — don’t get me started about that name — and Danielle McCullough, who Randy wasn’t convinced should go to Hollywood.
And, then, ladies and gentlemen, there was my favorite of the night. Are you ready? No, seriously, are you? C’mon. Get excited. I’m talking this girl was excellent.
“One of the best auditions ever, vocally,” Randy even said.
Background singer Melinda Doolittle
Yes, I’m talking about Melinda Doolittle, the girl who needs to step up from her role as a background singer and shake those nerves. Sure she’s a background singer now, but “Idol” could be her chance. And, after I did a little research, I think I discovered Melinda even has an “Idol” connection. She is listed among the background vocalists for former “Idol” finalist George Huff. Oh, George Huff. I miss that enthusiasm. So, George, if you’re out there, your girl Melinda could use a little help.
It’s not just me who liked her, either. Even Simon had some nice things to say. “You are a brilliant singer, a brilliant singer,” he said. “You are what it’s all about.”
And he is so right.
Sean Michel, prior to a much-needed “Idol” makeover.
The surprise of the night was Sean Michel, who said, “Everybody says I look like Osama Bin Laden or Jesus or Castro.”
Um, yes.
The good news? I know a hairstylist that probably would love to get his hands on your hair. And, if things go your way, he just might have a chance to give you a style makeover that would blow even the famous Clay Aiken transformation out of the water.
Next stop, New York. And since President Bush won’t be delivering the State of the Union address, we’ll be back to two-hour episodes.
January 23rd, 2007 at 9:49 pm
What is wrong with these people? How, on earth, do these people think that they can sing?
January 23rd, 2007 at 10:55 pm
That dude most definatly looks like Jesus. HAHA. God (no pun intended) do i love the people on this show.
January 24th, 2007 at 12:27 am
Still need to watch the tape of tonight’s episode so no comments yet … but, all bets are off at feeling sorry for Jonathan and Kenneth when they get their own friggin’ segment on Jimmy Kimmel ala Ross the Intern on Leno.
What people won’t do to cash in on who or what is “it” for a second in pop culture!
January 24th, 2007 at 12:59 am
I liked Danielle’s voice a lot. Randy seems to pick out random good people to decide he dislikes, just because.
My faves were Sunshine and Jesus. Or Sundance and Sean. Or whatev the heck their real names were. And yes, Melinda was amazing. Of course you did enough research to find that she sang background for George Huff. Of course you did!
January 24th, 2007 at 2:00 pm
Good luck to Sean Michel. I’m not sure if he will get to the top 40 b/c of his non-mainstream looks but I can hope.
Melinda & Sundance were good too!
January 24th, 2007 at 2:18 pm
Jason had such a deep and soulful voice but I have to give it to Castro with originality I really loved his voice and his unique flow. I think with some hair chopped off he will be looking mighty fine
January 24th, 2007 at 2:34 pm
HAHA…it seems to me that the night’s best preformer in the public eye is Jesus/Sean/Castro…which is funny as hell. I’m honestly still in disbelief.
January 24th, 2007 at 4:15 pm
[...] Memphis auditions of American Idol [...]
January 24th, 2007 at 4:55 pm
I also enjoyed Sundance’s voice. He had such a strong, soulful voice. I felt like going to church after his singing.
January 24th, 2007 at 7:46 pm
I was more impressed with Sundance than Castro, but both rocked the soulful thing.
January 27th, 2007 at 5:14 pm
Hey everyone, may not be the right place to publish this, but I am proud of the design.
I have an exclusive “Sundance Head” shirt design available on cafepress. Check it out.
January 30th, 2007 at 1:10 pm
Awwwww Reed you know that girl sounded JUST like Ashanti- ha ha!
I wonder if Ashanti was watching- HA HA!
April 9th, 2007 at 4:49 am
cool blog!
July 13th, 2008 at 8:29 pm
Great new Melinda will released her first album in fall and work on Holiday Cd you want to be update about Melinda Come join us to http://www.mdstreetteam.com A place for her fans who want to support Melinda
October 26th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Good news for you Melinda Doolittle fans! She’s set to release her debut album titled, Coming Back to You on Hi-Fi Recordings in January 09. Produced by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, Run DMC, The Jonas Brothers), Coming Back to You was recorded with a team of live musicians in Nashville and New York City.
The first single, “It’s Your Love” will be released to radio in October.
“Keep yourself updated with Melinda’s career at melindasbackups (dot) com is a web site owned by Melinda Doolittle. Melinda’s Backups™ is a non-profit supportive association inspired by Melinda and authorized by her to operate this web site on behalf of her fans.