American Idol: The Search For A Superstar s12e02 Episode Script

1 On speaker right now.
And then who's inside? And it's all of our sisters, so there's four sis there's four total.
And I'm being videotaped, and we're waiting! She's about to walk out.
You guys are on speakerphone, and we're all ready for her to come out.
I'm so nervous and shaking.
Okay, here she comes.
Here she comes, guys.
Here she comes.
No, no-no, no, no.
She made it! She made it! She made it, whoo! Yes whoo! - No, I didn't.
They're all on speaker.
They're all here waiting for you.
They're all ready.
- I didn't make it.
- You didn't make it? - No.
Oh, I'm sorry.
Oh We're back in Chicago.
Chicago, are you ready? We're ready, Ryan! After a roller coaster ride in New York Idol's new panel is back together again.
Morning.
I'm excited to be here.
Jennifer Hudson came out of Chicago.
I love the Chicago crowd.
I am hoping to see some amazing talent.
We feel in our bones that the next American idol is in this room.
Who's the next American idol? And the judges will search for those stars at Chicago's adler planetarium.
Nicki.
So far, it's all hugs and kisses at the table, but in the holding room, the nerves are kicking in.
And it was the moment of truth for our first contestant of the day.
Let's go! - Hello.
- Hi.
- Hi, sweetheart.
- Hi.
- How you doing? - I'm good.
How are y'all? We're good.
What's your name? - MacKenzie wasner.
- Where are you from? I'm from leiper's fork, Tennessee.
And I understand there's a little music that runs in the family.
Yeah.
- Mm-hmm.
- Is that you? - No.
- - No.
No music.
- Definitely no.
- Dad? - I'm a piano player, singer-songwriter.
I first started singing when I was probably before I could talk, but my first actual gig was in kindergarten.
My dad and I sang the abcs for our class.
My dad's actually been playing keyboard and piano for Vince gill since before I was born.
Vince would let her come up and sing onstage, so that was really a thrill for her.
So, she's not really nervous in front of a few thousand people.
It's just normal for her.
My dad he's my number one fan.
He's kind of like my own.
American idol judge at home.
Playing with her is-you know, I just get kinda real emotional too.
Just trying to keep it together when I'm playing.
In the face of an angel pretty eyes that shine I lie awake at night wishing you were mine I'm standin' here holding the biggest heartache in town whenever you come around I get weak in the knees and I lose my breath oh, I try to speak the words won't come I'm so scared to death and when you smile that smile the world turns upside-down whenever you come around - yeah.
- Nice.
- Beautiful song.
- Thank you.
- Mariah, what'd you think? - I thought awesome.
I loved her voice, I think Thank you.
She's beautiful.
Thank you.
I just think there's a star power there that can be honed.
But your voice is gorgeous.
Thank you so much.
Yeah.
I think that someone like you walks in a room once every few years.
'Cause that doesn't even sound like it's in a competition.
That sounds like we're listening to your first single.
- Oh, my goodness.
You just blew my mind.
Like you are a star.
Thank you so much.
I love that song, and you really did it justice.
I was really impressed.
And I think you got a huge road ahead of you.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
- I do too, I gotta say - So emotional.
Now you're gonna make me cry.
You know, what I loved about your voice is you got this great blend of strength and vulnerability.
Like I could hear in Lee Ann womack's first record I love her.
In your runs, which is very Dolly parton-esque as well.
It's beautiful.
You've got a great tone for that.
We should vote.
Yes, a 100 milliontrillion percent yes.
- Thank you.
- Superstar, yes.
- Thank you.
- Pow.
- - You're going to Hollywood, - baby.
- Thank you! Welcome to Hollywood! - Wow, wow.
Beautiful, beautiful voice.
- That gave me chills.
- She was great.
That gave me chills.
Tough to.
- Wow.
- Look who's here.
- It's hard to sing that stuff, man.
- Yeah, it's unforgiving.
- Beautiful tone.
- They liked it.
They were really impressed, weren't they? Yeah, II think s I - I think so.
With a resounding yes from the judges I'm going to Hollywood! MacKenzie's journey is off and running.
The stars have aligned here at the planetarium.
More auditions from Chicago coming up after the break.
Over the next two hours, it's a talent showdown in chi-town Whoo! I love it! With the most spectacular talent in a dozen seasons.
Yes! Absofriggin'-lutely.
Our judges find their way What is happening? But have trouble finding common ground Let me say what I want to say, baby.
- All right, girls.
- You why are you in my face? As things get passionate.
What are you talking about? I wasn't talking to you.
We'll have all that jazz and more - This is crazy! Run before it gets crazy.
- When we return.
- I swear I feel like a scratching post.
- Wow! - This is what I'm dealing with.
- Let's go.
Whoo! It's mid-morning here in Chicago, and it seems the judges are really starting to relate.
- This is my family up here.
- Yeah.
- I know we don't all look alike, but we really are in our hearts.
What are you talking about? Me and you look just alike.
Exactly.
See? Look at that.
Well, most of the time.
Oh, baby I'm so into you darling if you only knew all the things that float through my mind.
But it's just a sweet, sweet fantasy, baby.
Okay, thank you.
I'm sorry, I have to cut it off because of the time.
- I was really enjoying it, m.
- I liked it.
- Really? Do you want him to sing to you some more? That that particular song? I would love to constantly hear that every day.
- Well - I love you, Randy Jackson.
- I love you back, brother.
Another dysfunctional family is born.
But that won't faze Kiara lanier.
She'd already had quite an audience.
I just sang for president Obama for his birthday fundraiser.
It was awesome.
- Were you nervous? - I was, but we were singing like classics that I was really comfortable with.
I got to like shake his hand, we sang Happy Birthday for him.
Did you make eye contact with the president while you were singing? - He hugged me, even.
- Really? He even gave me a hug, and he shook my hand, so it was really great.
What kind of cologne does he wear? Oh, see, I don't know about - all that.
- Okay.
Hello, little ladybug.
You are cute.
You are a cute little lady, ha-ha, ha-ha, ha.
- What's your name? - My name is Kiara lanier, and I'm from Chicago.
How you guys liking it so far since you've been here? Uh, wow, so you're gonna switch to-you're gonna flip it up Just a little bit.
I'll sing for you all.
Oh, no, we gonna keep it just like this, and we gonna I'm gonna ask the questions, little lady.
Can I say something really quick? - Sure.
- Mariah, you made me want to sing.
Ever since I was a little girl, being multiracial and just seeing someone who looks like me and who completely embodies all sides of them.
I just want to say thank you so much to have this opportunity to sing for you.
So, thank you, regardless.
I thank you all so much.
Thank you for saying that.
No worries.
Thank you so much.
That means the world to me.
Thank you.
And what are you gonna sing for us today? Today I will sing Celine.
Dion's the prayer.
Love it.
Okay.
Big song.
I pray you'll be our eyes and watch us where we go and help us to be wise in times when we don't know let this be our prayer when we lose our way Lead us to a place guide us with your grace give us faith so we'll be saved.
Whoo! Wow.
- Nice.
- Oh, lord.
Take me now.
- Wow.
Wow.
- Oh, wow.
- Okay.
- When you can only hear "wows.
" Wow.
You know that that was pretty freaking pretty.
- Yeah.
- Thank you.
- I mean, you have so much control.
- Thank you.
Soft and high but pretty and beautiful and all those things.
Especially in such a young singer.
Thank you.
Usually gotta wait for a while to be able to command your own voice like that.
Thank you so much.
I loved it too.
That's what I said when you started, it's a big song, so I was really impressed.
I felt that she definitely has huge potential.
I think you're a beautiful girl.
