American Idol Heads to Jacksonville
Only Sixteen Contestants Make it Past Audition Number Seven
Jan 27, 2009
This episode wasn't just about singing. Kara and Paula managed to share a kiss. "I never thought that on live television I would have a moment like that," admitted Kara. The pair didn't really lock lips. Paula managed to slip her hand between her lips and Kara's, but they still went through the motions. Also in this episode, Simon Cowell mocked one contestant's laugh, and Randy Jackson met his "biggest fan."
One Down Thousands to Go
According to American Idol host Ryan Seacrest, twelve thousand people showed up to audition in the Florida city. This episode kicked off with contestant, Joshua Ulloa, who said he's constantly compared to season-one runner up, Justin Guarini. Randy laughed during Joshua's audition of Marvin Gaye's "Let's Get it On." Afterwards Simon compared Ulloa to Inspector Gadget. His performance appeared to be good enough because all four judges ended up giving him a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Good Luck Charms Really Work
Contestant Sharon Wilbur took a different approach to her audition. She brought her dog, Sasha, along to the competition for good luck. While she sang, the pooch sat on Simon's lap. Once finished, Randy and Simon agreed Sharon should go to Hollywood. Paula and Kara also agreed, earning Sharon a spot in the Hollywood audition.
Randy Meets His Biggest Fan
Day one in Jacksonville wrapped up with contestant Naomi Sykes, who said her voice resembled Mariah Carey's. But before Naomi even auditioned, she introduced Randy to her friend who claimed to be his biggest fan. During the audition, Naomi's friend sat on Randy's lap, Paula sat on Simon's lap, and Ryan entered the audition room to sit on Kara's lap. Performing in front of six people instead of four, Naomi sang, "Lovin' You" by Minnie Riverton. The audition didn't go Naomi's way, causing her to cry. "I don't know what I did wrong." She left the audition empty handed.
One Contestant Told to Leave and Come Back as Herself
Contestant Anne Marie Boskovich showed up to her audition professing her admiration for Kara. "You are like my hero. You are so unbelievable," said Anne Marie. She went on to say that she saw Kara perform in Nashville once and was blown away by her performance. She sang a few words from the song Kara performed in Nashville. Simon told Anne Marie she was attractive and had a nice voice, but asked her to leave the audition and come back as a different person. Anne Marie left the room as requested, changed her shoes, had someone do her makeup, and eventually returned to sing, "Bubbly." She received a "yes" vote from all four judges, sending her into the next round of auditions.
Second Time is a Charm
T.K. Hash auditioned for American Idol last year, but did not make it. "Hey I remember you," yelled Paula. Being rejected last year didn't stop T.K.. This time around, he sang "Imagine" by John Lennon. "You sound even better this year," said Paula. Randy expressed concern saying, "It was too over the top." After some discussion, Paula, Randy, and Kara all agreed he should go on to the next round. Simon was the only one who objected. In this case, majority rules and T.K. received a golden ticket to Hollywood.
Sixteen Golden Tickets
After listening to thousands of people audition over the course of two days, only sixteen contestants received tickets to Hollywood. This episode ended with multiple contestants singing "Walking on Sunshine." The next stop on the American Idol tour is Salt Lake City, Utah, David Archuleta's hometown. He is last season's runner up.
