American Idle

Tonight begins what should be the most exciting round of all, the WildCard round. We’ll break each singer down when the fun begins and hopefully have for you their performances, as soon as they’re released. And there is some serious talent in this group, so watch out.

The WildCard round includes the favorites:

Von Smith - Smith just has to do what he does best and that’s sing tonight. Doing that should get him into the Top 12. After his semifinal performance I think it’s a high probability he’ll make it through.

Anoop Desai - Anoop did not impress as well as he should have in the semifinals but he will get another chance tonight. I predict Anoop will have the hit song of the night, making for an electric atmosphere and getting through to the Top 12.

Megan Joy Corkrey - The Sandy, Utah native (above photo) is unique enough that if she has a good performance tonight, she’ll have a good shot at making the Top 12.

Watch for these contestants also:

Jasmine Murray - Her vocals are good enough that if she picks the right song, her age won’t have anything to do with it. Also keep in mind that the ones already selected in the Top  12 are older and so it would make sense to put her through.

Jesse Langseth - Jonny Lang’s sister is another one who hasn’t exactly overwhelmed people, but with this second chance, she will be in a battle with Corkrey to see who makes it through. Both are the eclectic singers of the bunch.

Others who might make it through but it’s remote:

Matt Giraud - Matt is a piano player and we already have one in Scott MacIntyre. Unless, of course, Idol decides to do a dueling pianos type of thing, which would suit Giraud just fine.

Ricky Braddy - That dance is catchy, but there are already too many guys on Idol 8.

Tatiana Del Toro - I don’t know what Idol was thinking by allowing her through to the Wild Card round, but if she does make it through I may just boycott the rest of the show. And I’m not joking. I can’t believe they left out people like Jackie Tohn, Junot Joyner and Brent Keith Smith for this lady.

And finally, there may be a twist to the Top 12. Word has it there may be a 13th added. If so, is that gonna be David Osmond, who went home far too early in the estimation of many? Or will it be Norman Gentle? Interesting times await us tonight.

So Michael Castro is gone…and Norman Gentle is still here. Wow. It was probably inevitable since Michael Castro, the brother of Jason wasn’t really that great a singer compared to the bonafide ringers they have competing on Idol 8.

Thinking about the fact that Castro actually outlasted an Osmond, though, has to be something that the rooster-tailed brother of the white Bob Marley will remember.  

On what had to be one of the truly stranger nights on American Idol 8 to date, Norman Gentle (uh, Nick Mitchell in the above photo) stole the show by actually singing great even though he used his alter ago.

That said, Mr. Gentle, or Mitchell, or whatever he is this week is becoming a force of nature during Idol 8. At first I thought this guy was a joke but now he is proving me — and every other Idol follower — to be dead wrong in our assumptions. He may be the next Weird Al.

And that reminds me: assuming — as my mom always said — makes an ass out of you and me — and so Mr. Gentle will now have a place on my site from here on out.

And don’t look now, but Michael Sarver, the oil rig roughneck is carving himself a place on the Idol mantle and could be the runaway shocker of the season. The other shocker is that Casey Carlson (second from top photo) yet again survived despite singing okay. It wasn’t a shocker at all, however, that ringer Adam Lambert made it. Same with Scott McIntyre, who despite the fact he’s 99 percent blind, is also a ringer. Ditto for Joanna Pacitti.

Some surprise people who made it were Tatiana Del Toro, that raging hormonal bull from Puerto Rico who basically can’t shut up or stop doing it up for the cameras. I doubt that Del Toro ever hated a camera, but she might hate the media once her run comes to an end, which, hopefully, will be very soon. I don’t honestly know if I can take much more of her.

So…tomorrow we will have a Top 36! It’s about time. And don’t forget to sign up for my new betting pool. I know you have opinions on who you think is gonna win. Soooo…do something about it! Tell me which ringer is gonna make it all the way to the end.

David Osmond was kicked off of American Idol 8 (for now…heh) and the reason? He says he had a bad case of laryngitis on his blog.