Thank you.
So are you.
Thank you.
And I love the way you went in and out of loud, soft, and you didn't do it in the typical way.
Huge potential.
- Thank you so much.
- Keithy.
- I loved it too.
You look great.
This is the thing.
Thank you.
- You come ready to be a star.
- Exactly.
- And you know what I loved about your voice? You had some little nuance in your runs that were very Aaron Neville to my ears, at least, anyway - Mm - Yes.
- Which is really great.
Should we vote? I would like to vote.
Yes.
That's a yes for me too.
That's a triplequadruple-quintoplet-sixoplet yes for me.
Uh Keep it real with me, dog.
You got it.
- What? - Of course, yes! - Thank you! Thank you! Thank you so much! Welcome to Hollywood, I guess.
Aw, yeah! Hollywood! Hollywood! Hollywood! Now, she was dope.
Wowed my hat off.
My hat is falling off.
She was worth it.
I'm going to Hollywood! Whoo! So, local girl Kiara keeps the good times rolling in Chicago Hello.
How are you? But how long will it last? What's your name? Stephanie.
And Stephanie, how old are you? Just turned 21 last week.
Oh, get down.
Congrats.
Happy Birthday, man.
Cheers, darling, cheers.
And what're you singing? I'm gonna sing dream a little dream of me.
It's one of my favorite songs.
stars shining bright above you light breezes seem to whisper, "I love you" birds singing in the sycamore tree dream a little dream of me yeah - wow.
- I'm sorry.
It's shaky 'cause I'm nervous.
Uhuh.
- Oh, it's cool.
What'd you think, Mariah? I liked it.
I like the choice of song, and I thought your voice was really pretty.
I thought you had a really nice tone.
- Thank you.
- Keith? Like a Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani blend.
It was crazy, I love - yeah, wow.
- The mix was really beautiful, baby.
- I love your whole light.
Yeah.
- Nicki? I wasn't wowed.
Aww, Nicki, what does it take? I-I thought your voice was pretty, and I think you're pretty, but nothing jumped at me.
I-I ju we've we've seen such magnetic things today.
I don't think you compare to what we've seen.
Don't think she looks like a star? I don't think you feel like a star.
I don't think that you're not giving me that thing.
I don't feel it.
- Really? - Really? I like you.
Listen, I don't know what's happening.
I think that you're really talented.
Should we vote, guys? - Yeah.
- Yeah, we should.
- Mariah, will you say yes or no? - I'm gonna say yes.
- Keith urban.
Aw, yeah.
- Yay.
- Nicki minaj? No.
- Predictable.
- Randy Jackson? Yes! Thank you guys so much.
Welcome to Hollywood.
Yeah, that means a no.
You got a no.
That's okay.
I don't like you any less.
I think you're amazing.
- Thank you.
- There you go.
- Honestly, I take critique as a good thing, so You know what? We are wearing the same color eye shadow today.
We have a rivalry, and that's why I said no.
But now that you're a What? What? But now when you do - this is what I'm dealing with.
- When you're through to.
Hollywood This is what I deal with when I come into my "job.
" Oh, no, boo, 'cause you ain't got nothing like me.
Wait a minute, what junior high are we in now? What junior high is this? Exactly, my dear.
You shouldn't have commented on - that, 'cause exactly that.
- What? All I said was, "this is what I deal with.
" Why you in my face? This is crazy! We're putting the "fun" in "dysfunction" is what we're doing.
Go to Hollywood! Go now, while you got a chance! Bye, purple girl! Run, before it gets crazy in here.
- Run away! Run away from these crazy people to Hollywood! Congratulations.
'Cause I was right here with mine.
Even though she didn't vote for you.
Boiled over, it looked likeom Keith was in the hot seat.
'Cause I was just telling you that.
- I wasn't talkin' to you.
- Whoo! It's the way that you said it, missy.
No, no, no, no.
She is drinking catnip.
- No, 'cause I have a thought.
Nicki, excuse me.
What? All right, girls.
All right, all right, now.
I don't wanna make anyone upset here.
Um Sure, you do.
You gotta get a thicker skin.
What are you talkin' about? Keith Keith I swear, I feel like a scratching post.
- God, Keith.
Everyone, please, just relax.
- Do you do deep tissue? - Yeah.
- Yeah? Yeah, you can just go for it.
I'm Melissa bush, I'm 27 years old, I'm from grandville, Michigan.
I'm a student and a massage therapist.
Normally I am a quieter person, but I want to be fun and kind of show my personality, so I got this costume.
There's jewels all around it, glued on, and I like that it's shiny.
So, that's my favorite thing about it.
- Cool.
- Do you have clients regular clients or do you work at a um, I just work out of my apartment now, 'cause I just moved out of I can't keep my eyes open with that in my face.
I'm sorry.
What's your name? Melissa bush.
I got a tshirt here for Randy.
You brought me something? She came bearing gifts, Randy.
Aww.
- Oh, nice.
Yeah.
"Get down dawg.
" Oh, my goodness, Randy.
That's beautiful.
Can you see me through this? Thank you, Mrs.
bush.
Why you got to add the "Mrs.
" On it? Any relation to the former president George Bush? - No.
- You're George Bush's wife? - Any relation to Kate bush? No.
- What about Reggie bush? No.
- All right, Melissa.
What're you gonna sing today? I can do downtown.
Is that oh, okay.
When you're alone and life is making you lonely you can always go downtown - I love this song.
- Yeah.
When you've got worries all the noise and the hurry seems to help I know downtown just listen to the music of the traffic in the city linger on the sidewalk where the neon signs are pretty how can you lose the lights are much brighter there you can forget all your troubles forget all your cares so go downtown you're gonna be all right now okay.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- Oh, God.
Um - Check, please.
Check yeah.
Randy? No for me.
Nicki? Bush, you'll always be my bush, but the answer is no.
What? Thank you, Nicki.
- Huh? - Mariah.
Uh, I have to say no.
Bush, this way, babe.
Oh.
- Thank you, Mrs.
bush.
- You know what? - Thank you, baby.
You guys are all all vulgar, and I'm really not gonna tolerate it very much longer.
I'd have to change my last name.
I want you baby oh whoa You did good.
Whoo! Unfortunately, those are not the judges he must impress.
Oh, thank you for the pres, Nick.
It takes world-class talent to make it on idol, something that season ten finalist and Chicago native Haley reinhart knows all too well.
This is incredible.
I remember sitting right over there.
But our new judges are still settling into their new gig.
- You know you took my person, right? - No.
Oh, I'm so sorry.
I'm so confused.
It's Nicki now.
Okay.
- Now it's Nicki.
And off we go.
- Also brand-new this year is our small town idol bus tour.
And when we rolled through Iowa city, we made a beeline for rocker Gabe brown and invited him to Chicago to show off his goods.
- You come bearing gifts? - What you got? - Bearing gifts? You're going to Hollywood.
Can I give 'em to you guys? - Yes, please.
- What are these, dude? - These are cookies.
Ooh, yes, yes.
Where do they come from? I'm actually a Baker.
My mom and I Get out.
We made them.
Just like Halloween candy when we have to like make sure that there's - What what'd you give me? - So - I like your chances.
- Wellthank you.
Tell me your name and where you're from.
My name's Gabe brown, and I'm from Marion, Iowa.
How long have you been singing? Been making noises and humming I didn't have words, since Right, right.
I don't like your chances.
Like like two.
No, I get it.
Little teapot, of course, and.
Mary had a little lamb.
Classics, by any standard.
Absolute classics.
What are you gonna sing for us? I'm gonna sing you a little gimme shelter by the stones.
Yeah.
