SkimIt
This week American Idol visits San Antonio, Texas and Long Beach, California and finds some amazing contestants. Though this season was sold on Mariah-Nicki fights, it's proving to be the most talent-packed season in years.
American Idol hosted by Ryan Seacrest airs on FOX Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8:00 pm ET.
Everything's Bigger in Texas, Including the Voices
First up is a returning season 11 contestant Vincent Powell who has a long time crush on Mariah Carey. He sings a fiery cover of B.B. King's "Rock Me Baby". The judges enthusiastically send him on to California.
Next Derek & David Bacerott are two brothers who have an egotistical meltdown when the entire panel rejects their dreadful cover of Mario's "You Should Let Me Love You." They argue and interrupt the judges until Randy Jackson shuts them down with a curt, "If you are so talented, why haven't you made it?"
Savannah Votion, a 24-year-old, unemployed, single mother performs a stirring rendition of Etta James' "At Last" that wins raves from all four judges. Normally I bristle at the behind the scenes packages the Idol producers create for certain contestants, but I really felt for the golden-throated Savannah.
Ann Difani, a 23-year-old student and former Miss Arkansas who was nominated by her husband Jordan, gets a ticket to Hollywood with a heartfelt rendition of Faith Hill's "Stronger." I wonder, has anyone ever been nominated and had no musical talent whatsoever?
Victoria Acosta, a 20-year-old Mariachi singer who's cover of Fergie's “Big Girls Don't Cry” I actually liked -and I hate that song with a passion. The judges are on the fence until Acosta sings a little bit of Mariachi and easily secures herself a ticket to Hollywood. I really want her to win and inspire a nationwide Mariachi craze because if Dubstep deserves a shot, so does Mariachi.
Papa Peachez, an eccentric 19 year old who sings a bold but unfocused song of his own creation, divides the panel but inspires kindred spirit Nicki Minaj to convince Randy to change his vote to yes. If Peachez can harness his obvious talents, he might stick around for a while.
Sanni M’mairura, a 16 year old gives an incredibly soulful rendition of Michael Jackson's "If I Had You." Michael's songs are always hard because of his unique register but Sanni not only kills it but makes the song his own.
Finally, Adam Sanders, 19 year old does a version of Etta James' "I'd Rather Go Blind" that is so good, it brings all four judges to their feet. His stunning performance was clearly the best of the San Antonio auditions.
But the Grass is Really Greener in California
Brian Martinez, a 21-year-old bank teller does the best he can with Phil Collin's "You'll Be In My Heart" but singing just isn't his strong suit. Because Nicki and Mariah are running late, he only embarrasses himself in front of two judges and a significant portion of America.
Stephanie Sanson, a 16-year-old singer with her own band screams a profanity-laced version of Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain" that impresses with its sheer gutsiness. I always wonder what people like that think of stunts like this when they're in their thirties.
Jesaiah Baera, a 16-year-old student sings a promising rendition of Kimba's "Settle Down" that is interrupted by a fire alarm on the Queen Mary. After the emergency has been dealt with, Jesaiah finishes her smoky performance and gets a golden ticket.
Micah Johnson, a 24-year-old Marine with a speech impediment, devastates with a cover of "Chicken Fried" by The Zac Brown Band. Micah's performance would have been great under normal circumstances but given his speech impediment, it's downright incredible.
Briana Oakley, a 16 year old who was bullied severely after appearing on Maury Povich's talk show, impresses with a powerful take on Patty Griffen's "Up to the Mountain." When her entire family comes out to give her a group hug, it's a beautiful human moment.
Matheus Fernandes, a diminutive 21-year-old computer salesman with a towering voice stuns the judges with his cover of Sam Cooke's "A Change is Gonna Come." Not only did his golden ticket win bring Matheus to tears, it also got Mariah to choke up.