After reading the detailed article, I do tend to agree with Osmond and that it was out of his control. Nobody would make up such an elaborate story.

Even more commendable was the manner in which he handled being told by the judges that it was the end of the line for him.

That said — and because of the unfortunate circumstances in which he was let go during Hollywood Week group stage — I do think it’s possible he’ll be the Wild Card because of his background but most importantly, his positive attitude.

Since most people start sulking the minute they learn they’re no longer on the show, Osmond has shown a lot of character dealing with his illness — as well as his laryngitis — and I think that definitely counts for something.

At any rate, even if he never makes another record he has certainly enjoyed his run on Idol 8 and seems very grateful for the opportunity. But I hope Idol gives him another chance and from the looks of it, they might.

David Osmond may have gone home prematurely but Idol just might have a few tricks up their sleeves this year with Brent Keith Smith, Jeremy Michael Sarver and Matt Breitzke. Sarver’s an oil roughneck and Breitzke is a welder, leading one to believe that all we really need is a policeman and these guys could redo “YMCA.”

Just kidding. These guys can actually sing, so even though you may be sad that Osmond is gone (maybe forever…maybe not) you can bet your bottom dollar Smith, Sarver and Breitzke will keep things entertaining. Also not out yet is Nick Mitchell, or Norman Gentle.

So even though you may have been beside yourself after Osmond, Bikini Girl and Emily Wynne-Hughes were sent home, rest assured that these three will be bringing it every night.

Sure, you may think they had a run on rednecks on Idol this year — and frankly so did I — but the truth is the dudes can sing, so give them a chance. Then we’ll decide whether these three guys can actually do some damage.

They got about 15 seconds to sing the song they picked on the stage of the Kodak Theater in Hollywood this evening, but it was enough for some of the stronger singers to get through to tomorrow night’s Group Round.

Danny Gokey (below photo) had a great audition in Kansas City and he needed just a few seconds to cement his place in the Top 104 going into tomorrow night’s Group phase. Same with Lil Rounds (above photo), who sang Whitney’s classic “I Will Always Love You” and in that short time span, still tore the roof off the theater. Man can that girl sang! Video also above.

As for David Osmond, he had better bring the noise tomorrow or else he might be going home early. It Didn’t even look like he was trying out there. If somebody can tell me what was going on I would appreciate it. I’ve been a fan of his from day one, but his rendition was weak.

And word to the wise: do not change your song before you go up and sing it. Emily Wynne-Hughes did that and if not for some sympathetic judges — and the fact she’s basically a pro — she would have been sent packing.

Other new faces making the cut on day one of H-Wood Week were Jeremy Michael Sarver, who is a roughneck from Texas and can sing like an angel. The chances of him making it past Hell Week, though, are pretty slim. This field is loaded with talent, perhaps more than before.

Another newcomer to keep an eye on is Jackie Tohn, who is a ringer but seems to have a unique voice, a la Amanda Overmyer. And then there was Nick Mitchell, or Norman Gentle. The boy can sing, but can we please get rid of the outfit?

 And Von Smith was put on notice too, so expect more from him tomorrow.

One other good note was that Rose Flack barely survived the cut, as her group was whisked away to the next round. And Anoop Desai’s solo was shorter than most, but good enough to get through. Same with Scott McIntyre.

David Osmond is fast becoming the talk of American Idol 8. But it isn’t coming without a price. The blogs are dissecting every angle, checking every fact.

But they didn’t check all their facts before printing them, according to a production assistant who worked at the Salt Lake auditions. In an exclusive to American Idle, Mike B. lines out what really happened.

He says the truth about Osmond’s audition isn’t what you may have read on Vote For The Worst.  Some highlights of the chat: Osmond was not recruited by the producers, but rather was found while the producers were looking for the “perfect story angle.” He was allowed to skip the first audition after being given a “Green Star,” however. Oh, yeah, the producers missed another potential “story angle” too, when a girl related to the 80’s music group The Jets was passed on.