Hit it.
yeah, the storm is threatenin' whoo.
My very life today if I don't get some shelter oh, yeah! I'm gonna fade away war children it's just a shout away it's just a shout away war children - It's just a shout away it's just a shout away - whoo! I loved it! - Wow.
Wow.
Wow.
- Do you have something with, uh, volume? - Um - Wow.
- I'm wondering Who needs a hairdryer? Honestly, can you do something that you like a little bit softer? Justl know this is your style.
I get it.
Do you have something that's like more mellow, like, that you could do? My soft idea was we all die young.
Go for it, go for it.
Oh, let the river flow through my calloused hands and still we cry alone the words of the damned it makes my stomach turn.
Yeah! Yeah! And it tears my flesh from bone.
Man.
I like you, curly.
Thank you very much.
What do you think, Randolph? Dude, I love the whole rock thing.
We haven't had a rock guy here.
I actually really like you, man.
Thank you very much.
I think that when you're doing your rock thing, that I believe you.
Mm.
- And I don't think a person hato bs into rock to understand or to hear the authenticity.
You know what I mean? I feel like it's truthful for you, so Thank you very much.
I like it.
- I liked it too.
I always find that the guys that have those big, massive belting voices have got really big hearts as well.
Wow, thank you very much.
Yeah, man, I dug it.
He didn't even need a microphone.
No, you definitely don't need - a microphone.
Should we vote? - Yes.
- Okay.
It's a yes for me.
- Yes for me.
Yes for me, curly.
Yes for me.
Guess what that means, dog! Ho! - Hollywood! - Yeah! Yeah, that's it! That's it! See you in Hollywood, man.
I'm going to Hollywood! For Gabe, a trip to Hollywood was the icing on the cake.
But let's hope this next contestant isn't half-baked.
Meet Kevin nabity.
I've always had a passion for music.
I really got into it back when I was five with vanilla ice ninja rap.
I love ninja turtles.
It started off with singing ninja rap song, which led on to martial arts, which led on to dancing.
Oh, I'm confident in it.
I just don't want to come off as cocky.
Whew.
I got one.
I'm ready for it.
It's I should redo that.
I am extremely ready to go on to Trying to think.
Could you ask that again? What's your name, and where are you from? Kevin.
I'm from Iowa.
Cool, cool, cool.
Tell us about yourself.
Anything unique? Oh, I love doing computer animation, and video production, and dancing.
- You wanna show us something? - Uh, I could.
- Bust it.
- Just bust a move.
Oh, God.
- Messed up there.
Anything El oh.
Oh, well, okay.
- Fantastic.
- Hey, hey, work, Justin Timberlake.
- Wow, work it.
- Oh, yeah.
- Okay.
Um, what're you gonna sing for us today? - Um, one week by barenaked ladies.
- Yeah.
- Are you the next American idol? - I hope so.
Are you the next amer let's try that again.
Are you the next American idol? - Yes.
- Yay! - There you go.
Okay, let's go.
Sold! To Kevin.
I feel like I'm at a damn auction.
I swear, I thought he was an auctioneer too.
- What is this, man? - - What are you doing? You're not seriously insinuating that you don't like Kevin, are you? Oh oh, you know what? Um, I feel like I'm at a bad auction.
Kevin just tried to sell me an old motorbike that I don't want.
What? Kev, maybe you can wow them with something else? - Oh, really? - I'll sing come sail away.
- Oh, yeah.
- I'm sailing away.
- Oh, no.
- Yeah.
Set an open course for the virgin sea.
'Cause I've got to be free.
Wow.
And we're on the water.
Free to face the life that's ahead of me Oh, 'kay.
How do you feel about that? - Voice is a little dry.
- Oh, did you want water? - Ah Mariah, what do you think, darling? It's not for you, probably.
- Keithy.
- Yeah, I think maybe singing's not your strong talent gift.
Your dancing, maybe.
Really, Keith? You sure? Uh, yeah.
I'm just sayin'.
- Randy bandy? - Yes.
Do something else, man.
Let the singing go, man.
I appreciate your honesty.
You know, sing for your own enjoyment, you know, karaoke, whatever, but this is not it, - dude.
- Well, I like you, Kevin.
Thanks.
- You like his singing? - No.
No, no.
- Should should we vote, you guys? One, two, three, four No.
- Sorry.
- All right, thank you.
Sailing away.
Thanks.
So, are we free to go now? Yes, Kevin, you are.
As the day continued, Kevin wasn't the only one to drift off into the horizon, as the judges came to terms with the hardest part of their job.
- Please, Randy.
- It's a no - I can bring so much.
- It's a no for me today too.
- - But you have time.
You've got time, you've got time.
You have so much time.
You're gonna be okay.
Oh, , you are cute, you are cute.
You're the best.
I love you, okay? Because you are so special and so cute, and you need to be proud of yourself.
I am.
No for now.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
I can't believe this.
You come back, you're gonna be all right.
I can't believe this.
Get your cry out.
- It's a learning experience.
Every audition makes you better.
Oh, that breaks my heart.
It's 5:00 P.
M.
in Chicago Moving on.
And Keith is holding it down at the table We're on the next page, baby, keep up, please.
Okay, darling, I'm sorry, I'm sorry, this is my first real job.
There'll be a questionnaire at the end.
- Which was just fine with our.
I grew up listening to country music.
Keith urban would be the judge that I'm most excited to see.
He's married to one of my favorite actresses, so I'm - really excited about that.
- Hi.
Hello.
How are you? I'm good.
How are you? Good.
I'm quite well this afternoon.
What's your name? I'm Isabel perrot.
- Family.
- Rumor has it all the camera guys get the dates.
Is that true? They get dates? - That's what I heard.
- They get dates easily.
- In general.
Camera guys are considered kinda hot.
Okay, don't answer, guys.
- Okay, so - Well, then, you know, let melet let America see the camera guy.
America, you can vote.
There we go.
Yeah, ladies.
He's got the whole Dennis Miller thing going on.
I like this panel.
They're judging the crew.
Isabel, how old are you? I'm 15.
- So, you must be in High School? - Yeah, I'm skipping today.
It's been fun so far.
- Yay.
That note that you're holding, is this like a report card you want to show us or something? It kind of Yeah, do we need to sign it? It kind of is.
Except it's one of yours.
I'm going to be singing baby, it's cold outside, which you know is a duet, if you know the song.
Uhhuh.
Keith, you know that song.
Come on, baby.
- Keith'll do it.
- It's just the first two lines, so Oh, that's good.
Just the first two lines.
Just to get it started.
- All right, go for it.
- Okay.
I really can't stay baby, it's cold outside.
I've got to go away.
Baby, it's cold outside - this evening has been so very nice.
- I don't know the next words 'cause they're not written here my mother will start to worry my father will be pacing the floor so really I'd better scurry but maybe just a half a drink more I really can't stay oh, but it's cold outside ah What I like is the bit down at the bottom that says, "thanks" "for singing, you were wonderful," and then in parentheses it says, "this is to" "be read after the song.
" Well, I knew you were going to be.
- I like that.
- You you know.
And there's a smiley face.
So, I felt good.
I like your voice.
- Okay.
- I think that was a good song choice.
Not sure of your choice in singing partner, but the song was beautiful.
Okay, well, hey, you know.
Gotta make sure you're ready to go to Hollywood.
Yeah, that's true.
Yeah.
Mariah, what'd you think? I think I was very happy to hear a Christmas song, because I love Christmas, and I love Christmas music.
You have a really sweet quality about you, and it's not just 'cause you're 15.
You have like a really nice, humble, just adorable kind of quality about you.
Oh, well, thanks.
