SAVANNAH, GA:
They put Pia, James, Haley, Casey and Lauren in the opening credits.
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The first contestant -- David Leathers -- received a ticket to Hollywood.
He's the anti-Scotty. A 17-year-old black kid from North Carolina that sings pop/R&B in a high-pitched voice. He beat Scotty in a singing contest a couple of years ago. He looks like he's 12.
Next up is a sixteen-year-old tap dancer (Gabi?) who has a lovely tone. She is full of youthful energy but sings softly.
Then a bunch of faceless yeses.
Ryan: "Every single person at the start of the show has received a gold ticket...one of the best starts we've ever had."
Then they sucker punch a Jessica Whitely for comedic relief.
Randy: "Awful. No one would call that singing."
But she promises she will "see them in Texas."
Is she playing a game?
Then a 15-year-old girl named Shannon who is the daughter of a World Series pitcher. She seems an obvious "Yes" from the start as they bring in her mom, dad, siblings and friends (eight people in all) to perform in front of. I think she sang Etta James. She sang with soul.
Some more rejects and then a long feature on a young woman with at least an arm tattoo named "Amy" living with a guy in a tent (she speaks respectfully of him but says "times are tough"). Randy likes her "tone," Steven her spirit. She is only the second contestant they have shown the judges speaking about after they have left the room. Then even more coverage with her holding the golden ticket and then running off. In other words, the most pimped contestant thus far.
The next contestant is "Josh" and from the setup it seems he is comedic relief. And that assumption proves correct as soon as he begins singing. He seems to have a good tone but is a poor singer. He emerges from the audition and cries in the arms of his friends. The camera follows him as he cries into his cellphone and after he yells at the camera to quit following him. This is the cruel Idol that plays with people for ratings.
Next up is Stephanie who is fifteen and idolizes Carrie Underwood. She's built a bit like Lauren Alaina --attractive girl with just a bit too much heft. She has a good voice, though J-Lo says she sings a bit nasally. She is receptive to the feedback. Steven says "positively yes." Randy says, "No," but Jennifer says "Yes."
Skylar, 16, who auditioned with her brother, Colton Dixon, last year appears to audition. They make her bring Colton in. She auditions. Then the judges cajole Colton into auditioning. Both receive golden tickets.
Next up is sad music and a bunch of potential Idols crying over their rejection.
Then a big feature highlighting a blonde woman named Lauren who works with people who have disabilities. J-Lo feels her goose pimples as Lauren sings "Country Strong." Steven says it was "note perfect." J-Lo mentions a "growl." Randy likes it too. She seems a little rough around the edges but they show her running off with a golden ticket.
First up is a black guy with a foreign accent who is singing country music. As soon as he begins singing, it's clear he's comedic relief. Randy says, "Prove me wrong." Ryan goes out with the contestant to find people on the street who support his bid. They actually drag back an old redneck and four very young girls before the judges. They reject him again without him even singing.
Nest up is a 28-year-old black woman with dreadlocks that is "a sales associate." They give her a lot of attention...she's going to be really good or really bad...she starts off showing them her dance she does when she's exciting...it's corny...she begins singing...still seems corny...gets three "yeses."
A series of rejects are shown, then...
Then some guy from Appomattox who quit his job at a Federal prison to try out for American Idol even though his cute wife is six months pregnant. Steven said "no" but J-Lo and Randy put him through. He wasn't that good.
Next up was a woman who groped Steven Tyler but didn't receive a golden ticket.
Then a woman that was an NBA dancer (?) who received a "yes" from Steven and Randy but not J-Lo.
The final contestant to audition is a guy they have teased throughout the show as something special.
He works at his father's pawn shop. They play music from "Sanford and Son."
He's doing "Superstition " by Stevie Wonder.
He's wearing blue jeans and a plaid shirt.
He's okay but nothing special.
But Jennier says, "Wow!" and Steven, "He's over the top."
Randy encourages him to pick up his guitar and he plays something else.
He seems much more dynamic behind the guitar.
J-Lo says something about "electricity through his body" and proclaims "He's really, really special," someone "you don't see every day."
I think they said 42 singers got a ticket to Hollywood in Savannah.
