American Idol Recap: Milwaukee’s Talent a’Brewing

The beginning of tonight’s broadcast reminded us what Milwaukee is best known for – cheese and beer. Did you think you’d get some mad talent out of the deal too? 53 hopefuls ran out with the golden ticket to Hollywood and we saw quite a few promising stars in the making tonight. More on that below. But first … (and that’s a nod to our Big Brother fans), let’s cover the controversy with theme song. Yep, you heard me. There is controversy with the opening theme of American Idol and I wanna know what you think about it. Traditionally, Idol’s theme has been about celebrating the winners of past seasons of American Idol. Well, this years theme (see video below) includes Adam Lambert, Chris Daughtry, and Jennifer Hudson – all who came close, but did not win the competition. Do you all think they should not have been included or considering their stardom, is Idol right in celebrating their successes as well? Weigh in below! Ok, now to the auditions.

Surprisingly, Wisconsin brought us a fair share of mad talent tonight, something you might not have expected where cheese and Miller are the two strong claims to fame the city has. Oh, and some Idolite named Danny Gokey. Ya, remember him? Thought so. We also got another radio announcer wannabe hit the airways. Speaking of, did you all get the new Kraft commercial with the homeless man’s voiceover during Idol? Anyways, back on track, Toledo’s K100 should keep their guy. He’s meant to be on the radio and I don’t mean that in a mean way.

Before we dive in to the individual auditions, tonight’s Steven-ism of the night … “Hell fire, save matches, f*ck a duck and see what happens…” Yes, folks, and he said that without hesitation. The man is unpredictable and could be what Idol needs to save the live shows!  Well, “slap that baby on the ass and call me Christmas,” let’s finally get to the auditions! You can attend your Civil War reenactment later…

Scotty McCreery – Quite possibly the deepest voice you’ve ever heard in a 16 year old. When he hit puberty, he musta really hit puberty. Ok, don’t take that thought further than intended. If you don’t know who Josh Turner is, look him up on YouTube. This guy is Josh Turner incarnate and sang his song spot on. He’s definitely got the country twang, but I wonder if he’ll be able to be versatile as the competition requires. Guess we’ll see.

Emma Henry – Definitely has a Cindy Lauper-esque voice and of course she sang True Colors. Yet another of the young contestants this competition is shoving in our faces and another one that I think needs time to develop before she makes a name for herself. We’ll see how far she goes, but I think she’ll get trampled on in the competition and JLo agrees with me. Therefore, I’m right. Plus, this girls was 5 when Kelly Clarkson won. Do you think she even knows who Steven Tyler is?

Megan Frazier – Green Bay Packers what? Ya, they’re in the Superbowl against the Steelers on Feb 6, but this Packers fan had more on her mind that how many TD’s Aaron Rodgers will throw (and where she bought that shirt). She had Bieber fever and not just any kind but a unique viral strain. One that causes her to sing Bieber-opera. You heard me (and her) right. Bieber. In. Opera. ‘Nuff said.

Naima Adedapo – From janitor for Wisconsin’s Summerfest to a trip to Hollywood, Naima is here to stay. I can just feel it (and I have my sources). Sure this woman can belt out a tune and belt it out effortlessly, but the most important thing we learned from this audition. Steven Tyler does not like to be called Steve. Just ask Jennifer Lopez.

Jerome Bell – Didn’t quite blow me away with his rendition of Marvin Gaye’s “Let’s Get It On” but the dawg can definitely sing, as Randy would remind us. Dude could make it far, but you want my honest opinion? Ok, good. He needs to cut on the head bobbing whilst singing. And yes, I said whilst.

Thia Megia – If this name doesn’t sound like star quality to you, you need to check yo self. Reminding me of Charice (and no, I’m not trying to make a stereotype), this little young girl has such a strong tone inside. Singing Adele’s “Chasing Pavements” almost better than Adele herself (I said, almost), this 15 year old is one of many youngin’s that made it through to Hollywood. Speaking of 15 year olds, every 15 year old by 4pm on the first day of auditions walked out with a golden ticket. Now if that doesn’t scream that Idol wants one to win this season, I don’t know what does. Guaranteed, they’re pushing for this. They even gave us an annoying, albeit very brief Bieber tribute to reinforce that. While we’re on the topic, can I go on a mini-rant that has nothing to do with Thia? Ok, thanks. How does a 15 year old (cough*EmmaHenry*cough) cry in front of the judge’s because this is her life?? She’s 15, barely remembers when Kelly Clarkson won Idol 9 years ago and this is her life?! Sheesh, whatever happened to finishing high school?