Also, Mike B. says Osmond’s brother auditioned after being coerced into doing it, although he was only “there to support his brother,” Osmond’s wife auditioned but wasn’t with her husband when he auditioned (and she didn’t make the cut) and apparently, you can audition twice for the same show. Wow.

Here’s how the conversation began in an email tip:

Hi, I wanted to try to set the record straight somewhere. I am reading on so many sites about David Osmond getting perferred treatment at the auditions in Salt Lake City.

I was a Production Assistant at the Salt Lake Auditions. I live in Salt Lake, all the producers are from out of state. David Osmond stood in line to get a wristband the day before the first auditions. During the second day of Auditions where it is filmed with Ryan Seacrest the big auditorium, all contestents had to wait in long lines until they had to audition in front of one of eleven tables with two producers. They were grouped in fours and had like 10 seconds to sing.

While David was in line, NO ONE noticed him from American Idol. He stood there with his brother and a friend like every contestent there. I quickly noticed him and told my friend who was also a Production Assistant to confirm and she did. I hestiated about telling anyone. Finally I saw one of the bigger Producers walking towards me, so I stopped him and asked him, “Do you want to know if someone kinda famous is in line to audition?” He told me “certainly” I then said, “two of the sons of Alan Osmond are in line waiting to audition. He asked me “Really?” I said “Yes” he said “You are sure?” I said “Very”

He asked me to point them out, I did, I noticed that David happened to be looking my way and noticed I was pointing him out. The Producer than went to another Big Wig Producer and told him, they both came back to me and said “Which two are Osmonds?” I pointed them both out and they went straight over to the line with them and gave them Green Stars, which went they automatically went to the next round.

Their friend was not so lucky. They made him audition and he was cut at the table. Right before David and his brother got to the table the two Big Producers stood behind the table of the two assistant producers and whispered in their ears. They both look over at David Osmond. Once they Auditioned, the one producer told David, “I was a fan of your Aunts”

David looked at me and kinda shook his head while smiling. At that point I knew he wanted to just audition on his own merits, and I kinda felt bad for pointing him out at that point.

Then the producers made a big deal about and got the Cameras and Ryan Seacrest to talk to him.

Had I not pointed him out I highly doubt that they would of been recognized at that point, because their names are not known to anyone unless they make it past that table. Who is to say that those two producers at the table would of even put them through not knowing who they really were? Because so many excellent singers were cut., like do you know the group The Jets? They were a big family group with top ten hits back in the late 80’s? Their younger sister Natalia actually auditioned and at that first table she was cut. She went on her own merits. Yet, professionally Natalia has sung onstage all over and opened up for top artists.

So to all the critics who claim Idol planted David Osmond…I can honestly say they were blind at who he was at first until I pointed him out!

Please help me get the truth out!

And we started talking more. On Osmond’s brother auditioning:

Yes, he also auditioned, yet he made it clear when they gave him the “sticker” that put him automatically through that he wasn’t there to audition but was there to support his brother. I don’t know what happened to him afterwards but I do know he wasn’t really trying to audition, just kind of got pulled in at the moment.

On Osmond’s wife auditioning and the process:

Yes, Valerie, David’s wife was auditioning too. Like I said, she was seated in a different section with her friends, and she didn’t make it past the first round of auditions. Keep in mind how that first round of auditions took place:
11 tables lined up with two assistant producers seated at each table, each table is separated by black curtains. It is very loud. All those auditioning are asked by seated sections to line up and then they are grouped as 4’s and sent to a table where all 4 line up in front of the assistant producers and are told to sing for 10-15 seconds one after another. The assistant producers whisper then they make their decision if any of the four move on or exit. It’s very loud, so I couldn’t understand how they could determine if someone was really good or not.

