American Idol: The Search For A Superstar s12e06 Episode Script
Auditions No.6
1 [Indistinct chatter.]
- Okay, do I look right there? - Right in the camera.
- Okay.
- All righty.
One, two, three.
- Oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - all: oh - Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain and the waving wheat - I'm glad they chose my city-- Oklahoma city, that is.
- Circles in the sky - I made it to Oklahoma city! - Gonna be a long day.
- It's hot.
I'm ready to see Ryan seacrest.
I hear he might be showing up.
- Will we find our next singing superstar here on our first trip to the sooner state? This is Oklahoma city, and this is American Idol.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Yeah [Upbeat techno music.]
- Well, this is a really cool, exclusive sneak peak of how they take that beginning opening shot of the Oklahoma city episode of American Idol.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Good morning, o.
K.
C.
! Good morning, good morning, good morning! [Cheers and applause.]
Season 12 has brought us to Oklahoma city.
We heard there was about 9,000 people out here.
And when they see what we're bringing [man speaking indistinctly overa.]
This place will never be the same.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Electronic music.]
- how you doing, guys? Welcome to the American idol auditions, everybody! Nicki, Nicki, Nicki, who's the next American Idol? - I have no idea.
- I am at the desk getting registered.
- This state has some astounding artists-- Vince gill, reba mcentire, uh, garth Brooks, uh, Ronnie Dunn, Carrie - Carrie Underwood! The greatest American Idol to date! [Cheers and applause.]
- The story of Carrie Underwood started in the exact same spot where you are starting today.
It could be you.
We want it to be you! Is the next American Idol in Oklahoma city? The contestants will face our judges at the Devon boathouse, an olympic rowing training facility.
- Hello, my darling.
How are you? - Fantastic.
- So you--you smell good.
- Mariah Carey! [Cheers and applause.]
- I just want to say, have a great time.
Do your best.
Really, don't let anything get-- I love you too.
I love you so much.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Oklahoma the sooner state.
- Here we are.
Wow.
How beautiful.
This is beautiful.
- It's great, right? - Yeah.
- Let's go rowing after this.
- [Laughing.]
I know, right? - You know, this season we took our idol bus on what we call the "small town audition tour.
" It gave us a chance to see contestants from all walks of life.
- I'm just gonna clap it, and something awesome's gonna happen.
Is it time? - Go.
- whoo whoo hoo ooh ooh - yeah, I'm Karl Skinner.
My name is Karl Skinner.
I'm 26 years old.
And I'm from joplin, Missouri.
Well, I came out and auditioned initially because I really had no excuse when the bus came right through my town and was only a few blocks from my house.
[Horn honks.]
[Cheers and applause.]
That was fun.
- What do you do in joplin? Oh, I live there.
- Yeah? Are you married? I'm married to my wonderful wife, Kim.
- Excellent.
And how's Kim? - Oh, she's great.
I married my wife in march.
She makes every day better.
She makes waking up worth it.
- Ready to impress the panel? - That's a redundant question.
That's all I want to do.
All I want to do right now is just run in there and be like, "hey, I'm Karl! Hey!" And just go for it.
- Here we go! - Hi.
- How you guys doing? - First one in.
- Am I allowed to move around at all? Yeah.
I gotta move around.
If I'm not moving around, it's gonna just--it's stale.
[Laughter.]
Let's do this.
- What's your name, baby? Where you from? - My name's Karl Skinner.
I'm from joplin, Missouri.
- Okay, let's hear what you got to sing.
- I'm gonna prove gingers have soul now.
- Okay, baby, let's go! He seems like a sweet guy.
- He is very sweet.
Docile, ballad singer.
- No, not docile.
- Not docile? - Hey! I feel good - whoo! Dance it, baby.
- I knew that I would now - whoo! - I feel good - [Laughing.]
I love him.
- Just like I knew that I would now - wow.
- So good so good I got you - uh, uh, uh, uh - oh! - Oh, whoa.
Come on.
Where did they get this bus from? - Do you play? You play guitar too? - I play that too.
- Oh, really? - Come on, you gotta play that.
- Play something on the guitar.
- You gotta play that.
Don't smash it, just-- - show us your diversity.
- Do you have something with passion? [Laughter.]
- Do I have some--well, gosh, I hope so.
This is one I wrote.
- Okay.
- Well, I just can't change it the way that I feel for you you just may hate it but I just can't shake it this love is real - mm? - Okay.
- Some folks you love but they don't love you back - oh, my God.
Okay.
- You give 'em your all you give 'em your all and they keep asking for more - okay.
- All right.
- Nice.
- Nice, man.
Wow.
- Okay, very nice.
- What do you want to be as an artist? Who do you see--I mean, what-- what--I-- - I wanna be "uncomparable.
" "Uncomparable.
" - Well, you've achieved that.
You've definitely achieved that.
- I like this guy.
He's wild.
He definitely lit up the room.
- I like him.
- You lit up the room.
- When you put the guitar up, i felt like that was, like, restricting that monster inside of you.
- Well, you don't have to have this.
- See, look, he's ready to go.
- Elvis had a guitar.
- He'll do whatever.
That's it, baby.
- But whatever people want me to do, I'm gonna do it.
Let's have a good time.
[Laughter.]
- Oh, yeah? - I love this guy! - No.
Um - You could be an idol mascot, dude.
I like you.
- Yeah, I could see him doing something like what Ryan seacrest does.
- Yes, a better Ryan seacrest.
Let me hear you say, "American Idol.
" - American Idol.
- Yes! - Oh! Oh, my God.
- Perfect.
- Call fox now.
- Ryan, watch out, dude.
- He's definitely lit up the room.
- Would you hurry up and vote? - Ryan - Let's vote already.
This could be your replacement.
- I'm out there with his wife, Kim, and we're ready for the vote.
- I'm the only one trying to stick up for you! - All right, thank you.
- I'm sorry, Ryan! Can you guys vote? - I said yes.
- I'm gonna say yes.
- I'm--I'm gonna say yes.
- I'll say yes! Yes.
It's a yes.
It's-- you got four yeses.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Yes! - Thank you! Thanks.
- So I'm safe? - Yes, you're safe.
- Well, Ryan, he's very good.
- Well, I don't know.
- Congratulations.
- Introducing American Idol.
- He said "American Idol" good too.
- He did.
- I love you.
- We got this.
We got this.
- I like you.
- Both: Uhh! - Oh, all right.
- We're chest bumping.
- Let's go.
- We're chest bumping.
Both: Uhh! I'm hurting Ryan seacrest here.
It does hurt.
[Cheering.]
After the break, the Oklahoma talent - Four yeses! - Proves it's more than just okay.
- You were amazing.
- Thank you so much.
- All: Yes! - You guys love Oklahoma? - The wind comes sweepin' down the plain.
- And you'll meet the woman you'll be talking about all day tomorrow.
- I am obsessed with you.
- Me too! [Laughter.]
[Upbeat techno music.]
- Hey, Keith.
- Hi.
How you doing? - Hey, buddy.
- It this too close? - I'm sorry you guys, but down there-- I don't know if you have a lot of room, but I could fall off.
- No, Keith can move down a little bit.
- Do you mind, Randy? I don't want you to-- but just a little bit.
- The judges are settling in nicely.
