'American Idol' Recap - Auditions #5

For the penultimate American Idol audition episode, I must say I was expecting more. Besides more than a few ho-hum auditions, we also took a page out of ten-year-old Idol by showing a few cringe worthy auditions, out-of-touch auditioners and even a cranky Clay Aiken channeling Simon Cowell. But at least we have Lopez/Connick/Urban on hand who, for the most part, handle even the bad auditions with grace and kindness. Take for instance Mario Bonds, an enthusiastic blind musician, whom I actually remember from The Glee Project. Not that I watched Glee Project…ahm ahm. But I think Mario’s audition suffered from a bad audition song. He had a smooth, beautiful voice and, although it has an untrained, ragged quality, he’s sounded better than in the Idol audition room. While the judges were sympatric to him, they let him go. I doubt he would have lasted long, but if I was on the panel I’d have given him another shot.

Even though usually I just write about the top five, only seven made it through. So I’ll write about each one in order of airing.

Miranda ‘Poh’ Scott

I’m not sure Poh, sister of last season’s Shi Scott, is ready for Hollywood. In fact, I’m pretty sure she’s not. It’s not that she has a bad voice – there’s a raspy, warm, unique tone to her voice that’s very endearing – but there was enough vocal hiccups and technical issues to show that Poh just doesn’t have the experience or the mastery over her instrument to make it far in the competition.

Amelia Eisenhower

Ya gotta get a gimmick and Amelia’s gimmick is a samurai sword. Who knew? But sword aside, Amelia had a bluesy voice that seemed far beyond than her 15 years. She had pitch problems and her runs weren’t as tight as they should be, but Amelia overcame that with a great use of dynamics and an effortless storyteller quality that drew me in instantly.

Joy Dove

I’m surprised they let Joy through, to tell you the truth, although perhaps a voice like hers reads better in person. No one can argue Joy’s big personality and genuine Louisiana spirit, but her voice (yes, it was loud) was unremarkable and, well, one-note.

MacKenzie Bourg

MacKenize, who also appeared on The Voice, brought an effortless style to a medley of the judges’ hits. Between his inventive arrangement and laid-back charm, MacKenzie’s audition was almost my favorite of the night. Almost. His singing was a bit too affected and, next time, I’d love to see him be stretched vocally and emotionally. But lots of potential.

Jenna Renae

Now onto my real favorite of the night. Channeling Sara Bareilles as well as any number of female country crooners, Jenna has a pure voice and undeniable musical skills. Very strong.

Adam Lasher

Hey, I remember him! I wish they hadn’t interrupted his audition to play a soundbite because what they showed some really unique musicality and strong voice. But it’s hard to say much more with so little to go from.

Emily Brooke

I remember Emily as well who made it to Hollywood last year and now returns with a RaeLynn cover. Adorable and a natural onstage, Emily did great work improving her skills in the year since she was last on Idol. My only issue with Emily was her country warble, which felt a bit put-on and overdone. If that can get ironed out, Emily could be a real country potential.