American Idol 13 Debut – Part 2

The second part of American Idol 13’s debut (January 16, 2014) began in Austin and went on to San Francisco, adding another slew of hopefuls “going to Hollywood.” There were more than a couple, though, who were pretty much told they were getting one more chance, as if it is fully anticipated they will bomb in Hollywood Week. A tiny bit insulting, or no? Speaking of no, that was part of a Harry Connick soubriquet on this installment — Dr. No.

If Harry is Dr. No, then Jennifer Lopez is most certainly Yes-Lo. We saw a lot of thumbs up coming from J-Lo, and thumbs down from Connick, leaving Keith Urban with the sway vote. Urban tends to go along with J-Lo, alternately earning shrugs or glowers from Connick.

There were a couple of cringe-worthy auditions in our eyes tonight. Nikki McKibbin from the first season of Idol came in there with her son, and even lip-synched along as 15-year old Tristan strummed his geetar and sang. They showed clips of him as a toddler kissing mama when she was on the show. Who could vote no in this scenario? Hatchet Harry, of course, but who cares? Overruled.

Twins Selena and Sierra Moreno didn’t have it that lucky. After they each took their turn singing, Connick told them they made a mistake coming in together but made it clear it’s wouldn’t stop him from doing his job — giving one of them the axe. And it’s Sierra who get’s Harry’s hatchet, as Selena weeps mightily. After they leave Connick tells J-Lo and Urban that the twinnies knew Selena is the better singer based on the way they acted as they watched each other sing.

A returnee from last year, Briana Oakley, had no trouble getting back in. Megan Miller got three yes votes, despite Connick’s concern that she might blow her voice out. We were more worried about our eardrums.

Spencer Lloyd got the triple thumbs up not so much because he was a great singer, but more for being ridiculously good-looking. Oh yes, he has definite Season Heartthrob potential.

Spectacle of the night: Some joker in red suspenders who tried to explain to Ryan Seacrest why he planned on singing badly in his audition. He entered making idiotic jokes like a bad stand-up comic. Connick thought he was on “America’s Got Talent.” By the time Suspender Man realized he was bombing and requested a chance to really sing, it was tough noogies. Connick told him “No, man, I don’t even want to hear it because you disrespected the process. There are people who wait their whole life for this.” He left affably enough, and Connick turned to J-Lo and said “How’s that for Harsh Harry? Word!”

There was one fellow named T.K. Hash who got a ticket, partially for his talent and partially for a resemblance to Barack Obama. We missed a few, but here are the names of most of the Golden Ticket winners on January 16th:

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