[Upbeat music.]
- And so far, it's a beautiful start to the auditions.
- Hi.
- Can Oklahoma keep it going? - no, no, no, no no, no, no-oh - oh, boy.
- I a't got no plans and the sound of the rain on my windowpane - oh.
- Is slowly driving me insane - me too.
- [Laughing.]
What is going on? - Okay, anytime? - Go for it.
- How do I get all the women - [Trills tongue.]
- In the palms of my hands? - [Laughs.]
- What are you gonna sing, my darling? - Super bass.
- Okay.
- excuse me, you're a hell of a guy I mean, my, my, my, my like pelican fly I mean, you're so shy I'm loving your tie you're, like, slicker than the guy with a thing on his eye, uhh - well, glad you got that out your system.
- I could do another so.
Ng - all: No.
[Upbeat music.]
- Come on in here, dog.
- it's not about the money money, money it's not about your money money, money I'm gonna make the world dance forget about the price tag it's not about the - both: ba-bling, ba-bling it's not about the cha-ching, cha-ching gonna make the world dance forget about the price tag [laughter.]
- The answer is no, but I love you.
- Thank you.
- what is happening in Oklahoma, man? - I don't know, Randy.
- Wow.
- But over in the holding room, there's plenty going on including one very quiet conversation.
- My name's Nate tao.
I'm 24 years old, and I'm an American sign language teacher.
- Tell me about your family.
- Well, the reason I know sign language is both my parents are deaf.
[Mellow music.]
When I first started to sing, my parents were not so Receptive.
They were probably thinking, like, "what if Nate sucks?" Like, "what if he's completely horrible? We have no idea.
" - Ready for this? - Let's see what happens.
- You look relaxed.
- Yeah.
- Cool, calm, and collected.
- Yeah, it's good.
- Well, let's send you in there--good luck.
- Thank you.
I think if I make it to Hollywood, my parents will definitely think, "yeah, okay, maybe he has some talent, okay?" You know, without having to hear it, they can believe it.
- Hi.
- Hello! - How are you? - Good, man.
How you doing? - Great.
- What's your name? - Uh, my name's Nate-- Nate tao.
- Where are you from, Nate? - I'm from Reston, Virginia.
- And do you have family here today, someone supporting you? - I do.
My dad's here.
- And is he musical at all? - Um, not really.
Both of my parents are deaf.
- Wow.
- Wow.
So do you sign in your house? - Yeah, yeah.
And you're the only singer in the family? - Yes, that's for sure.
Yes.
- Right on.
And what are you gonna sing today? - For once in my life by Stevie wonder.
- Okay.
- Great song.
- Yeah.
- For once in my life I have someone who needs me someone I've needed so long for once unafraid I can go where life leads me somehow, I know I'll be strong for once I can say this is mine you can't take it as long as I know I have love I can make it for once in my life I have someone who needs me - yeah.
- That's - What'd you think, Mariah? - I enjoyed it! Stevie wonder is my favorite artist.
It's a great song, and I thought you did a really nice rendition.
- Thank you so much.
Really nice--beautiful voice.
I like your charisma.
I mean, you--it's clear that you have a really nice, unique tone for a guy.
- Yeah.
- I like you too, man.
It's very unassuming.
You walked in with the tie on.
You look like you're about to do my taxes or something or you're a lawyer or doctor or something.
- Yeah, well.
.
- You got a very nice voice.
- Man, I liked you.
I like you, Nate.
- Thank you.
- Seems like singing is easy, and so listening to it is really easy, and it's effortless and beautiful.
Randy? - Yes! - Nicki? - Yes.
- Mariah? - Yes.
- It's a yes from me too, Nate--you're goi to Hollywood.
Welcome to Hollywood, baby! - Congratulations! Give mom and dad kisses for us.
- All right! - Oh! - They all said yes, which was a huge compliment coming from some really amazing people.
My dad says he wants to teach you sign.
- Okay.
- "Congratulations.
" And "I love you.
" "I love you.
" Yep.
[Laughter.]
- How do we say "superstar" in sign language? - Ooh - There we go.
- I just want to make sure.
- That's what we're looking for.
- I hope so.
- We're looking for it.
- Whoo! Hey, mom and dad, thank you for your support.
I love you.
I'll see you later.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- So number 15, please.
- All right, in place.
We are moving.
We are moving.
Do what you gotta do.
Be where you gotta be.
- Hey, man, is there some kind of echo in here when we speak? - Is there some kind of echo in here when we speak? [Laughter.]
- Funny, Keith! - Funny, Keith.
- Okay, guys, all jokes aside, it's time to get serious.
- Yes, hello, out there.
I'm Oscar.
I'm 17 years old from Vernon, Texas.
I am a dog.
And this is my friend hayley.
- Well, hi, Oscar.
It's good to be here with you today.
- Uh-huh.
[Goofy music.]
- I'm Ryan.
- Oh, that's awkward, isn't it? - Well, I mean, that's awkward.
- [Laughs.]
- You brought that to the party.
- I know.
- So does Oscar speak? - Yes, he does speak.
- Okay.
Oscar, how are you? - [As oscar.]
I'm pretty good.
How are you? I've been a ventriloquist since I was nine years old.
My mom just bought me a little puppet, and one day I was like, "mom, look!" And just, pfft! I mean, just did this whole little act.
Oscar, can you say hello? - I ain't goin' to.
- Pretty sure she got me checked by, like, several doctors, thinking I was so strange.
[Laughing.]
- Is she a good singer? - Oh, she's great.
- All right, we're gonna send you both in, so - Okay.
- Ready? Ready? - I am ready.
- I'm ready.
- You are? Okay.
All right.
I'm confused.
Good luck.
- Thank you.
- Uh-oh.
- Whoa! Okay.
- Thank you.
- It's about time.
It's about time.
- I'm so excited.
Hi.
- It's about time for someone crazy.
- What's your name? - I'm hayley hilburn.
- No, I was asking - Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm really surprised he didn't talk before me.
[As oscar.]
Yes, hello, out there.
I'm Oscar, to all you foxy chicks out there today.
Of course, of course.
[Laughing.]
Okay.
- Who's auditioning today? - Well, it's been really difficult, because he's really tried to take the spotlight, but I guess we're both auditioning today, so - A duet.
- Yes, we're doing a duet.
- Hmm.
Okay.
- Okay.
- Where y'all from? - Vernon, Texas.
- And she just got married? - She did, to this guy.
- Oh, you're the husband? - The husband.
- Do you get jealous of Oscar? - He gets a little more attention sometimes.
- He's getting a lot of attention.
- He's getting a lot of attention today, yeah.
Yeah.
- I wanna be your cowboy sweetheart I wanna learn to rope and ride through the hills the plains, and the deserts and the big old great divide I wanna hear the coyote singin' [Oscar howls.]
- What is this? - [Laughing.]
What is going on? - as the sun sets in the west I wanna be your cowboy sweetheart that's the life I love the best [Oscar yodeling.]
- Wow.
- [As oscar.]
Thank you.
Thank you.
- This is wild.
What is this? - If you were out there as an artist on tour, would Oscar open for you? Would it be like you and Oscar? - I mean, I don't understand how to vote.
I'm a little confused.
Can I sing something else without the puppet? Let's get 15 seconds from you just singing by yourself.