Nicki, what'd you think? You came in here poised, and I love your tone, and I love your attitude.
I feel like you have a thing about you that seems to me like a star.
- Okay.
So, should we, uh, take a vote? I didn't speak.
I'm gonna speak quickly.
You didn't speak, keithy, darling? Keith, I thought you spoke.
- Don't you ever stop him from speaking.
- I thought he spoke.
It's a tough room.
I sang, it was confusing.
Oh, yes, yes.
I like your voice.
Okay.
I think that was a good song choice.
Maybe I did speak.
You did speak.
I just like to.
I can start the vote by saying yes, I absolutely love you, darling.
Thank you.
I can also second that and say I like you too.
- Thank you.
- It's a yes for me.
- Uh, it's a no for me, but what does that mean to this young lady, Nicki? Nothing.
You're through to Hollywood.
Whoa! Oh, my goodness.
She reminds me of Taylor.
It is late in the afternoon here in Chicago.
Keith actually had to leave to do a concert in Vegas, so that means Randy is planted between the two girls, and he's in charge of keeping everything under control.
All right, listen.
Mm.
Nobody gets hurt.
Let's come out having fun.
- Oh, yes.
- Aye, aye, Captain.
- Aye, aye.
And in Keith's absence, Nicki was on hand Mm! To ensure Chicago's talent got the attention it deserved.
We've waited all day for you.
- Well, good things come to those who wait.
- Whoa-ho-ho! I see you licking your lips, playboy, it was really good.
Do you have a girlfriend? You wanna take something off or something? Ooh.
Wow Is that a hole in your pants? - Why you looking? - Whoa! - It's a yes for me.
But perhaps Nicki is just getting warmed up.
- Ooh.
- Meet Wisconsin native Griffin Peterson.
Do you have a nickname? 'Cause I don't really think "Griffin" when I see you.
- Uh, griff? - Grr - "G.
" - What about "grr"? - Yeah, "g.
" - Or "g.
" - Do you have a girlfriend? - I don't.
- Well, well That's perfect for the whole thing.
Single, you guys could, you know - Single life.
What is this a singing show? What are we doing here? I don't discriminate.
Excuse me.
- What? - We're all equal.
- Don't discriminate? What what were you gonna sing for us today, darling? I'm gonna sing a need to breathe song called washed by the water.
Let's go.
Daddy was a preacher and she was his wife just trying to make the world a little better you know shine a light people started talking just to hear their own voice those people tried to accuse my father said he made the wrong choice.
- Whoa.
I like your outfit, by the way.
- Do you like - thank you, g.
Do you like that name you're terming him? Well, yes.
Well, let me tell you something about you.
Okay.
You look and feel, to me, like a star.
You just have something that lights up.
Dog, I didn't get it.
I think you're a nicelooking guy, the voice was just barely below average.
Are you freaking kidding me? Put him up against any teen throb at the moment.
Those girls are coming to his concert.
They're coming to his concert.
Let's just let's just be honest.
I do have to say yes to that.
Doop.
The girls are coming to his concert.
The girls are gonna come.
I see what the fuss is about coming from Nicki, because you have a very handsome face.
I do think there's potential.
Potential, okay.
Po-tential.
You mean like he could be like a new bieber.
No, honey, 'cause bieber don't do this to me.
Bieber don't do that to her.
Okay, okay.
Let's vote, you guys.
Everybody knows it's a yes from me, ran the man.
Go on, chuckle and laugh.
Nicki says yes.
I'm gonna say no.
Okay.
Mariah, please.
The people at home want to see him one more week, at least.
You know those girls are watching at home right now, and they want to see him at least one more week.
I know.
My answer is n yes.
Whoo! Wow, okay, guess what, dude.
The girls love you.
- Yay! - Thanks, girls.
- So, the girls get their way inside - Good to meet you.
And outside the room.
It's on my bucket list to give you a kiss.
And I got permission from my husband.
- Ah.
As long as it's on the cheek.
Well, I'm happy to help you with that bucket list, yes.
Oh, and a big hug.
You know what that means? Nicki, what's it mean to him? He's going to Hollywood.
Yes, yes.
- Yeah! - The chicks put you through, man.
Welcome back to Illinois, where it's now 7:00 P.
M.
Even though the sun has set over the Chicago skyline, it's the perfect time for another idol dream to be on the rise.
So, when it's your time to shine, like we just all really want to make it happen and see each other excel.
My name is Curtis Finch, Jr.
I'm 24 years old, I'm from St.
Louis, Missouri, and I am a tutor at a charter school.
I believe I do have what it takes to be the next American idol this season, because I'm a hard worker.
I believe in perfecting my craft, and I believe in showing.
America that anything is possible, no matter where you're from and no matter what you've been through.
Curtis Finch and the Finch family.
Yes! All right.
I'm excited to be here.
My family's excited that I'm here, and so I'm ready to go.
Hi, everybody.
Hi.
- Yo, yo.
- What's going on? - Yeah.
- How are you, honey pie? - I'm great, I'm great.
I'm great.
What's your name, and where you from? Curtis Finch, Jr.
I'm from St.
Louis, Missouri.
So, my darling Curtis.
- Finch - Yes.
Finch, Curtis Finch, Jr.
- Yes.
- Hmm, cfj, finchy Finchy.
Finchy.
Finchy.
I like that.
Okay.
Who's from your family that's here today? Um, actually, my best friend is here, and my other friend stacia, which is a huge fan of yours, Mariah, so this is just a blessing.
So, she says the only thing better than Curtis winning is for her to meet Mariah.
Ah.
She says you can give her Mariah trivia.
What's her favorite color? Purple.
I actually don't know the answer.
So, there's no right or wrong.
So, finchy, let's hear it.
Okay.
I'm a big fan of smokie norful, so it's okay if I sing Dude, I just called him last night! - When I get in the area, dude.
He's my favorite, you know this.
When you talk to him again, Randy, tell him God is able oh, yes.
- Mm.
- God is able God is able and he he won't fail God is - Whoo-hoo-hoo! - Able - whoo! - God is able - whoo-hoo-hoo! God is able and Mariah, Randy, and Nicki I'm telling you that he won't won't fail - hey, hey.
- Yo, crazy! Crazy vocalist.
Bless you, bless you.
Om-g, let's have it for the boy, boy, boy.
- - Yes.
- I mean, look, look.
Should we just say it all together? Yes.
- Yes.
- Thank you so God bless you for singing that.
God bless you.
I really believe God wanted you to - sing that for us today.
- Whoo.
I don't know if it's too much, and I don't know if it's really out of place, but my friend really loves you.
- Oh And it would change her life if she met you.
Is that okay? Yeah.
Yeah.
Is that okay? Can I run and go get her? Yeah.
Thank you, thank you.
Come on, come meet her! Come meet her, come meet her! Aww.
Hi.
Nice to meet you.
Yo, man, your other brother looks like y'all sing in the choir together.
Do you sing in the choir together? Definitely.
- You you are so blessed.
- Yeah! - Whoo! - Congratulations.
- Yeah, baby, yeah! Oh, your life has been made.
All right.
You can make it happen here at idol, make it happen.
Do you know what it's like the first time to meet Mariah Carey? - You did not - Seriously.
Like me when you met me.
No, that's like that's so Especially if you've seen her like that, I mean, that's the Monumental.
Thank you, Nicki.
- I'm going to Hollywood, baby! - Yeah! - Going to Hollywood! - - Dreams come true.
- Yeah, awesome! They do, they come true.
They come I'll see you in Hollywood, baby.
- Whoo! - Whoo, Hollywood! - So, Curtis made it happen for his friend.
