Jessica Furney - FOX
American Idol season 9 aired one last audition episode last night (February 3) before the big, dramatic Hollywood week begins next Tuesday with new judge Ellen DeGeneres finally making her debut.
The auditions weren’t set in any particular city. What the episode did was allow producers to give audiences a longer look at people they feel we might be seeing a lot of next week.
There was definitely some talent to be seen, but like most of the season so far, many weren’t nearly as good as they were being hyped up to be. Two singers, though, were more than worthy of their screen time.
20-year-old Jessica Furney returned for her shot this season after being cut in Hollywood last year. Jessica, who we absolutely adored and called “a real contender” last season, dropped her middle name (last year she went by Jessica Paige Furney), dropped a few pounds, and dropped the frumpy look in hopes of standing out more this time around. She also wisely chose Leona Lewis‘ “Footprints In The Sand,” a song co-written by Simon Cowell, to perform.
Jess is even better this year. Even Randy says she “definitely improved.” Hopefully she’ll make it past Hollywood and into the Top 24 this season.
22-year-old Hollywood native Didi Benami decided to audition in memory of her best friend Rebecca who passed away almost four years ago. Her soulful and emotional rendition of “Hey Jude” was the highlight of the night, though the judges weren’t nearly as enthusiastic as they should have been — or at least as they were for much lesser singers. She gets all yeses across the board, but Simon’s emphasizes his “yes” has a small y.
Not one of my favorites, but sure to go places this season is 16-year-old Aaron Kelly, who some are hastily calling “the next David Archuleta.” Kelly was able to give a ‘way better than the original’ version of Miley Cyrus‘ “The Climb,” but anyone with the vocal range of a grapefruit could do better than Miley. Come back to me with that comparison after Kelly tackles the depths of John Lennon masterfully.
Until next week!
Thank you guys. You have always been great to David and we love you for it. Love your blunt snarky articles. No need to sugarcoat anything when you’re right.
Why are those AI TPTB always looking for the “next David Archuleta?” After all the crap they pulled on David before, during, and after AI7 that they now want another one. There is no other David Archuleta, he is a unique person and singer. I’m just grateful David escaped AI/19′s clutches and is doing quite well without them butting into his life/career.
Aaron is really good but that’s a hard act to follow regarding David. There will never be another Archuleta with those pipes he has but good luck Aaron. I’m sure he’ll be a finalist but not an Archuleta.