- Okay.
- Here we go.
- Thank you.
free for you wherever you need, yeah we'll be free together, baby yeah I'm gonna love you more than anyone I'm gonna love you more than anyone - thank you.
- I think Oscar's holding you back.
[Laughter.]
And, see, he knows it right now.
- Yeah.
- You see that look he's got going on? He knows it's done.
- Get up! Get up! - He knows it's over.
- Yes.
- Baby, you can sing.
- Thank you.
- I loved it.
- Yeah, I think Oscar--you guys are gonna have to sever the ties a little bit for you to pursue your career.
- Yes, ma'am.
- And I think you have a beautiful voice.
- Thank you.
- I like you.
Thank you.
I really do.
I think your voice is pretty.
So my vote is yes.
- Thank you.
- And it's a yes from me, if we're voting.
Are we voting? I'm confused.
- Yeah, let's vote.
- Yeah, that's two yeses.
That was a yes from you--Keith? - That's a yes from me.
We got three yeses.
Randy I was gonna say no.
But we got three yeses.
That means - Three yeses, baby girl.
- You're through to Hollywood.
- Whoo! [Applause.]
- Bye.
- [Squeals.]
- Bold move bringing out Oscar--very bold.
[All screaming.]
- Come on, get over here! [All cheering.]
- Good job.
- You're so cute! - It's nice to meet you.
[Overlapping chatter.]
- Boy, that's gonna be a difficult car ride home.
Can you imagine Oscar? So upset.
- So I--it's time to part ways with-- - would you like to keep him? - Well, I think we have to keep him, because we don't want him to hold you back.
[Pop ballad.]
- Oscar will not be going to Hollywood, as upset as he may be.
This is for me and not for him.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- [Gasps.]
Oklahoma.
- We're back with you here in Oklahoma--the epicenter of all things down home and wholesome.
- People in Oklahoma are homegrown A lot of Southern gentlemen - I like your accent.
It's real sexy.
- Thank you.
Appreciate it.
Yours too.
- Well, I am a Southern belle sometimes.
- Um, polite women.
- Hi, sweetheart.
- You guys are all so beautiful.
- Thank you.
- That's what Oklahoma's all about.
- You guys love Oklahoma? - Yes.
- The wind comes sweepin' down the plain.
- So it's only appropriate that we meet zoanette.
- My name is zoanette Johnson.
I am 19 years old, and I currently live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
[Hip-hop music.]
What up, Nicki? I need that golden ticket to match with this outfit.
What up, Randy? I'm ready to take my crown.
- Hi, baby.
How are you? - I'm ready.
- You're a hugger.
- I'm a hugger.
- Yeah.
- I'm a fighter.
I'm a lover.
And I'm an American Idol.
- What are you gonna perform? - You know what? I had a bet in my family-- if Obama won, I was gonna sing the national anthem.
So I'm gonna do a national anthem with flavor.
- Well, let's get in there and see it.
- [Squeals.]
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
- All right.
- Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the national anthem.
["Star-spangled banner" playing.]
- [Off-key.]
oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight what so-- - "for the ramparts we watched.
" - For the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? and the rockets' red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof though the night that our flag was still there oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free - oh! [Laughter.]
Whoa.
- And the home I said and the home - do it again.
- I said and the home [quietly.]
of the [High-pitched voice.]
bra-a-a a-a-a-a-a - yes, ma'am! - What is going on in Oklahoma? - Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! - I'm here.
- [Laughs.]
Drop it like it's hot! - Can you get up? You okay? - Oh, yes.
I ain't old yet.
I'm 19, by the way.
- You are a whole party all by yourself.
- I love you.
I am obsessed with you.
- Me too! [Laughter.]
- Are you impressed, Mariah? - I'm very impressed.
- Are you impressed? - Yes.
- [Singing high note.]
[Laughter.]
- Very sweet.
Very nice.
- Yes, ma'am.
Your voice is out of this world.
[Crying.]
I try, I try.
- Uh-oh.
Uh-oh.
Drama now.
Uh-oh.
Uh-oh.
Getting drama.
- I hope Obama--Obama, y'all.
Obama--hold on.
Obama, you watchin' this, and you don't invite me to the white house? - Huh? - I'm just gonna leave it at that.
- He gonna invite you to the white house.
- He better invite me to the white house--shoot.
He needs another Barbie in there, hey.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.
- Oh, dang! I love it.
- Wow.
Uh, do we even need to judge? She's judged herself into-- - she already judged herself.
[Laughter.]
- Am I going to Hollywood? Yeah.
Am I going to Hollywood? Yeah.
- Whoa, hang on, hang on.
Hang on, hang on.
- Wait.
Wait.
I can't.
I can't.
- Come on, I got a lunch date.
- What? - [Laughing.]
Psych.
- What's wrong with-- - psych.
- Shall we vote unanimously, you guys? - Yes.
- Yeah.
I think.
- Okay, one, two, three.
- All: Yes! - I think.
- [Laughing.]
Randy.
- Bye.
Love you.
[Applause.]
- Jump through the "o"! Go through the "o" for "Obama.
" - Yes! For Obama! - Yeah, come on, baby.
- No, watch this, though.
I'm not gonna jump.
I'm gonna slide.
- That's right--work it.
- Whoo! - Oh, sexy.
- You better walk, baby! Walk, baby! - Tcb! Thank you for being a superstar.
- Bye! - All: Bye.
- Wow.
- Hey.
Hey.
- Oh there it is.
There it is.
[Indistinct exclamations.]
[Electronic music.]
- Now, what just happened, y'all? What just happened, y'all? What? Are we still here? - Are you sure they will remember you? - I hope so.
- Yeah.
- I hope they remember me.
And you gotta work on your confidence, right? I do.
They told me that too.
- Ah, ah, I'm going to Hollywood ah, ah, ah, ah, ah oh, dang, this means so much to me.
Can you say "Hollywood," Ryan? - Hollywood.
- [Squeals.]
[Squeals.]
[Crash, cat screeches.]
[Squeals.]
[Upbeat techno music.]
- welcome back.
It's 3:30, and as the afternoon progresses, a storm of tears is flooding the Oklahoma city area.
- [Chuckles.]
Cryer.
- Yeah, those are tears.
- My goal is not to cry.
[Crying.]
- [Crying.]
- It's gotta be a no from me.
- It was a bad song choice, a bad performance, a bad day.
So - I'm gonna say no.
- It's all right.
- Not today, baby.
- It's okay.
- Not crying.
Making me cry.
- You were so close.
- This is, like, a really big thing for me.
[Sobbing.]
- I just need a tissue, please.
- Britney, you're on TV.
You might as well smile, baby.
- I wanted you to just [Sobbing.]
- My vote is yes.
- It's actually a yes from me, because you have a beautiful voice, and I'd like to hear that.
- If-- - it's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Come on, come on, let's just go.
- Stop it, now.
Seriously.
- Oh, that means you're going to Hollywood.
- [Sobbing.]
- Yes! [All cheering.]
- I don't know about you, but I could sure use a break from all this emotion.
With any luck, 25-year-old Anastasia Freeman is feeling the same way.
- How are you, Anastasia? - I'm good.
How are you? - Good.
- Thank you for letting me be here.
This--it's an honor, and I'm I'm so happy to be here.
