American Idol Season 8 Lands in Hollywood
Nerves Overcome Some Contestants Trying to Standout
Feb 3, 2009
This is the biggest season by far for the popular FOX show, "American Idol." More than one-hundred thousand people auditioned, but only 147 contestants made it Hollywood. The week kicked off at the Kodak Theater. The name may ring a bell. The Kodak Theater is home of the Academy Awards. It's also the place where past idols, including David Cook and Jordin Sparks, were named Idols.
Barry Manilow Drops In
There's a twist to Hollywood week in Season 8. Host Ryan Seacrest called it a boot camp. Call it whatever you want, but this boot camp consisted of a hair and make-up team. That's in addition to the vocal coach who has always been made available to the contestants who make it past the preliminary audition. Grammy award winner Barry Manilow helped kicked things off for the hundred plus contestants who surprised the singers with a pep talk. "Really think about these songs you are going to do and really make them your own," said Manilow.
An Immediate Standout
The first contestant to audition under the bright lights was Lil Rounds from Memphis, Tennessee. Lil sang "I Will Always Love You," made famous by Dolly Parton and then Whitney Houston. She received a standing ovation not only from Paula Abdul, but also from Kara DioGuardi. "I liked you the moment I saw you. I thought you were bold and brave then and you're still bold and brave," said Kara. Lil made it through to the next round, as did four other contestants in her group.
Not Everyone Leaves Happy
Other contestants did not receive the same warm reception. Contestant Dennis Brigham told the panel, "you all suck as judges" after he was eliminated from the competition. That wasn't the only negative comment uttered from unhappy contestants. "I need to catch the first flight out of here and get to Sacramento and get back to work. I'm done with this. I just want to get home," said an upset Jesus Valenzuela.
The Bikini Girl is Back
She wore a bikini to her audition in Phoenix, Arizona. You may know her only as bikini chick, or the girl who got under judge Kara DioGuardi's skin. She has a name and it's Katrina Darrell. For this audition, she actually put on clothes. Wearing an all black dress, Katrina sang "Breathe" by Faith Hill. "I thought when you started the song, you were better than the last audition. You had me there for a moment thinking I was wrong. Actually I was right. It went kind of off," explained Kara. Paula agreed with Kara, but judges Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson came to her defense saying her second audition was better than her first. After all was said and done, Katrina survived another round of auditions.
Until Next Time
Two days of competition was condensed to an one-hour show. After an intense round of competition, 104 contestants made on to the second round of competition in Hollywood. Forty-three contestants were sent home. Round two includes a group competition.