And waiting in the wings is another Mariah hoping to make a name for herself.
- Hello.
- How are you? What's your name and where you from? My name's Mariah.
Okay.
And I'm from Darien.
It's like 45 minutes away.
And I'm connecting with you.
I'm sorry to interrupt.
No.
But I knew no one with my name growing up, so Really? Any mariahs were, like, in a club.
It's co it's coming up.
- - It's coming up.
- It's now it is.
- We need more mariahs.
- It is.
- There's a Mariah at my work.
- It's the 62nd most popular name.
- Is it is it really? So, would you like to tell us anything about yourself? Um, well, I've had a rough couple of years.
I'm recovering right now, actually, every day battle, from anorexia.
Damn it, I'm gonna cry again.
No.
You're okay.
- You're okay.
- It started I was in junior high, and I felt a lot bigger than the other girls.
When I would eat, I could feel it going to my arms and I could f I could feel it going to my legs, and I hated it.
I hated it.
By High School, I was eating a slice of cheese, like a-an American slice of cheese a day.
I lost a lot of friends.
I mean, there were days when I literally wouldn't get out of bed.
When I got really, really, really sick, I stopped singing.
Like she wasn't Mariah.
Like Mariah's really fun all the time, and she's always energetic and goofy, and she didn't want to do anything.
Anorexia engulfed everything in my life.
I've made a tremendous amount of progress.
If there was no music, I would not be alive.
When I started to sing again, the feeling was like nothing I've ever felt before.
It felt amazing.
This eating disorder did not beat me.
And it will not.
It will not beat me.
All right.
And in my hour of darkness she is standing right in front of me speaking words of wisdom let it be let it be, let it be let it be, let it be whisper words of wisdom let it be and when the brokenhearted people living in this world agree there will be an answer let it be oh whisper words of wisdom let it be - thank you.
- Wow.
- I really, really, really felt that song coming from you.
Yeah.
Thank you.
I really, really am happy that you did that.
Youyou know, your spirit is coming out through your music.
That's all I care about.
Yeah, after all is said and done, that's the one thing that, as a musician, as an artist, you want to tell a story, you know, based on your trials and tribulations, but I think you also have a great voice, and I definitely like you.
Thank you.
- Come on, let me take you in to see this.
- Oh, God.
- You sounded great.
I loved it, loved it.
- Yeah.
You touched me.
I know what it's like to have to sing through tears, and it is really difficult.
I'm proud of you for that, and also for what you're doing in sharing your story.
I can't even imagine how many people out there share the same story.
- Too many.
- I vote yes.
- Ran? - Yes.
- Yes.
You're through to Hollywood.
Whoo! Okay, go get her.
Thank you so much.
- My baby! Thank you so much! - Such a cool family.
- Oh - Thank you for giving her a chance! Please, thank you so much! Oh, God bless her.
She's a great girl.
- Thank you.
Thank you so much.
- Thank you, dear, thank you.
Congratulations, all right? Thank you so much.
Thank you.
Congratulations.
Congrats, family, congrats.
Can't handle it.
Oh, thank you, thank you.
You're a great family.
God bless you.
Wait, did they finish with you? Ryan, she's through to Hollywood, Ryan! - Whoo! - Whoo! This feels beautiful.
I feel beautiful.
For the first time in so long.
Mariah, what is that that ticket that you're clutching? What does that symbolize? Everything! Everything! I never ever wanna let it go! Good day in Chicago, wow.
The cog.
We had some inspiration up in here.
- They helped us today.
- Yes.
They lifted us up.
That's the point of music.
Coming up Even more spectacular talent As day two kicks into high gear.
- One, two, three Yes.
- Whoo! And we'll bring you the amazing story that will have the whole country buzzing tomorrow.
I got a golden ticket right here.
125, 125 - Yeah! - And 400, and 500 Sold it to y'all! Welcome back to Chicago, where the sun has risen on day two of auditions.
- Aah! - Our new foursome is gearing up for round two at the table.
Darling, I have to fix my hair before we say anything to each other.
We've had a lot of luck in Chicago, so let's hope that today is a good one.
- I feel it brewing in my bones.
- I think it's gonna be good.
Chicago is where it's at, brothah.
So, the judges were expecting that same old place sweet home Chicago and the contestants were in fine voice, including first-up Brandy neelly.
I've been a fighter all my life.
It's been kind of a roller coaster ride up and down.
I adopted Brandy when she was just six months old.
She had been placed in foster care by her birth parents.
It was a pretty tragic situation.
Her birth father was my brother, and he and his wife had a lot of physical and emotional issues, and they weren't able to take care of her.
And I just knew I didn't want to wake up and have an 18-year-old kid knock on my door and say, "how did you all let" "this happen to me?" I'm happy my birth father made the decision to, you know, give me away to my aunt because without them in my life I don't think that I would have the opportunities that I have today.
I feel like I'm gonna make it to Hollywood.
Why not me? Why not Brandy neelly? Hello.
- Hi.
- Morning.
- Welcome to Chicago, season 12.
- Hi, Randy.
- What's going on? - Nothing.
I'm Brandy neelly.
- How old are you, Brandy? I'm 17 years old.
And where are you from? Louisville, Kentucky.
- Oh, yeah.
- Hey, we like that louisville.
- Hi, Keith.
- Hi, Brandy.
- I'm kind of star-struck by him.
I like bought your cd when I was I don't even remember what age I was, but I knew every song on it.
Thank you.
- Whoo! - So, tell us about being here.
What does this mean for you? Since I was nine years old, I've wanted to be the next American idol.
My whole family supports me, and I'm just I'm really thankful that I'm here, and I'm excited to sing for you guys.
All right, what're you gonna sing? I'm gonna sing your cheatin' heart by Hank Williams.
Right on.
Cool.
- But sleep won't come the whole night through your cheatin' heart is gonna tell on you when tears come down like fallin' rain you'll toss around and call my name you're gonna walk the floor the way I do your cheatin' heart is gonna tell on you that's a great song choice.
Just the way you did it was great.
You just took it and made it your own.
I love that.
My grandpa used to sing it, and he's been my biggest inspiration and I bet he didn't sing it like that.
No, it was probably a little bit more deeper.
- That's terrific.
I loved it.
- Thank you.
I really enjoyed you.
I think that you're super, super special.
Love the voice.
So much control and presence, and able to command, and make eye contact, and all that stuff.
I think that was really, really, really impressive.
- What'd you think, Mariah? - I loved it too.
- Thanks.
I thought the song choice was amazing, a-plus-mazing.
I love your voice, particularly in this genre.
It's nice to hear such a great song with a beautiful and talented singer, so - Thank you.
Cool beans, I liked it.
I mean, I-I loved it too.
I mean I loved it from note one.
I was like, whoa, okay.
- Yeah.
- Keith, yes or no? - That's a yes for me.
- Thank you.
- Nicki? - 1,000% yes.
- Mariah? - Yes.
- Yes, you're going to Hollywood! - Whoo! - All right, Brandy! Great job, Brandy! You did it, girl, you did it! Great job, baby, come here.
- Oh, thank you.
- Really good voice.
Yeah, beautiful voice.
Amazing control.
Don't cry, mom, come on.
- I can't help it.
- - Somebody's gotta be cheesy for the camera.
This ticket means absolutely everything to me.
You know, I'm just really excited to show America what I got, and America, here I come.
Whoo! So, we're one for one on day two.
But perhaps the stars were just beginning to appear.
Tell us your name.
- My name's Josh holiday.
- What're you gonna sing for us? I'm gonna sing back at one by Brian mcknight.
Let's hear it.