You have no idea.
[Crying.]
- You want a tissue? Yes, please.
I've been crying almost all day.
I got the closest thing to a tissue I could find.
- It's okay.
[People cheering.]
I'm hoping Nicki minaj likes my makeup.
[Laughs.]
So here I am.
- All right, deep breath.
[Both breathe deeply.]
- Okay.
- You ready? - Ready.
- Let me get a tissue for you.
- All right, I gotta go.
Wish me luck, guys.
Ooh! [Whimpers.]
- No pressure.
- [Cockney accent.]
Hello, little ladybug.
How are you? - Nice to meet you.
- Don't fall.
- I know, right? Are you okay in those shoes? I don't know.
You think I could take them off? - Yes! - Yeah, take 'em off.
They look like they hurt.
- You made your entrance.
So, my darling, are you the next American Idol? - I am the next American Idol.
I was born for this.
- Oh! - Whoo! - So should everybody else outside go home? - They need to leave right now.
- Okay, let's make that happen.
Keith, tell them [Overlapping chatter.]
Ryan, get them out of here.
Okay, so what are you singing? - I am gonna sing unbreak my heart by Toni Braxton today.
- Oh, yeah.
Love that song.
- Let me know whenever y'all's ready.
- Oh, we ready, honey.
- We was born ready.
- [Laughs.]
- [Off-key.]
unbreak my heart say you'll love me again - yep.
- undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life uncry these tears - [laughing.]
Oh, really? - I've cried so many nights unbreak my unbreak my heart - whoa.
- oh, baby - yeah.
- come back and say that you love me unbreak my heart sweet darlin' without you I just can't go on - [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
- Are y'all laughing at me? - All: No.
- No, no.
- Oh, okay.
- [Laughing.]
- without you I just can't go on unbreak my unbreak my heart oh, darlin' unbreak my heart - I got a question for you.
I mean Did somebody tell you you should come and audition for idol? - Yes, somebody told me to.
- Who? - Yeah, um actually, I believe God told me to come up here and audition.
- In what way? Like, were you praying and you-- - actually, no, I was watching last season, when Phillip Phillips was crowned, actually.
[Crying.]
Oh, Phillip.
And about two or three weeks after that, I was sitting at home, writing in my journal, and this big, overwhelming voice actually came in, I guess, into my heart or my soul, I guess you could say.
[Angelic choir music.]
And kept repeating, "idol, American Idol.
" - Wow.
- So - They were saying, "Idol, American Idol"? - Yeah, they were-- - [Grunts.]
Nicki - [Deep echoing voice.]
Idol Idol Idol - Hmm.
What about The Voice? - No.
- X-Factor? - No! - All right.
American Idol? - Hallelujah hallelujah - when I said "American Idol" out loud - Right.
- They said, "go," so - Oh, they said, "go"? - Yeah.
- hallelujah - and here you are.
- Yeah, here I am.
- That's--that's great, if that's what happened.
And there you go.
- You followed your heart.
- Yeah.
- And you won't have any regrets now, because you followed your heart.
- Yeah.
I mean, if I make it, that's great, and if I don't great too.
I made it--I-I'm here, so, you know - Should we vote? - Yeah.
- Okay.
One, two, three.
- All: No.
- Sorry, baby.
- I thought so.
- Nice to meet you.
- Well, you're so cute and sweet.
- Thank you, guys.
Have a great day.
- I don't know.
That was weird, though.
That was strange.
I will no longer listen to Carey--um, Mariah Carey, and i never listened to Nicki minaj, so that's no loss, so She worships the devil I heard, anyway, so Just to let y'all know, if they're here next year, I won't be back.
Sorry, guys.
- Well, it's a bitter farewell for Anastasia, as she heads home to wait further instructn.
When we return - My life expectancy is 35 years old.
- You'll meet an incredible 15-year-old with an unbreakable spirit.
- Committed, determined-- I love it.
So many children would be inspired by you.
That's why I'm here.
[Upbeatechno music.]
- I'm Ryan.
- I'm Caden.
- Good to see you, Caden.
- Good to see you.
Talk to me about this audition--you excited? Yeah, I'm excited.
Are you excited? - I'm excited that you're excited.
Yeah, we're both excited.
Then we're both excited.
That makes a lot of excitement.
- Yeah, it does.
- All right, let's get in there--good luck.
- All right, thank you.
- Nice to meet you.
- You too.
- Uh-oh.
- Hey, hey! - Hi.
- How you doing, brother? - Good.
How are you guys? - Good.
- Really good.
What's your name? I'm Caden Stevenson.
- How old are you, Caden? I'm 16 years old.
When did you start singing? I probably started singing when I was about four years old.
Ever since then, I knew I was the one.
It's my dream.
[Piano playing.]
By looking at me, people would never think I have something wrong with me.
Basically, I don't have as long to live as other people.
I obviously look young, but that's because I have cystic fibrosis.
[Machine whirring.]
Cystic fibrosis is a terminal illness.
You're born with it.
It makes your mucous really thick.
My life expectancy is 35 years old.
I was diagnosed at 18 months.
- He had the symptoms of just really severe allergies and asthma, and so we had kind of hoped that it was something that simple.
- There was a time when kids with c.
F.
Didn't--you know, lived just a few years.
So it's getting better.
- Knowing that my illness is terminal, it's definitely scary.
But also, it gives me an opportunity to do everything now while I'm young.
I'm doing American idol 'cause this is my dream.
I've always wanted to be on the show.
That's why I came here as soon as I got of age.
- He never takes a day for granted.
- He's, uh tougher than any kid I've ever known.
- What are you gonna sing for us today? - Today--what am I singing? Oh, I'm just kidding.
I know.
[Laughter.]
Today, I'll be singing I wish by Stevie wonder.
- Okay.
- Yes, sir.
Hit it.
Even though we sometimes would not get a thing the joy the day would bring I wish those days could come back once more why did those days ever have to go? I wish those days could come back once more why did those days ever have to go? 'Cause I love them so [All humming.]
- Kind of makes you want to sing along, right? - It does.
I loved your voice-- reminded me of a baby Michael.
Oh, really? Thank you.
- You are so unique that I just think so many children would be inspired by you - That's why I'm here.
- To not give up, no matter what health problems.
So I'm really inspired by you myself.
- Thank you.
Thank you very much.
- Yeah.
- I'm beyond inspired.
I'm like, you know, "let's go make the record now.
Let's go in the studio.
" All right, let's go, Carey.
Come on, Mariah.
Let's go, man.
With the swag, you got everything.
- Exactly.
- Smart kid.
- You got the bling-bling today--you're looking good.
- This is nothing for me.
Are you kidding? - Beautiful as always.
- Aw, thank you.
I appreciate--I appreciate you noticing.
- Got his game on.
I like this kid.
- Doing everything.
Come on.
I think that girls will fall on the floor when you walk into the room.
- Come on, ladies.
- Is that a goal, Caden? Is that a goal? - It's definitely a goal.
- Yo, he's committed.
I like it.
- I am.
- Obviously committed, determined, I love it-- and gorgeous.
- Oh, thank you.
You are too.
You guys are all gorgeous.
[Laughter.]
- Let's vote.
Randy, let's vote together, shall we? - Yeah.
- Let's vote together.
