American Idol Recap: Shelby Tweten, Jairon Jackson Stand Out During Aspen Auditions

Shelby Tweten

Aspen, Colorado. So many scenic treasures to behold. So many undiscovered talents ripe for the picking. Or at least that’s what Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, and Steven Tyler hoped when they descended upon the city in the mountains in search of the next American Idol on last night’s fourth auditions episode of season 11.

Our complaining is probably getting really old, but we still haven’t seen a contestant that truly blows us away and makes us think “this could be the American Idol.” It just hasn’t happened yet. But last night’s eppy gave us at least a couple more people to like out of the bunch the judges gave golden tickets to in Aspen.

Here’s a quick rundown of the few that stood out:

Jenni Schick – 24: Oh holy Schick, this chick is annoying. Seriously, her voice wasn’t really up to par, but we really enjoyed the puns Steven made with her name. That’s the only thing that made her stand out for us, really. But the judges liked her (probably more because of her mini skirt). Hollywood.

Curtis Gray – 28: We were kinda digging this dude. He has a pure, soulful voice with a bit of an edge. We can see him taking on R&B and rock theme nights quite well. He’s got versatility. “Very nicely done,” Randy said. And that was the start of Curtis’ three yeses.

Richie Law – 19: He was shown in a Hollywood hot streak montage. But we have to point him out. If he isn’t the biggest Scotty McCreery wannabe! Ugh!

Devan Jones – 26: Another from the montage. We’re pointing him out because he has a freakin’ fantastic voice. Like silky butter. And anyone who sings a song by The Script gets points from us. Hello! Love them! Love Devan. We can’t wait to see more.

Haley Smith – 18: Haley’s just a lovable woodland hippie with a voice with brings back memories of other great jazz-tinged voices by contestants from previous Idol seasons, like Megan Joy and Didi Benami. But as you may remember, both of those singers soared during the auditions but fizzled — badly — during the competition. We expect Haley to do the same. The judges were thrilled, for now, though. Hollywood!

Shelby Tweten – 17: SOB STORY ALERT! Adorable Shelby has a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and sings because it’s the only thing that helped her during her downer days. She’s also out to prove that this disorder doesn’t run her life. With her moving rendition of Carrie Underwood’s tear-jerking ballad “Temporary Home,” and three enthusiastic yeses to sending her to Hollywood, Shelby is on her way to saying “IN YOUR FACE” to her illness.

Jairon Jackson – 19: Another contestant who dared to sing an original song. This can’t be good…or so we thought! DUN DUN DUN! Jairon’s got a wicked R&B pen game, and an even wickeder (it’s a word) smooth soul voice. Get this guy a makeover and Ne-Yo better prepare to watch his back! “That kid is a real artist,” Jennifer said. “That kid is the real deal,” Randy added. Three yeses.

Angie Zeiderman – 25: Here’s the thing that pisses us off: folks think that they can love crazy outfits and wild make up and this makes them an artist like Lady Gaga. Like…no. Strip away all of the excess and Gaga can still rock any effing stage, any time of the effing day. OK!? Angie is no freakin’ Lady Gaga, no matter how hard she tries. Was it fun watching her roll around the stage saying she’s going to show the boys her birthday suit? Sure. But does she belong in Hollywood on this show? Hell no. After a second song, not of the showtunes variety, Randy changed his mind and Angie ended up with three yeses. This chick can’t get cut soon enough.