Say farewell to the dark of night I see the coming of the sun and I feel like a little child whose life has just begun oh you came and breathed new life into this lonely heart of mine you threw out the lifeline just in the Nick of time.
All right, now.
I love that.
All right, well, listen, I like your voice.
I think you definitely got something something cool going on there, man.
A lot of talent.
And the tone is a tone that we haven't heard yet.
I don't think anyone in the competition sounds like you.
And I think it's an exciting sound.
Just vote, you guys.
Keith urban.
That's a yes for me.
And it's a yes for me.
- It is a yes for me, yes.
- Hollywood! - Yeah! - All right! - Whoo! - All right! - Yes! - And things at the planetarium just kept getting better as Chicago's talent went out of this world.
- Hello.
- Hi.
- Yeah.
Don't you know I sit around with my head hanging down and I wonder who's loving You - yes.
- Yeah.
- Nice, very nice.
- Very nice.
- It's like thunder lightning the way you love me is frightening I better knock On wood - whoo! - Baby.
- I like you, man.
It was pretty incredible.
You should be very, very, very proud of yourself.
- Should we vote? - Yes.
- Hollywood, Hollywood! - Whoo! Thank you! Thank you, thank you, thank you! Whoo! I will become a star for you, Randy.
But our next star had yet to be discovered By his parents.
How long have you been singing songs, performing? I never did it Why is everybody laughing? I don't get the joke.
- We've never heard him.
- What do you mean never heard him? We've never heard him sing.
Not even practice at home, ever.
Now, why is that? It wasn't intentional.
It wasn't like I, you know, meant to do it or kept it from them all these years, it just kinda happened.
But uh, I guess that all changes today.
- Hello.
- How's it going? - How are you? - Pretty good.
- What's your name, where you from? Clifton duff in.
I'm from country club hills, Illinois.
This is amazing.
I can't believe the first time you're gonna hear him sing is here.
Are you nervous? - Kind of.
- Why didn't you want them to hear it? You know, it was just that I didn't feel as confident in it to share with somebody else.
- Secret squirrel, okay.
- - Um, all right.
Well, let's hope that it's good.
I mean, let's go.
What're you gonna sing? One of my mother's favorite songs was superstar by Luther vandross.
- Oh, love that.
Do that.
Whoo.
- I love that song.
- Okay.
- I love that song.
- You got it.
Don't you remember you told me you loved me baby you said you were coming back this way again, yeah baby, baby, baby, baby oh baby, yeah - wow, wow.
- Look.
- [Hsla.
- Oh, my God.
- You can come over, mom and dad.
- Come on in, mom and dad.
Mom and dad.
- Yay.
- Oh, my gosh.
Mom.
Oh, my God.
Oh, my God.
- Hello, everybody.
- Come on, stand up.
- Hi.
I thought you did a really, really great job.
I would've assumed that you'd been singing in front of everybody, so just to know that you haven't and you've kind of been keeping it a secret I think is so inspirational for a lot of people who probably have the desire to do something like this and are too afraid.
I loved it.
I loved it, and I really enjoy your journey, because I can I can relate to it.
When I was little I would sing by myself, like you were saying, off by yourself, just just to like escape from whatever, so it really hit my heart in a real way.
Yeah.
I lost it looking over at you watching your boy, you know? We never heard him sing.
All these years.
It was beautiful just looking over and watching the two of you there, man, I was like, you know, a little kid with mom and dad watching, and there's just something beautiful about that.
Yes.
I'm so glad you two were here.
And you've got a real diamond-in-the-rough voice.
It's raw talent.
You're just born with it.
I loved it.
So, should we vote, you guys? Yes.
- Yeah.
- Let's vote.
- Keith? - Oh, it's a yes for me.
- I say yes.
- I say yes.
- Oh, my God.
- I say yes.
- Guess what.
Congratulations.
You're going to Hollywood! Congratulations.
- Yes! Thank all of you guys.
- Yeah, nice to meet you.
- Oh Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you guys.
Thank you, thank you.
Nice to meet you, sir.
How you doing? Look at this.
Oh, my God, thank you.
There you go, buddy.
Congratulations.
My mother never heard me rap.
Your mother never heard you? Like before I made it, she never heard me.
I would never rap in front of my mother.
Oh, thank you, Jesus.
Oh With me, I just was like, "my "mother shouldn't be listening to no damn rap music.
" This is great.
We're gonna come back with more auditions after this in Chicago.
Senior, congratulations.
Thank you.
- Coming up - Yes, darling, yes! - Thank you.
More outstanding auditions - Whoa.
- You have a beautiful voice.
Including the man who beat incredible odds.
Be there for the first historic steps on his idol journey.
The day two auditions are underway in Chicago, and the new judges are feeling right at home.
- Happy days, Nicki.
- Happy days are here again.
- Arriba! But what Nicki doesn't know is that this might be a Mariah kind of town.
I'm just nervous to see Mariah Carey Like, in person, oh! I've been a fan of hers forever.
It'd be like my dream to be able to sing in front of her.
Oh! I am so excited.
So excited.
And the next contestant is a hometown girl looking for some camera time with her favorite judge.
I'm very excited to meet Mariah Carey, because she's my idol.
She's a great singer.
I mean, I loved her since I've been born, and she'd apparently been born for me.
Hi, sweetheart.
- Hello.
What's your name, baby? - Iesha.
I'm a professional dancer.
Can you dance a little bit? Okay.
Let her sing could she sing first? I mean, whatever you wanna do.
I wanna see her dance.
You wanna see me dance? A little bit, yeah.
- Outvoted, I guess.
- - Oh, yeah.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
Hey.
- Oh.
- Hey.
Oh - hey, oh.
Wow.
- Yeah.
- Hello.
- What're you gonna sing for us today, baby? Um, ashanti, thank you.
Right on.
- I - Mm.
- I Just wanna say that I'm thankful for having you in my life I wanna say thank you I wanna say I wanna say thank you for being in my life I wanna say thank you and I miss you - all right.
- Yeah.
Mariah, what'd you think? Yes, sir? I was gonna delicately suggest that perhaps you want to stay more with the dancing thing.
Okay.
But I think you're very cute.
Thank you.
Baby, you're tone deaf, really, I mean, you can't really even hear the notes.
So the singing thing is really not quite your thing, you know what I mean? No, I mean, just being honest, just keeping it real with you.
Nicki, don't you agree? What? All right.
Let's vote.
Mariah, what do you say? Well, you know how I feel, and Yes or no? It's a really positive thing, so yes.
- Mariah said yes.
- Did I say yes? - You said yes.
Because you distracted me and made me say yes.
I made you say yes? 'Cause you said, "yes or no?" And I was like, oh, hell.
I really meant no.
I apologize, iesha.
- It's okay.
And I apologize to the rest of the panel.
- Nicki, what do you say? I'll say no.
I have to say no too, baby.
But the dancing is excellent.
Thank you.
Dancing was on point.
Thank you so much, iesha.
Thank you, baby.
iesha.
That song.
I still remember that song.
- Ha, ha, ha, ha - When I was a little girl - Any luck? - No, oh - It's okay, we had fun.
- Was it close? - Yeah, it was okay.
- Yeah? What happened? They said I'm better off dancing.
So hopefully I can make it on next year.
- All right.
Next in was someone actually making their return journey season 11's Johnny keyser.
Hi.
- Hey.
- Hello, how's it going? - Oh, yeah - How are you? - Great.
How are you? - Good.
Do you have a girlfriend? Nope.
Really? Really.
Okay.
Um, what're you gonna sing? - Sing try a little tenderness.
- Hmm.
- Nice.
Try a little tenderness and all you gotta do is man hold her when you want.
