February 12, 2008
The cream of the crop
David Archuletta (the 16-year-old who had a voice problem younger in life): David stood out as the judges favorite, by far. He's got a solid voice and just the right amount of confidence. I fear he could get a little boring as the auditions progress. He seems to favor the slower ballads.
Syesha Mercado. Syesha had some sort of weird laryngitis thing going on for most of the audition process. She didn't make it through the first round and somehow eked it out during the a capella round. Syesha was the first competitor to give me chills tonight. She showed the judges exactly how much she wants this thing by saving her voice all day and then belting out a spine-tingling version of "Chain of Fools." A---kicking!
Michael Johns, the Australian rocker guy. His voice is a mix between Eddie Vedder and Gavin Rossdale. Solid performance, great looks. He'll go a ways, but I don't know how far.
Carly Smithson. Another chills-inducer. Anyone who can sing Heart like that (aside from Heart) has my vote. She nailed it. And the judges totally agreed.
Asia'H Epperson. I kept looking for her all night. Asia'H's father passed away only days before her initial audition in Atlanta. Her courage during that audition was heroic. And the passion in her voice coupled with the talent got her a unanimous yes from the judges. And Asia'H didn't fail to impress in Hollywood. She's a contender.
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