The phenomenal American Idol (AI) kicked off to a great start last week when it opened to a total of 33.2 million viewers worldwide. This made its seventh season premiere on Q-11 the highest rated season debut ever in the country.
First stop was Philadelphia where crowds gathered with everyone hoping to be one of the lucky contestants to be given the gold ticket to Hollywood. Unfortunately, only 22 made the cut including the horse-riding, cage-fighting Kristy Lee Cook with her astounding rendition of Amazing Grace.
But as is in previous American Idol seasons, along with the good comes the bad. AI hopeful-turned-Paula Abdul stalker Paul Marturano proved that point when he literally got booted out by the guards when he sang his creepy self-composed song for Paula.
The Dallas auditions, however, proved to be more fun and hilarious than the Philadelphia leg of the auditions as several good singers, along with the totally outrageous individuals, came in full costume and captured the hearts of the judges.
Beautiful voice impersonator Kady Malloy is among the more fortunate ones who are going to Hollywood and will vie for a spot on the Top 24. She impressed the judges when she nonchalantly gave them an impersonation of Britney Spears singing one of her hits and a strong performance showcasing her personal style.
Brandon Green was also lucky enough to have gotten the judges’ nod even though he had the disgusting habit of keeping his own peeled fingernails in a zip-loc bag. Thank heavens he had a nice voice.
An unusual Simon Cowell surprised viewers when he showed his soft side by giving his nod to Kayla Hatfield, a mother of two who got into a car accident that claimed the vision of her left eye. What surprised viewers even more was the fact that he insisted Randy Jackson give his “yes” vote too even if Paula already cast a “no.”
Douglas Davidson, on the other hand, had to be escorted by the security out of the audition room because he will not let Simon nor the other two judges stop him from singing — a skill, which in spite of his endless vocalization, doesn’t seem to improve a bit. It also did not help that he sweated endlessly as if he was already suffering from some kind of health problems.
Newlywed Angela Riley also could not believe she was being rejected by the Idol judges despite her best efforts in singing and her model-husband’s ardent support.
Big Celine Dion fan Tammy Tuzinski also furrowed the judges’ brows when she announced that she was going to sing Celine Dion’s Power of Love but ended up mouthing words from If You Asked Me Too.
But there was only one person who stood out the most among all the Idol hopefuls, it was none other than 44-year-old Filipino nurse from Reno Nevada, Renaldo Lapuz!
Clad in a glitzy silver cape, fluffy white hat with Simon’s name written on it, and fluffy white feathers on his coat, Renaldo readily declared he wanted to try his luck because “This is a privilege to sing to the whole world…” Furthermore, Renaldo also stressed that if he’ll be chosen as the American Idol “…then I would give hope to those who are in despair and to be their strength.”
Immediately, upon Lapuz’s entrance to the audition room, Randy couldn’t contain his laugher and Paula just had to ask why Simon’s name was written on his hat to which his reply was “For two reasons, everyone, every where, as long as there is print, media, television, radio, speaks the name of Simon” — a reason that really cracked up the three judges.
Then, on Paula’s cue, he belted out a song he composed personally titled We’re Brothers Forever. The lyrics: “I am your brother, your best friend forever. Singing the songs, the music that you like. We’re brothers ‘til the end of time, together forever ‘til the end of time. I am your brother, your best friend forever. Singing the songs, the music that you like. We’re brothers ‘til the end of time, together or not, you’re always in my heart. Your hurting feelings won’t hurt anymore.
Singing the verse over and over, Randy and Paula decided to join Renaldo in his antics. Randy even invited host Ryan Seacrest inside the audition room to join in the fun.
The same old Simon was unenthusiastic at first but eventually lightened up and was even quoted at the end of Renaldo’s audition as saying, “I’m going to make a prediction here. I have a horrible feeling that it’s going to be a hit record. You’re very entertaining. I actually like you, but it’s going to be a no.”
Though sad and a little hurt over the non-fulfillment of his dream to become the next American Idol, Renaldo only had nice words to say to Simon, “Simon, you’re a great person, you give chance to everyone to sing to the whole world. I thank you,” a teary eyed Renaldo shared. “You are heaven’s chosen to give chance to any talent for free of charge. Even they throw you negative words, but there are many people who really like you, who really admire you, and one of them is me. You are a great person Simon. You’re my glory Simon,” Renaldo added.
Yes, American Idol may have just begun but with all the things, the songs and the people that have emerged in its first week, this is something one should not dare to miss.
Catch American Idol’s earliest regional feed at 6 p.m., Wednesdays and Thursdays on Q-11. Weekday replays are at 8:30 p.m. (Wednesdays and Thursdays), with weekend replays at 5 p.m. (Saturdays and Sundays).