Think Idol is paying attention to who’s already auditioned? Here’s proof:

My friend who worked with me, her husband’s cousin was auditioning. She was told she wasn’t “strong enough” by the two assistant producers table she was at, she exited. My friend then went to back to the Production room/lounge and got another wristband and ticket and went outside to meet her husband’s cousin and gave it to her so she could come back in and audition again. Lo and behold her second time in she was directed to another table (no one recognized her) and the two assistant producers she auditioned for the second time told her she was great and sent her on to the next round!

And how, pretty tell, the producers get their info if you do make it on TV:

Lastly, once the person auditioning makes it past the first round they are sent to what was called the “winners lounge” where they had an hours worth of paperwork to read and sign. One of the papers they are asked if they are related to anyone famous, have ever met or sang for anyone famous or worked for anyone famous. They also ask to list every social networking site and blog they have. They then ask if they ever had anything really interesting happen to them in their lifetime.

On the talent the producers “ignored” while playing on their Blackberrys and Mike’s final thoughts on the Osmond audition:

Anyhow, I agree, Salt Lake is a hotbed of talent, but after working 4 days as a production assistant on the Salt Lake auditions and seeing the behind the scenes auditions it is interesting how so much true talent is passed on in a matter of seconds by 22 assistant producers who are not even really in the music business but rather the reality tv business!
 
Oh, one other note, at the Salt Lake auditions day, it was the same day they had that minor earthquake in Southern California, and being that all the A.I crew was from Southern California, they became preoccuppied with watching CNN or calling home on their phones at the same time as auditions were happening.
 
Well, thanks again for hearing me out and giving you the actual truth of how David Osmond even got past the first round noticed.  I do know that they do a backstory on him because of his name and because he had the west nile virus and MS. I don’t know if it runs during the first auditions or the Hollywood auditions (which, yes he didn’t make it past Hollywood, that’s confirmed) I actually can’t wait to see how they spin it all!

Also I forgot to mention that later that day in the Production room/lounge, the producer came up to me again and stated “thanks for catching that Osmond in line, it’s the perfect story angle we were looking for here in Salt Lake”So irregardless, they needed something interesting for the Salt Lake Auditions.

Trish The Dish is back to spout off, this time about David Osmond from the Salt Lake auditions. He has literally taken over our Web site by force (and strength in hits.) But the real news is that he may have been cut in Hollywood. Even if that happens, BJ argues he’ll be back during the WildCard round, because nobody in their right mind would ever deny an Osmond from reaching their destiny, especially somebody with an amazing backstory. Right?!?

Here then is the debate starting with commentary from Trish The Dish. Welcome to our new column, Maybe/Maybe Not.

T: So David Osmond says…”The story begins, right here on American Idol” after walking through the doors with his own golden ticket. However, I do find that sort of ironic seeing as so many people already recognize the family name. American Idol made a name for itself giving opportunity to everyday people to live the American dream.

BJ: What…you mean the Osmonds haven’t been living the American dream? LOL Of course they have…if you are talking about an Osmond living off of other people in the Osmond family. Hehe Anyway, the sole reason David Osmond is as popular as he is right now…is due to his family name! Duh.

T: I hardly consider David to be an everyday American when it comes to opportunity for fame. Surely being a member of the Osmond clan could get him through a few doors, right? I’d say his family has already begun writing the story, he need only start work on the sequel. While he can sing… does he belong on (the amateur singing competition) American Idol?

BJ: Being an Osmond has already got him through a few doors. How many “amateur” singers do you know who have already performed with their family band (The Osmonds Second Generation) in Branson? He has, and he’s performed at the Sundance Film Festival so I doubt that his career is suffering. Even though there are rumors he didn’t make the Top 36 of American Idol, I still think it’s possible you might see him in the WildCard round that Idol 8 is bringing back. What do you think about that, toots?

T: I think he’s already had his chance to play his “WildCard”. It’s too bad that some people who really NEED the opportunity to get their name out in order to live their dream…may take a back seat to an Osmond. I mean… come on! Really? An Osmond needs American Idol to get a contract? I call BS!

