The judges took a turn in New Orleans for American Idol Season 14 Episode 6 to see if Harry Connick Jr’s hometown would produce any(more) talent.
At least a few people left the auditions with golden tickets to Hollywood, but is the next American Idol among them? We’ll see as the season progresses. For now let’s just recap the night and then move on to Backstrom Season 1 Episode 1!
Harry Connick Jr. has a huge personality, but if it’s possible he comes alive even more when he talks about his hometown. It’s pretty sweet to watch. Maybe not as sweet as a Cafe du Monde beignet, but sweet.
Drew Pleasance (it’s French) says his family grew up with Harry’s. Drew’s second cousin actually used to babysit him. This guy might have a bigger personality than Harry. He definitely doesn’t have Harry’s talent.
If this is how New Orleans is going to go, it’s not going to be good.
Yeah. It’s not good.
"What the hell is going on in here," Harry asks.
"Nothing," Keith deadpans.
After a two minute terrible audition montage, Angelica "Jelly" Joseph walks into the room. She’s a singer on Bourbon Street. I dislike her arrangement of Adele’s "Rolling In the Deep," but she definitely has a great tone and a solid voice.
Tiffany Stringer gives new meaning to the word "peppy." She sings Cher Lloyd’s "Want U Back" but she sounds like she’s trying to imitate Cher Lloyd. She also never takes a single breath in the entire thing. Harry says she’s not a strong enough singer and gives her a no. Keith gives her a yes and so does Jennifer, telling her to work on the vocals.
Greyson Turner is a 15 year old boy from South Carolina who plays in a band with his girlfriend. He hopes to play for big crowds and stadiums someday instead of little restaurants in his hometown. He opts to play an original number titled "Chasing Shadows." Jennifer calls him intense and passionate. Harry and Keith love his voice. He gets a golden ticket.
Sarah Quintana actually manages to convince Harry to play for her audition as she sings "St. James Infirmary." Then he tells her she’s lovely, she has an infectious and joyous spirit, but he’s not sure Idol’s right for her.
"I appreciate your honesty, but I still want to go to LA."
Harry and Jennifer give her no votes and Keith gives her a yes. They just sent home a really great talent.
New Orleans native Quentin Alexander grew up in the Ninth Ward. He adds a little flair to Lorde’s "Royals" and really wins me over. Harry says he clearly takes risks, but he can push further. Jennifer wants him to play more with his voice. Keith just wants to see him lose himself in his performance. He’s going to Hollywood.
Mikey Duran went to Jesuit High School, just like Harry Connick Jr. He also chooses to audition with an original number called "My Demise" and tells the judges he wants them to grieve with him. Jennifer is totally mesmerized and Keith can barely contain himself. He’s going to Hollywood.
Nalani Quintello auditioned last year and this year she’s back to finish what she started. Tori Martin doesn’t think there are many female country vocalists on the radio and she wants to be one of them. Hope Windle has a great voice but doesn’t convey much emotion in her performance.
Keith and Jennifer send Hope to Hollywood. Tori and Nalani will be joining her.
Ricky Hendricks is 17 years old and from West Monroe, Louisiana. He’s nervous to audition in front of Keith and Harry, but really rocks "The Thunder Rolls." He’s having so much fun it makes me smile. Keith says he has so much natural talent it’s kind of flying all around. Jennifer likes the way he used his body and smiled and felt his song. Harry says he’s a young man who sounds like a young man and only time and experience in an arena can remedy that. They’re sticking him in that arena.
Dakota Suarez is a drag queen from Texas. This kid is bigger than Texas. He chooses "The Dog Days Are Over" and they cut him off just before he gets to the chorus. Harry says he doesn’t know if Dakota’s voice is as good as it needs to be for Idol. Jennifer loves him. It’s a yes from her. When it’s Keith’s turn, Dakota starts rambling about how hard he’ll work and Keith shuts that down say "effort is a done deal in this business." Dakota gets a yes.
Adam Lasher is bringing some serious familial talent to the audition room. He’s Carlos Santana’s nephew. He’s really, really great! I can’t stop smiling while he plays. They give him–and his broken thumb–a golden ticket.
Erika Washington, a single mom from Mobile, Alabama, closes the night with "Halo." She is going to be one to watch. I’m begging her for the Top 10 right now. THAT is how good she is. She’s going all the way. But first she’s going to Hollywood.
Next week we’re headed to San Francisco for the final stop on the road to Hollywood. What do you think of the talent we’ve seen so far?