Yeah.
You gotta squeeze her don't tease her never leave now - a-ha.
- Now try a little tenderness now you gotta know what to do take this advice you gotta squeeze her don't tease her never leave her got to, got to now, now, now try a little tenderness.
Yeah.
Johnny's back.
Well, Keith, you seem to be really excited.
I am, I am.
You're not gonna be girlfriend-less for long.
I thought it was great.
I like your voice, I like your style, I mean, this is like in a nanosecond we gotta, like, hear everything that you do, and you gotta feel comfortable in this strange setting.
And I thought given all that, I liked everything that I heard.
Thank you very much.
Yeah, man.
Yes, uh, Randy Jackson? What I like when people come back, like yourself, and you show that you really want this, and you're here to prove that you're really worth it, hopefully you've done some work so that you won't crash and burn this time, but dude, you still have an amazing voice.
Thank you, Johnny 5.
What I think is Uh, Carey? I was about see? You are so spaced out.
Y'all were thinking the same thought.
I was about to hand it out to you.
Welcome to the family, "Johnny.
- I was about to say "Give it to my cojudge.
Mariah " No, I was about to say, "Carey.
" Oh, and I was about to say, "beep.
" Anyway, Johnny - You are a star, in my opinion.
I thought you killed the so I love that song.
Mm, great song.
You have a gift, and I think you have star quality.
And, um, yeah.
- Thank you so much.
Thank you, Carey.
- You're welcome - Thank you, Carey.
Name I won't say, in case there's little kids watching the show, because it's such a.
Oh, sit down.
- I am sitting down.
- You're dismissed.
- This lady - So, Johnny 5 - Such a sweet girl.
You are very handsome, I did like your voice, and, um, I like there's a twinkle in your eye, if I must say that myself.
Mm, twinkle.
So, Johnny, let's all vote.
- - Keithy? - It's a yes for me.
And that's a yes for moi.
Mr.
Jackson, if you're nasty? Whoa.
Uh, yes, yes.
Miss Carey, what do you vote? Yes, darling, yes! Abso-friggin'-lutely.
Thank you guys so much.
Thank you, thank you.
- Bye, Johnny 5.
- Hollywood, Johnny 5! - There it is! Whoo-hoo! You're no stranger to that move, coming out with the golden ticket, but this time we need to make sure you stick around.
Yeah, yeah, I agree.
Ah, I'm going to Hollywood a again, again.
May I ask you one question before we begin? - Yes.
If you think I'm destined for the bloopers reel in a way that would embarrass my mother or my family, I will leave right now.
My name is kezban.
I'm 27.
I am a up-and-coming, but beginner, fire performer.
I also do balloon animals.
[Balloon Being a street performer is a ton of fun.
I always liked to show off a little bit.
I still like attention.
I can't lie about that.
That's cool.
I don't expect to win.
Um, in fact, it would be better if some, you know, 17-year-old, cute, little girl who was like, "it's my dream" It's always been my dream It's my dream to be the next American idol.
This is the dream.
I would rather her win, but I would like to go to Hollywood.
- For that one special - Oh, yeah.
They say she ties something around her boot.
There's been an accident.
That's that thing when they yeah, an accident.
Yeah.
My name is kezban.
People call me kezban.
My name is Catherine sourbeer.
- Sourbeer? - Kezmon? - Kezban.
- Where you from? - I am from north Carolina.
Planet earth.
And, uh, tell me about yourself.
What do you do for a living? I am a singer/songwriter, a street musician, and I am a fire performer.
Have you ever had any accidents, lighting yourself on fire? I burned down a tomato plant, and the hairs on my chinny-chin-chin one other time.
- Oh, dear.
- You have hairs on your chin? - I do.
Not anymore, she was just saying that.
Not anymore, I burned 'em off, burned 'em off.
Are you in a relationship at all? Do we have to go there? I'm just wondering if you have any old flames.
That's okay, so we're just Whoa, Keith, badum, bum, bam.
- Ha - All right, now.
- Ah All right.
And what're you gonna sing? I want to sing you one with my guitar that's original, 'cause my heart is where my songwriting is.
But I was planning to sing Pinocchio.
I got no strings to hold me down to make me fret or make me frown got no strings so you can see got no strings on me hi-ho, the me-ri-o that's the only way to go.
Let's hear the guitar.
- I liked it.
- It was good.
Been out here wanderin' underneath an azure sky I'm gonna keep on wanderin' till my days on God's green earth are done you might find me by the side of the road in that old train yard you might find me on the corner a smile on my face strumming on my guitar wandered on through that pouring rain through that Chicago snow I'm gonna keep on wanderin' lord I'm wanderin' till the day I die been out here wanderin' underneath an azure sky I'm gonna keep on wanderin' till my days on God's green earth are done I'm gonna keep on wanderin' lord, I'm wanderin' till the day I die - aw, yeah.
- Nice.
- Thank you.
- Nice, very nice.
I like you; Very interesting.
Thank you.
You wrote that song, right? Me and my buddy co-wrote it together.
Yeah.
I loved the song, I loved seeing you play, hearing you play and sing at the same time.
- Yeah, man.
- And, you know, I can feel the realness in you, that you really are that person that you're singing about.
Oh, she's everything.
She's definitely real.
Don't you think, Nicki? Mmhmm.
You're very captivating.
You told your story so beautifully, you took me into your world, I believe you, I want to pay to come to the show, yeah.
- Keith? - I like your voice a lot.
- One, two, three, four Yes.
You're through to Hollywood.
You're all right! - Welcome to Hollywood.
- Well done, Katie.
- Kezban.
There you go.
Congratulations.
Thank you.
How does it feel? It feels, uh if you want a lot of excitement, you're gonna have to wait till the shock wears off.
Oh, you're in total shock? I'm in total shock.
You didn't see that coming.
I had a feeling that it was possible, but I just thought I was a little too bizarre.
Wow, quirky, interesting.
- Yeah, interesting.
- Loved.
Loved.
- Love.
- Congratulations.
- Thank you.
- Good job.
- Thank you.
- We'll see you in Hollywood.
- All right.
All right, bye.
Actually, I'll see you for the next three hours filling out paperwork, right? Right on.
Well, and it's-it won't take that long, it'll be quick.
Just kidding.
Is there any way I can schedule another day to do it? 'Cause, uhlike tomorrow? Yeah, what I would do is I would talk to the person at the desk.
'Cause it's getting real late now, that's all.
- Yeah.
But if not, I will I'd be willing for certain I would negotiate that with the person at the desk.
Okay, and not you.
I'm sorry about that, that is It is not within my authority or realm of jurisdiction.
You're a little ab ab no, no, it'd actually be I'm under the paperwork.
Wow, okay.
So am I, I guess.
I'm gonna be sitting underneath a pile of it in a few minutes here.
I think it's easy, I think it's easy.
That's okay, though.
I shouldn't have they're do you want me to redo that entrance thing? No, no, no, you're perfect.
Okay, cool.
Don't worry.
Thanks.
You're eh -very thing I ever want and you're everything I need mama.
Yeah, I actually hated that.
- And I - Please.
- Am Telling you I'm not going - next.
Ooh, gave you all I had and you tossed it in the trash you tossed it in the trash you did.
Oh, come on.
Them.
- What's your problem? - Get the camera out of my face! I'm about to knock this out right now.
Just leave me alone, please.
If you air this, I swear to God What the is your problem? - Go on.
- Oh, my gosh.
This was a waste of my time.
- Why the hell are you laughing? - Because I think it's funny.
Forget American idol, I am done.
As the sun begins to set on our Chicago auditions, it's a good thing our next contestant is a true musical theater aficionado.