- One, two, three.
- All: Yes! - Thank you.
- Yes, baby, yes! - Good job, mate.
- Congratulations.
- Let's pound it out, dog.
Yeah! See you late.
- All right.
- He's so cute.
- Caden takes over the world.
- He's got things to do.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Good job, man.
- You did it! - You did it, kid.
- Where do you get this confidence from? - I don't know.
I just-- I'm born with it.
I'm lucky.
- Yeah, you are.
Good work.
- Thank you.
And the bling ring on Mariah.
- Oh, yeah, she looks good.
You were checking her out.
- Yeah, definitely.
- Tell me what it feels like to be holding that ticket, knowing that ye oustep closer to this dream.
- I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world.
Um, God put me in this position to do this, so This is awesome.
- Congratulations, Caden.
Good job, buddy.
- Thank you.
- You deserve it.
All right, we'll see you in Hollywood! Whoo! [Uplifting rock music.]
[All cheering.]
- 44 others in Oklahoma earned that coveted golden ticket.
They're headed to Hollywood, where they'll have a chance to [Sound slowing.]
compete for wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
We still have one more audition for you.
- Yeah, come on in.
Get some of this.
- [Laughing.]
- What the what? What the? What is your name? - [High-pitched voice.]
My name is pepper labeija from the house of labeija, and I'm-- pepper, what do you do? I'm gonna sing a song called tell your ma, tell your pa, our love gonna grow, wah, wah.
[Laughter.]
But before I do, I'm gonna judge - I like you men.
The roosters may crow, but the hens deliver the goods.
You know what I'm saying? [Laughter.]
- Steven Tyler.
- Ah ha ha! - Steven Tyler is in the house! - Whoo! - Do I go through to Hollywood or what? - You gotta sing! - Yo, I thought it was Halloween or something like that.
- This dude looks like a lady.
- Steven, let me just say something.
Uh, has your chest grown? [Horn honks.]
[Laughter.]
- Uh-oh.
- All right, here we go.
Drumroll! [Sexy music playing.]
[Cheers and applause.]
- You--Randy.
[Slide whistle blows.]
- Aah! Aah! Stop! - That's the same sock you wore last night.
- Aah! - I just wanted to come by and say, "hello, everybody.
Love you.
Good luck with this year.
" I tried so hard.
No Hollywood.
- No Hollywood! Hey, I think Boston is in your future.
- Steven Tyler, wait, darling.
Wait a minute.
[All shout.]
- Whoa! [Laughter.]
- Oh, yeah! - [Imitates crying.]
I won! - That is a sight to be seen.
- [Laughs.]
- Now, who looks better in the wig, huh? Next week - This is your shot.
- The best singers in the country will converge on this stage, fighting for their spot in the top 40.
- Okay, do I look right there? - Right in the camera.
- Okay.
- All righty.
One, two, three.
- Oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - oh - all: oh - Oklahoma where the wind comes sweeping down the plain and the waving wheat - I'm glad they chose my city-- Oklahoma city, that is.
- Circles in the sky - I made it to Oklahoma city! - Gonna be a long day.
- It's hot.
I'm ready to see Ryan seacrest.
I hear he might be showing up.
- Will we find our next singing superstar here on our first trip to the sooner state? This is Oklahoma city, and this is American Idol.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Yeah [Upbeat techno music.]
- Well, this is a really cool, exclusive sneak peak of how they take that beginning opening shot of the Oklahoma city episode of American Idol.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Good morning, o.
K.
C.
! Good morning, good morning, good morning! [Cheers and applause.]
Season 12 has brought us to Oklahoma city.
We heard there was about 9,000 people out here.
And when they see what we're bringing [man speaking indistinctly overa.]
This place will never be the same.
[Cheers and applause.]
[Electronic music.]
- how you doing, guys? Welcome to the American idol auditions, everybody! Nicki, Nicki, Nicki, who's the next American Idol? - I have no idea.
- I am at the desk getting registered.
- This state has some astounding artists-- Vince gill, reba mcentire, uh, garth Brooks, uh, Ronnie Dunn, Carrie - Carrie Underwood! The greatest American Idol to date! [Cheers and applause.]
- The story of Carrie Underwood started in the exact same spot where you are starting today.
It could be you.
We want it to be you! Is the next American Idol in Oklahoma city? The contestants will face our judges at the Devon boathouse, an olympic rowing training facility.
- Hello, my darling.
How are you? - Fantastic.
- So you--you smell good.
- Mariah Carey! [Cheers and applause.]
- I just want to say, have a great time.
Do your best.
Really, don't let anything get-- I love you too.
I love you so much.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Oklahoma the sooner state.
- Here we are.
Wow.
How beautiful.
This is beautiful.
- It's great, right? - Yeah.
- Let's go rowing after this.
- [Laughing.]
I know, right? - You know, this season we took our idol bus on what we call the "small town audition tour.
" It gave us a chance to see contestants from all walks of life.
- I'm just gonna clap it, and something awesome's gonna happen.
Is it time? - Go.
- whoo whoo hoo ooh ooh - yeah, I'm Karl Skinner.
My name is Karl Skinner.
I'm 26 years old.
And I'm from joplin, Missouri.
Well, I came out and auditioned initially because I really had no excuse when the bus came right through my town and was only a few blocks from my house.
[Horn honks.]
[Cheers and applause.]
That was fun.
- What do you do in joplin? Oh, I live there.
- Yeah? Are you married? I'm married to my wonderful wife, Kim.
- Excellent.
And how's Kim? - Oh, she's great.
I married my wife in march.
She makes every day better.
She makes waking up worth it.
- Ready to impress the panel? - That's a redundant question.
That's all I want to do.
All I want to do right now is just run in there and be like, "hey, I'm Karl! Hey!" And just go for it.
- Here we go! - Hi.
- How you guys doing? - First one in.
- Am I allowed to move around at all? Yeah.
I gotta move around.
If I'm not moving around, it's gonna just--it's stale.
[Laughter.]
Let's do this.
- What's your name, baby? Where you from? - My name's Karl Skinner.
I'm from joplin, Missouri.
- Okay, let's hear what you got to sing.
- I'm gonna prove gingers have soul now.
- Okay, baby, let's go! He seems like a sweet guy.
- He is very sweet.
Docile, ballad singer.
- No, not docile.
- Not docile? - Hey! I feel good - whoo! Dance it, baby.
- I knew that I would now - whoo! - I feel good - [Laughing.]
I love him.
- Just like I knew that I would now - wow.
- So good so good I got you - uh, uh, uh, uh - oh! - Oh, whoa.
Come on.
Where did they get this bus from? - Do you play? You play guitar too? - I play that too.
- Oh, really? - Come on, you gotta play that.
- Play something on the guitar.
- You gotta play that.
Don't smash it, just-- - show us your diversity.
- Do you have something with passion? [Laughter.]
- Do I have some--well, gosh, I hope so.
This is one I wrote.
- Okay.
- Well, I just can't change it the way that I feel for you you just may hate it but I just can't shake it this love is real - mm? - Okay.
- Some folks you love but they don't love you back - oh, my God.
Okay.
- You give 'em your all you give 'em your all and they keep asking for more - okay.
- All right.
- Nice.
- Nice, man.
Wow.
- Okay, very nice.
