Well, not the very end of the road…just the end of audition road.
But with a big nightmustcome big talent, right?
And at the end of tonights recap, well look at who made the most of audition week.
Credit: Craig Blankenhorn/Fox
Can you imagine being that dedicated to anything?
Then again, Im in sweatpants on my couch and hes on TV, so theres that.
It was growly and yelly but also dramatic and in tune.
The judges put him through to Hollywood, and the impressions worked out to his advantage.
The gimmicks continue withGina Naomi Baezand Tinkerbell.
Tinkerbell is just a puppy, but Gina is ready for audition time.
She sings it too aggressively, which is a shame because shes not an awful singer.
I can judge from my couch all day long, but if someone starts crying, Im devastated.
Thats why its exciting to meet Melany.
NEXT: Bring Your Family to Audition Day!
He even does shots of honey, just like Kelly!
So Harry and Keith move the Kelly Clarkson panel right next toJustin Sullivan, 23, for his audition.
Of course, he chooses Stronger (What Doesnt Kill You).
And the judges point that out.
Hes way gracious about his rejection, but hell have to meet Kelly another way.
But in Justins stead isChynna Sherrod, who chooses Ariana Grandes One Last Time.
Its laid back and fun and a tad quiet, but the judges love it.
Chynna gets a pass to Hollywood, and shes super gracious and personable.
Next up, we haveLillian Glantonfrom Alabama.
Shes doing an original song because shes a singer/songwriter.
Keith calls her authentic and loves her voice.
Harry shoots the poor girl down, though, and its down to Jennifer.
Lillian wants it so bad, and Im screaming, YALL!
at my television because I have completely rediscovered my Tennessee roots just watching her perform.
But Jenny from the block comes through, and Lillian locks in a ticket to Hollywood.
He reflects back on his time doing drugs and how hes grown from that.
Hes been sober for a year, and Ineedhim to nail this audition.
He chooses Brother by Needtobreathe.
He has a raspy voice and makes the strangest faces when he sings.
From an objective standpoint, I dont think hes the strongest contender, but his voice is decent.
But with a yes from Harry, hes off to Hollywood.
Oh, Kacye, just shoot for the moon, child.
After Kacye isZach Person, an 18-year-old full-time musician.
He chooses Next Door Neighbor Blues by Gary Clark Jr.
The judges arent overwhelmed by what he did, but they feel confident in his ability.
The best thing he has going for him is that he does his own thing.
I think that Zach is someone worth watching out for.
And then theresColette Lush, a nanny from California.
Shes a powerful redhead and tells the judges how redheads are going to be extinct by 2030.
YIKES: SOMEONE TELL JESSICA CHASTAIN.
She chooses Whos Lovin You, and wow.
Its controlled but organic.
Jennifer compares her to Carrie Underwood, which…is a bold comparison, but Idothink shes good people.
Zach and Colette both make it to the next round.
NEXT: The final audition
My new career aspiration is background acting.
What is background acting, you ask?
Oh, just askUsen Isong, who does it full time.
But Usen wants to move out of the shadows and into the spotlight.
He has chosen Im Not the Only One by Sam Smith.
Hes a pretty fun singer, though I have to wonder if hes a firecracker.
Big pops and fun in the beginning, but nothing to back it up.
Regardless, he makes it to Hollywood with three yeses.
Jaci Butler, 19, rolls in next from Texas.
She has green hair and her entire band lives in her parents house.
How fun does that sound?
Yeah, not fun at all.
Shes adorable and fun, though, leather Spanx and all.
She chooses It Will Rain by Bruno Mars.
She has a rocker essence but lacks the grit of that typical rock voice.
Regardless, she holds her own for most of the performance.
Dreamscancome true.Quick shoutout to the producer responsible for running more tickets to the audition room for hopefuls.
Its slower and more deliberate than weve heard from the other versions this season.
But shell have a second chance because shes going to Hollywood.
But audition day is drawing down, andManny Torressqueaks in just in time from Puerto Rico.
Hes flirty and attractive and singing Maroon 5s This Love.
You forgot that song existed, didnt you?
Fortunately, Manny does it some serious justice.
He doesnt feel like someone my cousin found on YouTube.
He takes the final ticket and makes his way to Hollywood.
And like all good things,Idolauditions have officially come to an end.
But the final moments show the lights turning off on the audition room.
The auditions may be over, but the competition?
The competition has just begun.
And then three honorable mentions because I havetoo manyfeelings.
Even though her mom coming in from overseas could have appeared as a gimmick, Tristan didnt need it.
Its hard to improve on excellence.
I dont want to say that she willwinthat final two, but I wouldnt mind if she did.
LaPorsha Renae, Creep
LaPorsha is too talented for this world.
I will dramatically cry when shes eliminated because it just wasnt right.
Theres also a solid 50-50 that Ill spill wine/Diet Coke/sadness in my carpet when it happens.
Trent was one of the most surprising auditions of the contest so far.
Plus, that boy is just an adorable country charmer.
Hes someone who you want to root for.
House of the Rising Sun is WAY ambitious, but she also made it her own.
I dont see Tristan and Gianna being mutually exclusive.
Gianna is a bit less reserved.
She will be a powerhouse this season.
But the parts that were are some of the best notes we heard throughout the audition round.
Lee Jeans opening notes to Ed Sheerans I See Fire were haunting and authentic.
And of the quirky kids, Lee Jean is heads above the rest.
He has an exceptionally unique style, and his voice and technique could lead to a very prosperous career.
Shes a comeback kid, and shes improved.
Her voice is different but still mainstream enough to power through for a final country-music victory.
So who do you think the winner is?
Am I leaving out someone who is clearly the finalAmerican Idol?
Tell us who youre rooting for, and in the meantime, well see you next week in Hollywood.
Dont forget your golden ticket.