I'm Ashley curry.
I attend St.
Mary's university, and I am studying musical theater.
I love singing because I was taught it at a very young age.
I have a twin sister, and we did everything alike, and that was the one thing that separated me from her.
High five, sister.
You're going to Hollywood.
She's always giving me advice.
One of her biggest things is believe in myself more, because I'm just not a confident person.
It's the new Ashley.
Yeah.
When people hear my voice, they say it's really good and that it's nothing like they've really heard before.
When I walk into that room today, I'm going to be myself and shine.
Next! - Hi.
- Hello.
- Hi.
Hi.
What's your name, where are you from, and how old are you, darling? Please tell us.
I'm Ashley curry.
I'm 19 years old.
I'm from homewood-flossmoor, Illinois, but I go to school in Minnesota.
Okay.
So, you're going to school, and you're studying what? Musical theater.
Musical theater.
What're you gonna sing for us? Mamma knows best by jessie j.
Oh.
well There's something going down - of course, of course.
- Like the stars in the sky ooh I ain't gonna be played by your behavior.
Mine? How can I trust someone who's lying to me, no so bow out and go I said bow out and leave I said take your stuff and go 'cause you're not for me no.
Oh, come on.
Mamma knows best when times get hard and papa always has a joke to make me laugh.
- You sing in the theater? - Yes.
- Is the sound off? - No, but I didn't start at the note that I wanted to be.
Nicki? Um If you had the right vocal coach, you could do a lot with your voice.
Really?- - Can I do mamma knows best one more time in the right key? 'Cause I really feel like you guys would enjoy it.
Just one more time.
No, baby.
Randy has said - well Ah! The stars in the sky.
The sky is broken! I ain't gonna be played by your behavior how can I trust someone - I can't - Who's lying to me, no - help! - So bow out now.
- Help me! - Run for cover! Run for cover.
Everybody run for cover.
I'm sorry, that just took me by surprise.
I was gonna did not expect that.
You can't just sneak that up on us like that.
I was gonna change my mind and say no again.
You got-you gotta prep prep things for that.
You can't sneak things up, you can't do that.
That's a weapon right there.
Shocking, shocking vocals.
Shocking.
I've never heard you use that - baby, baby, no.
- - Okay.
The singing thing this is trust me.
I know it's hard to come here, for us to tell you that, but somebody should've told you before.
- Okay, okay.
- But she can work on 'em, Randy.
- No way! - No.
- Yeah.
Stop! It's way in there, must be Miles in there.
But nobody can stop her from working on it, so Yeah, you can work on it for yourself, yeah.
- You you're so pretty.
She's beautiful.
- Beautiful girl.
- You do theater, right? - Right, exactly.
Show us like a monologue.
Oh, wait a minute.
Here, let's do a scene.
Ready? The three of us are sisters, and um We won't let her go to the ball.
Yeah, 'cause I'm cinderella.
- Wow, wow.
- - I'm cinderella, darling.
Yeah, so, act it out.
- Cinderella.
You're going to the ball.
No, but we've switched it so we're both cinderella, and she's the evil sister.
- well And she's singing! No! That's what it was like no, come on! Let's vote! Let's vote! I love that she does that.
- No! - I ain't gonna be played.
- I ain't gonna be played by nobody, yeah.
How can I trust someone that is awesome.
Who's lying to me, no.
I'm not lying to you, it's terrible.
It's a no for today.
I'm not laughing at her.
I'm not lying to you, it's a no.
Tell me about your daughter.
Well, she's been singing for a while.
She loves to perform.
She never stops singing.
- No, she doesn't.
- Ever.
- No, she doesn't.
- They told me singing wasn't for me.
- Oh, that's okay.
- No, really? - I was shocked.
- It is for you.
It's for you.
It's okay, it's just not for American idol.
I think that they must've gotten tired or something.
I don't know what really happened at all, but it was just it was very, very strange for me; I didn't expect that at all.
She's got a golden ticket in her heart.
She'll be fine.
After the break, his story and his voice will move you to tears.
Wow.
- Don't miss this incredible idol moment.
It's now 8:00 P.
M.
, and we are nearing the end of our Chicago auditions.
Wow.
This is getting wild.
Must be the end of the day.
Chicago.
There is one last voice ready to be heard.
Are you excited about today? - Yeah.
- A little bit nervous? - Yeah.
- A lot nervous? - Yeah.
- Hey, hello.
- Hi.
How are you, handsome? - Good.
- Tell me your name, and how old you are, where you're from.
- My name is lazaro.
- Okay.
- I'm from, um C-Cuba.
Okay.
And I moved To Florida When I was 10.
Tell me about the way you speak.
Is that something you're working on, or It's like a r-roller coaster.
Living with a stutter is really hard, 'cause, um, like, the things that normal people would think would be so so easy becomes so hard for me.
We don't know where my stuttering came from, 'cause, um, you know, it's just something that that goes on, and no one really knows why.
No one wanted to hang out with me in school.
I had no friends to go out with, so I'd be home.
So, yeah.
Ever since I was, um, small, I've always wanted to sing.
I've always told myself, you know, it's not going good now, but you can't let things get you down 'cause you 'cause you have to keep going.
What are you gonna sing for - us? - I'm gonna sing Br br idge over t troubled water.
Bridge over troubled water? Okay.
Great song, great choice.
Beautiful song.
Amazing song.
When you're weary feeling small when tears are in your eyes I will dry them all hm.
- I'm on your side when times get rough and friends just can't be found like a bridge over troubled water I will lay me down like a bridge over troubled waters I will lay me down.
Mm.
- Wow.
Wow.
- Nice.
- Just sing all the time.
Wow.
- - Yeah.
Beautiful voice.
Randy, what do you think? Very pleasant.
Really, really nice, man.
I love your voice.
It's amazing that, like, the stammer doesn't happen when you sing.
Yeah.
So, Keith just said, "just sing all" the time, just sing all the time.
" Yeah.
Your story is very, very inspiring.
I think you brought a really great vibe into the room, so I love your tone, I love the way you sing.
I love that you did that song.
That's one of my all-time favorite songs.
- Mm-hmm.
It's just so it just elicits so much emotion.
- Thank you.
I think you have a beautiful voice.
- I love you so much.
I thank you.
So, let's vote.
I feel like this is gonna be unanimous, guys, so should we do it together? - I'm ready.
One, two, three - Yes! - Welcome to Hollywood.
- Very good job.
- You oh, my God.
- Give me a hug.
Oh, my God, look at you.
You're adorable.
You're gonna do great.
Very good job, very good.
[Screams, Isn't it amazing that when he sings, it goes away? Thank you.
Good job.
Thank you.
Bye.
And that's it for today in Chicago.
Lazaro's inspiring story of courage will continue when he finds us in Hollywood, along with 46 other idol hopefuls who breezed through the windy city with golden tickets.
- One, two, three Yes! - Yeah! - - Whoo! - Triple-quadruple-quintoplet yes.
Chicago was unbelievable.
Remarkable.
- Nicki! - Thank you.
- Excellent.
Chicago rocked.
Bye, Chicago.
Big kiss.
Mwah.
- Next week, we're running flat out.
- Oh! As Charlotte gives us a clean chute.
I gotta say Cuba's a huge inspiration to me.
You're going to Hollywood! But will they get a little loose in the turns? Something about that was scary.
Think I could get a handshake or something? No.
We're burning rubber straight off the line.
One, two, three.
- Yes! - Better fasten your seat belts, because this is where it all happens.
I hate the hippo thing.
No, I under I'm not We're tryingto help her.
- You always do.
Go ahead.
- Maybe I should just get off.