- What do you want to be as an artist? Who do you see--I mean, what-- what--I-- - I wanna be "uncomparable.
" "Uncomparable.
" - Well, you've achieved that.
You've definitely achieved that.
- I like this guy.
He's wild.
He definitely lit up the room.
- I like him.
- You lit up the room.
- When you put the guitar up, i felt like that was, like, restricting that monster inside of you.
- Well, you don't have to have this.
- See, look, he's ready to go.
- Elvis had a guitar.
- He'll do whatever.
That's it, baby.
- But whatever people want me to do, I'm gonna do it.
Let's have a good time.
[Laughter.]
- Oh, yeah? - I love this guy! - No.
Um - You could be an idol mascot, dude.
I like you.
- Yeah, I could see him doing something like what Ryan seacrest does.
- Yes, a better Ryan seacrest.
Let me hear you say, "American Idol.
" - American Idol.
- Yes! - Oh! Oh, my God.
- Perfect.
- Call fox now.
- Ryan, watch out, dude.
- He's definitely lit up the room.
- Would you hurry up and vote? - Ryan - Let's vote already.
This could be your replacement.
- I'm out there with his wife, Kim, and we're ready for the vote.
- I'm the only one trying to stick up for you! - All right, thank you.
- I'm sorry, Ryan! Can you guys vote? - I said yes.
- I'm gonna say yes.
- I'm--I'm gonna say yes.
- I'll say yes! Yes.
It's a yes.
It's-- you got four yeses.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Yes! - Thank you! Thanks.
- So I'm safe? - Yes, you're safe.
- Well, Ryan, he's very good.
- Well, I don't know.
- Congratulations.
- Introducing American Idol.
- He said "American Idol" good too.
- He did.
- I love you.
- We got this.
We got this.
- I like you.
- Both: Uhh! - Oh, all right.
- We're chest bumping.
- Let's go.
- We're chest bumping.
Both: Uhh! I'm hurting Ryan seacrest here.
It does hurt.
[Cheering.]
After the break, the Oklahoma talent - Four yeses! - Proves it's more than just okay.
- You were amazing.
- Thank you so much.
- All: Yes! - You guys love Oklahoma? - The wind comes sweepin' down the plain.
- And you'll meet the woman you'll be talking about all day tomorrow.
- I am obsessed with you.
- Me too! [Laughter.]
[Upbeat techno music.]
- Hey, Keith.
- Hi.
How you doing? - Hey, buddy.
- It this too close? - I'm sorry you guys, but down there-- I don't know if you have a lot of room, but I could fall off.
- No, Keith can move down a little bit.
- Do you mind, Randy? I don't want you to-- but just a little bit.
- The judges are settling in nicely.
[Upbeat music.]
- And so far, it's a beautiful start to the auditions.
- Hi.
- Can Oklahoma keep it going? - no, no, no, no no, no, no-oh - oh, boy.
- I a't got no plans and the sound of the rain on my windowpane - oh.
- Is slowly driving me insane - me too.
- [Laughing.]
What is going on? - Okay, anytime? - Go for it.
- How do I get all the women - [Trills tongue.]
- In the palms of my hands? - [Laughs.]
- What are you gonna sing, my darling? - Super bass.
- Okay.
- excuse me, you're a hell of a guy I mean, my, my, my, my like pelican fly I mean, you're so shy I'm loving your tie you're, like, slicker than the guy with a thing on his eye, uhh - well, glad you got that out your system.
- I could do another so.
Ng - all: No.
[Upbeat music.]
- Come on in here, dog.
- it's not about the money money, money it's not about your money money, money I'm gonna make the world dance forget about the price tag it's not about the - both: ba-bling, ba-bling it's not about the cha-ching, cha-ching gonna make the world dance forget about the price tag [laughter.]
- The answer is no, but I love you.
- Thank you.
- what is happening in Oklahoma, man? - I don't know, Randy.
- Wow.
- But over in the holding room, there's plenty going on including one very quiet conversation.
- My name's Nate tao.
I'm 24 years old, and I'm an American sign language teacher.
- Tell me about your family.
- Well, the reason I know sign language is both my parents are deaf.
[Mellow music.]
When I first started to sing, my parents were not so Receptive.
They were probably thinking, like, "what if Nate sucks?" Like, "what if he's completely horrible? We have no idea.
" - Ready for this? - Let's see what happens.
- You look relaxed.
- Yeah.
- Cool, calm, and collected.
- Yeah, it's good.
- Well, let's send you in there--good luck.
- Thank you.
I think if I make it to Hollywood, my parents will definitely think, "yeah, okay, maybe he has some talent, okay?" You know, without having to hear it, they can believe it.
- Hi.
- Hello! - How are you? - Good, man.
How you doing? - Great.
- What's your name? - Uh, my name's Nate-- Nate tao.
- Where are you from, Nate? - I'm from Reston, Virginia.
- And do you have family here today, someone supporting you? - I do.
My dad's here.
- And is he musical at all? - Um, not really.
Both of my parents are deaf.
- Wow.
- Wow.
So do you sign in your house? - Yeah, yeah.
And you're the only singer in the family? - Yes, that's for sure.
Yes.
- Right on.
And what are you gonna sing today? - For once in my life by Stevie wonder.
- Okay.
- Great song.
- Yeah.
- For once in my life I have someone who needs me someone I've needed so long for once unafraid I can go where life leads me somehow, I know I'll be strong for once I can say this is mine you can't take it as long as I know I have love I can make it for once in my life I have someone who needs me - yeah.
- That's - What'd you think, Mariah? - I enjoyed it! Stevie wonder is my favorite artist.
It's a great song, and I thought you did a really nice rendition.
- Thank you so much.
Really nice--beautiful voice.
I like your charisma.
I mean, you--it's clear that you have a really nice, unique tone for a guy.
- Yeah.
- I like you too, man.
It's very unassuming.
You walked in with the tie on.
You look like you're about to do my taxes or something or you're a lawyer or doctor or something.
- Yeah, well.
.
- You got a very nice voice.
- Man, I liked you.
I like you, Nate.
- Thank you.
- Seems like singing is easy, and so listening to it is really easy, and it's effortless and beautiful.
Randy? - Yes! - Nicki? - Yes.
- Mariah? - Yes.
- It's a yes from me too, Nate--you're goi to Hollywood.
Welcome to Hollywood, baby! - Congratulations! Give mom and dad kisses for us.
- All right! - Oh! - They all said yes, which was a huge compliment coming from some really amazing people.
My dad says he wants to teach you sign.
- Okay.
- "Congratulations.
" And "I love you.
" "I love you.
" Yep.
[Laughter.]
- How do we say "superstar" in sign language? - Ooh - There we go.
- I just want to make sure.
- That's what we're looking for.
- I hope so.
- We're looking for it.
- Whoo! Hey, mom and dad, thank you for your support.
I love you.
I'll see you later.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- So number 15, please.
- All right, in place.
We are moving.
We are moving.
Do what you gotta do.
Be where you gotta be.
- Hey, man, is there some kind of echo in here when we speak? - Is there some kind of echo in here when we speak? [Laughter.]
- Funny, Keith! - Funny, Keith.
- Okay, guys, all jokes aside, it's time to get serious.
- Yes, hello, out there.
