I didn't know what to make of Portland to be honest. It didn't feel like it but I do think there were some real potential breakout performances here. From the "Hipster Tripster" Brittany Zika to the Chris Medina-like story of Jessica Phillips, there were some interesting singers but their viability remains a mystery.
1) Brittany Zika - 21 - Portland, OR - Nanny/Social Media Tech
"The Story" (Brandi Carlisle)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - Yes Randy - Yes
She tripped on the set but it proved to be no obstacle to her advancing. She got to sing onstage with her idol Sara B. but the under-the-radar attractive quirky girl easily secured a ticket to Hollywood. Jennifer Lopez in particular seemed to enjoy her audition.
2) Ben Purdom - 18 - Philadelphia, PA - Cable TV Salesman
"Born This Way" (Lady GaGa)
"Super Bass" (Nicki Minaj)
Steven - No Jennifer - No Randy - No
3) Jermaine Jones - 24 - Pine Hills, NJ - Music Teacher
"Superstar" (The Carpenters)(Luther Vandross)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - Yes Randy - Yes
Rand quickly dubbed him "The Gentle Giant" which aptly described the 6'8 (and a half) Pine Hills, NJ native and music teacher. Jones, who looked more like he should be playing power forward for the New York Knicks, described himself as a Mama's Boy but his voice certainly proved he is his own man. Not sure how he'll stack up in Hollywood Week but he'll be one to watch all the same.
4) Britnee Kellogg - 27 - Vancouver, WA - Banker
"You're No Good" (Linda Ronstadt)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - Yes Randy - Yes
The 27 year-old single mother wasted no opportunity in jabbing her ex-husband (and his basketball facilitated marriage destroying trysts) with the Linda Ronstadt classic "You're No Good" which she performed quite superbly. Interestingly enough, her range is somewhat reminiscent of the singer who she chose to audition with. It could help explain why she got Jennifer Lopez to sing a couple measures with her. J. Lo then answered Kellogg's question about raising children while being a performer. She's definitely a personal favorite of mine so far as well.
5) Sam Gershman - 21 - Clarksville, MD - Motivational Dancer
"I'm A Woman"
Steven - No Jennifer - No Randy - No
6) David Weed - 22 - Mountain Home, ID - Fast Food Employee
"Tom Sawyer" (Rush)
Steven - No Jennifer - No Randy - No
7) Romeo Diahn - 22 - Portland, OR - Shipping Clerk
"Is This Love?" (Bob Marley & The Wailers)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - "Tiny" Yes Randy - Yes
The Liberian war refugee has made the most of his opportunity to flee his native country for a better life in the United States. He coolly sang Bob Marley's "Is This Love?" with a really nice reggae vibe but I still share J. Lo's concerns. I think he has his work cut out but reggae does offer its aspiring singers a better chance at a really successful niche career so I hope he fulfills his dream one way or another.
8) Naomi Gillies - 22 - Boston, MA - Student
"Cryin'" (Aerosmith)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - Yes Randy - Yes
Always a bold move, the 22 year-old Boston, Massachusetts native flew cross-coast to request Steven Tyler's permission to cover one of my personal favorite Aerosmith tunes (and one of their last truly great songs as far as I'm concerned). Gillies showed some flare and power and earned the ticket she sought. Whenever you pull off singing a song in front of the song's actual singer is always a sweet feat.
9) Ben Harrison - 28 - Eugene, OR - Shipping Agent
"Somebody To Love" (Queen)
Steven - No Jennifer - No Randy - No
(All 3 "No's" Implied)
10) Jessica Phillips - 25 - Brooklyn, NY - Dental Hygienist
"Again" (Faith Evans)
Steven - Yes Jennifer - Yes Randy - Yes
It was hard to not think of Season 10's Chris Medina and his own heartbreaking yet inspiring story. Phillips' story definitely recalls that moving tale. Phillips however definitely had a voice to match here own story of triumphant over adversity. She could also give American Idol the much needed female R&B singer it really hasn't had in recent memory.
I enjoyed all six of the singers they showed us advancing to Hollywood. It's worth noting that Naomi Gillies was the only one of the bunch they didn't have some real sort of intro piece for. I see six wild cards with a couple possible deep threats.
45 Golden Tickets Total
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