BJ: LMAO. Wow, you’re probably right. Hehe But I still think we’ll see him in Hollywood, even after he’s been cut from the supposed “Hollywood Week.” Did Donny make some calls? Maybe. Did Archie help too? Possibly. Hey, It’s the way in which the machine grinds the gears. And you know, people love the Osmonds anyway. And that’s the way it’s always been, since the 1960’s when David’s dad Alan (above photo with son) fronted the original Osmonds. You can’t argue with history.

You’ve heard David Osmond, who led off the show with a bang. 13 singers in all were sent to Hollywood out of thousands. Here’s the highlights and lowlights from my hometown. Make ‘em proud.

Tara Mathews is a bill collector, age 21 from my hometown of Salt Lake City. She sang “Some Day I’ll Fly Away” from the Moulin Rouge soundtrack. It was, in a few words, “Oh…My…Goth.” And the judges didn’t care for it either. One funny note: she did put up a middle-finger salute. VIDEO   Rich Kagel (middle photo) was funny. So were Aleesha Turner and Katie Sullivan, in terms of their singing. So did they go to Hollywood and become stars? Not hardly. VIDEO

I’ll bet you saw Chris Kirkham! The 26-year-old telemarketer from Ogden, UT could sing. Kind of. But the notable thing about him was his friend, “Greg The Rabbit,” (top photo with Kirkham) adorned in a fuzzy pink bunny suit. LOL Among the funniest things I’ve ever seen on Idol. Check out the pic above. Uh, he didn’t make it to Hollywood. Dang. VIDEO

Frankie Jordan is a 24-year-old ringer from Hollywood. She’s also a stay-at-home mom. The Amy Winehouse lookalike sang “You Know I’m No Good” by Amy Winehouse. Heh. Wow. She’s going home. I doubt she’s all that excited.

Meghan Corkrey has some tats. She’s also a mother to a boy named “Rider.“ And she’s divorced. And she cries a lot. But she can smile, ‘cause she’s (drum roll) going to Hollywood. VIDEO

Andrew Gibson is from Kearns, UT. Not far from where I live, he dropped a lyrical BOMB on the judges. That was a soul brother. VIDEO

Who in the hell would sing a Raffi song? Well, Austin Sisneros did. And he still went to Hollywood. VIDEO

You heard about 15 seconds of Jarrett Burns, but it’s all you needed, right? The 24-year-old student from Orem, UT sang “Put Your Records On” by Corinne Bailey Rae and you’ll be seeing him in Hollywood. VIDEO

Taylor Vaifanua (bottom photo) sang a spiritual called “Joyful Joyful.” She’s in. The judges liked her, calling her tone the “best” they had heard. Yeses all around. VIDEO

Rose Flack from Rathdrum, ID lost both of her parents and lives with another family. How sad. But there is some happiness since she’s gonna be in Hollywood next week. “I Feel The Earth Move” by Carol King impressed the judges. A nice way to end the show. VIDEO

Once again…same drill as last night while we get this all perfected before Hollywood Week starts next Tuesday…Go HERE if you can’t see the video. She does an awesome job with her blog so help her out too.

See you tomorrow when we’re in New York and San Juan, Puerto Rico!

 David Osmond led the pack of singers auditioning in Salt Lake City. Not just in order, but in spirit. It has been well known that Osmond auditioned in Salt Lake; the only thing some people needed was video proof. Well, they got that tonight as Osmond sang a rather unique song, “Something Within Me” by Take Six and received lukewarm responses from the judges. They did send him to Hollywood, though, warning him to sing songs that are less contemporary. With that famous name,  Osmond will have a target on his back every week. Hope he’s ready. You know what? If he can deal with MS he can deal with what’s about to come at Hell Week starting next Tuesday.

Here’s a video of Osmond from the Sundance Film Festival last week. He’s singing “Needle And Thread.”

More Osmond mania from Salt Lake City when we get it!

Also, complete Salt Lake City wrap-up tomorrow.