Molly DeWolf Swensen – Molly made it through the rough and tumble world of Harvard Yard and the high-pressure halls of the White House only to be sucker punched by…Randy Jackson?  She did learn to laugh about it and I laughed along with her rather than at her surprisingly soulful and slightly jazzy rendition of “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.”

Haley Reinhart, Tiwan Strong – Rejected during Hollywood last season, Holly, the blond bombshell, returned more determined than ever to make it even further this time around. Slightly all over the place with her runs, I’m sure she’ll find a way to stick around…plus the judge’s LOVED her. Then of course, we had Tiwan, twistin the night away with his soulful vibe. What I’m more concerned about is his relative/friend waiting outside who looked like she needed the nearest restroom and fast. Turns out, she had a Charlie Horse from all the excitement behind those doors with Tiwan twistin’ away.

Steve Beguhn – Steve most definitely picked the right class of entertainment to dive into. Comedy isn’t his thing, although his last name is pretty descriptive of his physical appearance. A “big goon.” Get it? But don’t let that consume you. This big time, build CPA has got a voice with a tone you wouldn’t expect. And one that’s pleasant even.

I want to take a quick break to recognize the overly confident woman who froze because “lady’s looking at me.” Honey, if you couldn’t sing because J Lopez was looking at you, what makes you think you’re ready for the big stage. Of course, it wasn’t going to stop there. Vernika was NOT pleased when the judge’s turned her down. Immediately, she assumed it was because she wasn’t a skinny woman like the other girls she thinks they put through. Then Randy went on to tell her not all winners were skinny. Not sure if he meant it the way it sounded, but did the Dawg diss Kelly when he said “the girl who won Season 1…” before we lost the rest thanks to editing? Believe you me, it wasn’t your looks that didn’t get you through. Now just go home and rethink your life.

Scott Dangerfield – Is it bad that I don’t remember much of this audition other than JLo fell head over heels for him, laying claim that he’s her favorite from any contestant she’s seen this season? Oh ya, the other thing I remember is that Steven Tyler thinks Scott wears the same lipstick as him. I’m pretty sure he could sing, they put him through.

Alyson Jados – Shocked to be in the presence of her idol Steven Tyler (she had nothing to worry about, she’s not a 15 year old wearing a skirt), Alyson needed a second to compose herself before she could belt out her jaw dropped version of “Come Together.” Not long after, Randy convinced her to sing one of her idol’s biggest hits, “Dream On,” in which Tyler joined. Now if that’s not worth the trip to the audition room, I don’t know what is.

We ended the night (and coincidentally) our recap with the story that Idol previewed not once, twice, but three times for us – the story behind Chris Medina. Chris was together with his girlfriend for 8 years, engaged for 2 years and 2 months away from the wedding when tragedy hit. His fiance got into a car accident, causing her to suffer from a traumatic brain injury. Well, the short of it (video of the audition is below), she woke up and was never the same. I’m usually not a fan of Idol sob stories, seeing them as filler and a forceful way to make you like a contestant, but this story tugged even at my heartstrings. Ya, I said it. If only more people had true human compassion like this, wonder what the world would be like. Just imagine. Now that I”ll step off my soapbox, check out his video below. And no, not because I want you to fall victim to his story, but just to give you a glimpse of raw human emotion.

Well, there we have it, Milwaukee everyone. Don’t forget to check us out tomorrow in our LIVE SHOW BLOG during the Nashville auditions. And be sure to catch our American Idol Rewind featurettes! Oh ya, one last valuable life lesson learned, courtesy of our civil war friend. Apparently, only hippies like sex. And that’s why his dad is not a hippie. Take from that what you may. Alright Idol worshipers, there you have it. See you tomorrow for our Nashville recap and I expect to see you ALL in our live show blog tonight!