//American Idol Mini Recap – New York City And San Juan, Puerto Rico Auditions//

The audition episodes came to an end Thursday night on American Idol, but not before we were treated to an hour jam packed with auditions from two hot cities: New York City and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

The trek into the Caribbean waters didn’t really seem to be worth it–Simon, Paula, Kara and Randy only managed to pass out 9 tickets to Hollywood.

New York City faired a bit better. In all 26 people from the city that never sleeps got their golden ticket to participate in what Ryan continues to plug as the most dramatic and intense Hollywood week ever.

We can hardly wait for next week, but before we get there, let’s take a look at the final batch of noteworthy contestants from the double-city episode:

Melinda Camille – Melinda (photoed above) is on a mission to uplift humanity with her cheerful voice and nude dancing. Apparently, dancing naked in front of her mirror makes her feel free. It made Simon and Randy feel a completely different way when she said she’d feel like being naked in her audition if all of the judges were too. *Gags!* The free-spirit got the golden ticket for having a voice that matched her sweet disposition.

Jackie Tohn – The 27-year-old female rocker knows how to do nothing but entertain. She thought she’d entertain the judges with a rocked out version of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours.” The judges no likey! Thank goodness she was given a second chance to show what her voice is really like. She has a great, husky tone that was lost in all the garble and bad dancing of her first attempt. Total redemption!

Joel Contreras – TRUE LOVE! Normally we reserve our true love title to our favorite voice of the night but this guy and his bad voice totally deserves it. Joel came in as the human iPod aka guy-pod. So clever! He and his wicked emo hair sounded a hot mess, but it didn’t matter. When that gimmick failed, he pulled out a lion hand puppet. Simon wanted to know the purpose of the puppet. Joel brighten our lives as he lifted the puppet up and began singing “Circle of Life.” We need to marry him. He got four no’s and celebrated by putting on a Superman suit and jumping into the pool. Epic!

Nick Mitchell – Nick aka Norman Gentle was another funny guy, but he actually has a decent voice. Under any other circumstance, he would have found himself packing up empty handed but his witty back and forth with Simon thoroughly entertained everyone. Paula and Kara needed to see him again, so Randy gave in to their begging and gave ol Gentle the green lite for more Simon bashing in Hollywood. Spicy!

Monique Garcia Torres – The sweet, chubby faced 16-year-old feared her cuteness might not make us sick enough so she brought along her all-too-adorable 9-year-old brother Christopher. Little Chris had a ton of confidence, but his sis could use a jolt of it. She started her audition with a meek version of “Can’t Hurry Love,” before attempting a weepier version of Christina Aguilera’s power ballad “I Turn To You.” The judges were split down the middle, but Simon gave her the winning “yes,” but not before beating her over the head with his “old fashioned” speech.

Alexis Cohen – Who could forget the feisty female rocker who auditioned last season. She was turned away for not being good enough for the competition. She famously went off in the confessional shouting obscenities while flipping the bird. “Take it, take it, take it!” The rage was gone. Alexis came in a much nicer person, but unfortunately, her talent didn’t get better. She was actually loads worse than last year. The judges agreed and made sure she knew how they felt. At first she took the news well, saying “thank you.” But then the old Alexis came back as she flipped Simon two hawt birds before leaving. We guess she’ll still have her chance to go for “actressing.”

Patricia Lewis Roman- The final audition in San Juan, Patricia came with a parade of family members. She began her audition singing Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody.” She could definitely learn to control her voice a bit better, but it was a pretty good rendition. Very Jazmine Sullivan-like. The judges nearly ripped her a new one! She was allowed to pick another song to impress them with. She chose to sing something in Spanish, but they still weren’t overjoyed. Paula actually flat-out said no! But the other judges were in a good mood and let Patricia have a third chance in Hollywood.

Next Tuesday, February 3, Hollywood week starts!!! Until then!

Tweet This Buzz This Delicious Digg This Facebook Reddit Stumble This