I'm Oscar.
I'm 17 years old from Vernon, Texas.
I am a dog.
And this is my friend hayley.
- Well, hi, Oscar.
It's good to be here with you today.
- Uh-huh.
[Goofy music.]
- I'm Ryan.
- Oh, that's awkward, isn't it? - Well, I mean, that's awkward.
- [Laughs.]
- You brought that to the party.
- I know.
- So does Oscar speak? - Yes, he does speak.
- Okay.
Oscar, how are you? - [As oscar.]
I'm pretty good.
How are you? I've been a ventriloquist since I was nine years old.
My mom just bought me a little puppet, and one day I was like, "mom, look!" And just, pfft! I mean, just did this whole little act.
Oscar, can you say hello? - I ain't goin' to.
- Pretty sure she got me checked by, like, several doctors, thinking I was so strange.
[Laughing.]
- Is she a good singer? - Oh, she's great.
- All right, we're gonna send you both in, so - Okay.
- Ready? Ready? - I am ready.
- I'm ready.
- You are? Okay.
All right.
I'm confused.
Good luck.
- Thank you.
- Uh-oh.
- Whoa! Okay.
- Thank you.
- It's about time.
It's about time.
- I'm so excited.
Hi.
- It's about time for someone crazy.
- What's your name? - I'm hayley hilburn.
- No, I was asking - Oh, I'm sorry.
I'm really surprised he didn't talk before me.
[As oscar.]
Yes, hello, out there.
I'm Oscar, to all you foxy chicks out there today.
Of course, of course.
[Laughing.]
Okay.
- Who's auditioning today? - Well, it's been really difficult, because he's really tried to take the spotlight, but I guess we're both auditioning today, so - A duet.
- Yes, we're doing a duet.
- Hmm.
Okay.
- Okay.
- Where y'all from? - Vernon, Texas.
- And she just got married? - She did, to this guy.
- Oh, you're the husband? - The husband.
- Do you get jealous of Oscar? - He gets a little more attention sometimes.
- He's getting a lot of attention.
- He's getting a lot of attention today, yeah.
Yeah.
- I wanna be your cowboy sweetheart I wanna learn to rope and ride through the hills the plains, and the deserts and the big old great divide I wanna hear the coyote singin' [Oscar howls.]
- What is this? - [Laughing.]
What is going on? - as the sun sets in the west I wanna be your cowboy sweetheart that's the life I love the best [Oscar yodeling.]
- Wow.
- [As oscar.]
Thank you.
Thank you.
- This is wild.
What is this? - If you were out there as an artist on tour, would Oscar open for you? Would it be like you and Oscar? - I mean, I don't understand how to vote.
I'm a little confused.
Can I sing something else without the puppet? Let's get 15 seconds from you just singing by yourself.
- Okay.
- Here we go.
- Thank you.
free for you wherever you need, yeah we'll be free together, baby yeah I'm gonna love you more than anyone I'm gonna love you more than anyone - thank you.
- I think Oscar's holding you back.
[Laughter.]
And, see, he knows it right now.
- Yeah.
- You see that look he's got going on? He knows it's done.
- Get up! Get up! - He knows it's over.
- Yes.
- Baby, you can sing.
- Thank you.
- I loved it.
- Yeah, I think Oscar--you guys are gonna have to sever the ties a little bit for you to pursue your career.
- Yes, ma'am.
- And I think you have a beautiful voice.
- Thank you.
- I like you.
Thank you.
I really do.
I think your voice is pretty.
So my vote is yes.
- Thank you.
- And it's a yes from me, if we're voting.
Are we voting? I'm confused.
- Yeah, let's vote.
- Yeah, that's two yeses.
That was a yes from you--Keith? - That's a yes from me.
We got three yeses.
Randy I was gonna say no.
But we got three yeses.
That means - Three yeses, baby girl.
- You're through to Hollywood.
- Whoo! [Applause.]
- Bye.
- [Squeals.]
- Bold move bringing out Oscar--very bold.
[All screaming.]
- Come on, get over here! [All cheering.]
- Good job.
- You're so cute! - It's nice to meet you.
[Overlapping chatter.]
- Boy, that's gonna be a difficult car ride home.
Can you imagine Oscar? So upset.
- So I--it's time to part ways with-- - would you like to keep him? - Well, I think we have to keep him, because we don't want him to hold you back.
[Pop ballad.]
- Oscar will not be going to Hollywood, as upset as he may be.
This is for me and not for him.
[Upbeat techno music.]
- [Gasps.]
Oklahoma.
- We're back with you here in Oklahoma--the epicenter of all things down home and wholesome.
- People in Oklahoma are homegrown A lot of Southern gentlemen - I like your accent.
It's real sexy.
- Thank you.
Appreciate it.
Yours too.
- Well, I am a Southern belle sometimes.
- Um, polite women.
- Hi, sweetheart.
- You guys are all so beautiful.
- Thank you.
- That's what Oklahoma's all about.
- You guys love Oklahoma? - Yes.
- The wind comes sweepin' down the plain.
- So it's only appropriate that we meet zoanette.
- My name is zoanette Johnson.
I am 19 years old, and I currently live in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
[Hip-hop music.]
What up, Nicki? I need that golden ticket to match with this outfit.
What up, Randy? I'm ready to take my crown.
- Hi, baby.
How are you? - I'm ready.
- You're a hugger.
- I'm a hugger.
- Yeah.
- I'm a fighter.
I'm a lover.
And I'm an American Idol.
- What are you gonna perform? - You know what? I had a bet in my family-- if Obama won, I was gonna sing the national anthem.
So I'm gonna do a national anthem with flavor.
- Well, let's get in there and see it.
- [Squeals.]
- Good luck.
- Thank you.
- All right.
- Ladies and gentlemen, please stand for the national anthem.
["Star-spangled banner" playing.]
- [Off-key.]
oh, say can you see by the dawn's early light what so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight what so-- - "for the ramparts we watched.
" - For the ramparts we watched were so gallantly streaming? and the rockets' red glare the bombs bursting in air gave proof though the night that our flag was still there oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave o'er the land of the free - oh! [Laughter.]
Whoa.
- And the home I said and the home - do it again.
- I said and the home [quietly.]
of the [High-pitched voice.]
bra-a-a a-a-a-a-a - yes, ma'am! - What is going on in Oklahoma? - Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! Yes, ma'am! - I'm here.
- [Laughs.]
Drop it like it's hot! - Can you get up? You okay? - Oh, yes.
I ain't old yet.
I'm 19, by the way.
- You are a whole party all by yourself.
- I love you.
I am obsessed with you.
- Me too! [Laughter.]
- Are you impressed, Mariah? - I'm very impressed.
- Are you impressed? - Yes.
- [Singing high note.]
[Laughter.]
- Very sweet.
Very nice.
- Yes, ma'am.
Your voice is out of this world.
[Crying.]
I try, I try.
- Uh-oh.
Uh-oh.
Drama now.
Uh-oh.
Uh-oh.
Getting drama.
- I hope Obama--Obama, y'all.
Obama--hold on.
Obama, you watchin' this, and you don't invite me to the white house? - Huh? - I'm just gonna leave it at that.
- He gonna invite you to the white house.
- He better invite me to the white house--shoot.
He needs another Barbie in there, hey.
