//American Idol Mini Recap – Jacksonville Auditions//

January 28, 2009 by TJ
Filed under American Idol

Last night’s episode of American Idol took the crew down to Jacksonville, Florida for some sun, but no so much fun–well, if you call making out with your new coworker (Paula and Kara) and sitting on each other’s laps (everyone!) fun, then the gang found some really fun times.

But did they find really great talent? Yes, yes they did! Only 16 talents, though.

This week’s episode had fewer bad auditions and more promising contestants. The bad auditions that did air were so obviously not serious that we don’t feel the need to mention many of them.

Also this week, we found ourselves disagreeing a lot with the judges. They seem to be looking for something new from city to city. Singers that would be praised as the best so far just barely made it to Hollywood or didn’t at all. Check out some of our favs from Jacksonville below!

Joshua Ulloa – This Justin Guarini look-a-like was quite the character. He has a pretty good voice but came off as a complete gimmick–he acted as his own one-man-band making harmonica sounds to go along with his cheesy performance of “Let’s Get It On.” Hopefully he cans this act in Hollywood.

Sharon Wilbur – Sharon totally sounds like Britney Spears if Brit were to undergo extreme vocal coaching. Score! The kicker for us: she has a cute little doggy named Sasha who just happens to look like Beyonce aka Sasha Fierce’s abandoned dog Munchie. Coincidences are cool! Sharon was Hollywood bound thanks to her likable tone.

Julissa Veloz – The 19-year-old Miss Florida Latina contestant mesmerized us with her spicy rendition of Whitney Houston’s “I Have Nothing.” Of course no one can do Whitney–not even Whitney nowadays–but she did a perfectly good job. The judges made the sassy latina work for her golden ticket. She’s go hard in Hollywood and prove them wrong, we know it!

Darin Darnell – One of the few bad auditions aired this week. Darin loved to mingle and shows a bubbly personality while doing so, but once he focused on his upcoming audition, he lost it. He didn’t pull it together in the audition room either. His face cracked as he held back the tears before putting the judges in pain with his weak voice. Get got a big fat “no” and cried more. Sad!

Naomi Sykes – The bubbly blonde looked every bit the American Idol. She began her audition by telling Randy about her friend who’s ‘randy’ for AI’s sexual chocolate. Randy loved! They brought her in to meet him and she got to watch the audition while sitting in the dawg’s lap. Hawt! Everyone got jealous and picked a lap to sit on–Paula on Simon’s, Ryan on Kara’s. Naomi compared her high note skills to Mariah Carey’s. She tested her theory by performing “Loving You” by Minnie Riperton. The note, sadly, was the best thing about her terrible voice. She cried over the bad response–even her friend looked appalled by the audition. They won’t be friends much longer.

Jasmine Murray - The 16-year-old was a judge favorite but not necessarily a Neon Limelight fav. She’d make a perfectly good replacement member for Cherish if the sister-act decides to split, but solo artist we’re not sure. The judges fawned over her commercial appeal and “very good voice.” If they say so. Her voice is fine but after they gave Julissa a hard time, their joy over Jas brought us rage.

Ann Marie Boskovich - Totally in love! The 24-year-old was sent to find her inner diva when she first stepped into the room to audition. She was told she has a great voice but hasn’t found the star quality. After taking off her jean jacket, changing shoes, and finding a roaming makeup artist (?), she entered the room prepared to sing Rihanna’s “Umbrella” or Colbie Caillat’s “Bubbly.” Simon made her choose the latter. Rats! But we forgive her. Her voice is sinfully sweet and her personality sparkles. The judges were delighted with her voice but still offered their inner star crapola. Whatevs! She got her golden ticket and we’re happy, pappy!

TK Nash - TK auditioned last year but didn’t make it. His previous experience didn’t deter him. He came prepared to knock the judge’s socks off. Inspired a bit by David Archuleta’s amazing performance from last season, he performed John Lennon’s “Imagine” and knocked it out of the park. Simon, who found it necessary to repeat he didn’t remember Hash over and over, slipped into hater nation, offering a “No” while every other judge gave an enthusiastic “Yes”.

Michael Perrelli – Immediately, we were struck with a feeling of annoyance. Ugh, is he going to be Josiah Leming part deux? We sure hope not! And for a moment, we were under Michael’s spell. He’s used to singing with his guitar, but he rocked performing Third Eye Blind’s “Jumper.” The judges weren’t as impressed as we were. Michael began to plead with them for a golden ticket. Josiah annoyance back on! We felt terrible when he wasn’t given the ticket, but that feeling left when his mother tried to give him a kiss to comfort him and he coldly muttered “Don’t touch me!” Karma…it’s real.

Tonight it’s Salt Lake City, the city where they found David Archuleta. No pressure, folks!

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