- Hey, hey, hey, hey.
- Oh, dang! I love it.
- Wow.
Uh, do we even need to judge? She's judged herself into-- - she already judged herself.
[Laughter.]
- Am I going to Hollywood? Yeah.
Am I going to Hollywood? Yeah.
- Whoa, hang on, hang on.
Hang on, hang on.
- Wait.
Wait.
I can't.
I can't.
- Come on, I got a lunch date.
- What? - [Laughing.]
Psych.
- What's wrong with-- - psych.
- Shall we vote unanimously, you guys? - Yes.
- Yeah.
I think.
- Okay, one, two, three.
- All: Yes! - I think.
- [Laughing.]
Randy.
- Bye.
Love you.
[Applause.]
- Jump through the "o"! Go through the "o" for "Obama.
" - Yes! For Obama! - Yeah, come on, baby.
- No, watch this, though.
I'm not gonna jump.
I'm gonna slide.
- That's right--work it.
- Whoo! - Oh, sexy.
- You better walk, baby! Walk, baby! - Tcb! Thank you for being a superstar.
- Bye! - All: Bye.
- Wow.
- Hey.
Hey.
- Oh there it is.
There it is.
[Indistinct exclamations.]
[Electronic music.]
- Now, what just happened, y'all? What just happened, y'all? What? Are we still here? - Are you sure they will remember you? - I hope so.
- Yeah.
- I hope they remember me.
And you gotta work on your confidence, right? I do.
They told me that too.
- Ah, ah, I'm going to Hollywood ah, ah, ah, ah, ah oh, dang, this means so much to me.
Can you say "Hollywood," Ryan? - Hollywood.
- [Squeals.]
[Squeals.]
[Crash, cat screeches.]
[Squeals.]
[Upbeat techno music.]
- welcome back.
It's 3:30, and as the afternoon progresses, a storm of tears is flooding the Oklahoma city area.
- [Chuckles.]
Cryer.
- Yeah, those are tears.
- My goal is not to cry.
[Crying.]
- [Crying.]
- It's gotta be a no from me.
- It was a bad song choice, a bad performance, a bad day.
So - I'm gonna say no.
- It's all right.
- Not today, baby.
- It's okay.
- Not crying.
Making me cry.
- You were so close.
- This is, like, a really big thing for me.
[Sobbing.]
- I just need a tissue, please.
- Britney, you're on TV.
You might as well smile, baby.
- I wanted you to just [Sobbing.]
- My vote is yes.
- It's actually a yes from me, because you have a beautiful voice, and I'd like to hear that.
- If-- - it's gonna be okay.
It's gonna be okay.
Come on, come on, let's just go.
- Stop it, now.
Seriously.
- Oh, that means you're going to Hollywood.
- [Sobbing.]
- Yes! [All cheering.]
- I don't know about you, but I could sure use a break from all this emotion.
With any luck, 25-year-old Anastasia Freeman is feeling the same way.
- How are you, Anastasia? - I'm good.
How are you? - Good.
- Thank you for letting me be here.
This--it's an honor, and I'm I'm so happy to be here.
You have no idea.
[Crying.]
- You want a tissue? Yes, please.
I've been crying almost all day.
I got the closest thing to a tissue I could find.
- It's okay.
[People cheering.]
I'm hoping Nicki minaj likes my makeup.
[Laughs.]
So here I am.
- All right, deep breath.
[Both breathe deeply.]
- Okay.
- You ready? - Ready.
- Let me get a tissue for you.
- All right, I gotta go.
Wish me luck, guys.
Ooh! [Whimpers.]
- No pressure.
- [Cockney accent.]
Hello, little ladybug.
How are you? - Nice to meet you.
- Don't fall.
- I know, right? Are you okay in those shoes? I don't know.
You think I could take them off? - Yes! - Yeah, take 'em off.
They look like they hurt.
- You made your entrance.
So, my darling, are you the next American Idol? - I am the next American Idol.
I was born for this.
- Oh! - Whoo! - So should everybody else outside go home? - They need to leave right now.
- Okay, let's make that happen.
Keith, tell them [Overlapping chatter.]
Ryan, get them out of here.
Okay, so what are you singing? - I am gonna sing unbreak my heart by Toni Braxton today.
- Oh, yeah.
Love that song.
- Let me know whenever y'all's ready.
- Oh, we ready, honey.
- We was born ready.
- [Laughs.]
- [Off-key.]
unbreak my heart say you'll love me again - yep.
- undo this hurt you caused when you walked out the door and walked out of my life uncry these tears - [laughing.]
Oh, really? - I've cried so many nights unbreak my unbreak my heart - whoa.
- oh, baby - yeah.
- come back and say that you love me unbreak my heart sweet darlin' without you I just can't go on - [Laughs.]
- [Laughs.]
- Are y'all laughing at me? - All: No.
- No, no.
- Oh, okay.
- [Laughing.]
- without you I just can't go on unbreak my unbreak my heart oh, darlin' unbreak my heart - I got a question for you.
I mean Did somebody tell you you should come and audition for idol? - Yes, somebody told me to.
- Who? - Yeah, um actually, I believe God told me to come up here and audition.
- In what way? Like, were you praying and you-- - actually, no, I was watching last season, when Phillip Phillips was crowned, actually.
[Crying.]
Oh, Phillip.
And about two or three weeks after that, I was sitting at home, writing in my journal, and this big, overwhelming voice actually came in, I guess, into my heart or my soul, I guess you could say.
[Angelic choir music.]
And kept repeating, "idol, American Idol.
" - Wow.
- So - They were saying, "Idol, American Idol"? - Yeah, they were-- - [Grunts.]
Nicki - [Deep echoing voice.]
Idol Idol Idol - Hmm.
What about The Voice? - No.
- X-Factor? - No! - All right.
American Idol? - Hallelujah hallelujah - when I said "American Idol" out loud - Right.
- They said, "go," so - Oh, they said, "go"? - Yeah.
- hallelujah - and here you are.
- Yeah, here I am.
- That's--that's great, if that's what happened.
And there you go.
- You followed your heart.
- Yeah.
- And you won't have any regrets now, because you followed your heart.
- Yeah.
I mean, if I make it, that's great, and if I don't great too.
I made it--I-I'm here, so, you know - Should we vote? - Yeah.
- Okay.
One, two, three.
- All: No.
- Sorry, baby.
- I thought so.
- Nice to meet you.
- Well, you're so cute and sweet.
- Thank you, guys.
Have a great day.
- I don't know.
That was weird, though.
That was strange.
I will no longer listen to Carey--um, Mariah Carey, and i never listened to Nicki minaj, so that's no loss, so She worships the devil I heard, anyway, so Just to let y'all know, if they're here next year, I won't be back.
Sorry, guys.
- Well, it's a bitter farewell for Anastasia, as she heads home to wait further instructn.
When we return - My life expectancy is 35 years old.
- You'll meet an incredible 15-year-old with an unbreakable spirit.
- Committed, determined-- I love it.
So many children would be inspired by you.
That's why I'm here.
[Upbeatechno music.]
- I'm Ryan.
- I'm Caden.
- Good to see you, Caden.
- Good to see you.
Talk to me about this audition--you excited? Yeah, I'm excited.
Are you excited? - I'm excited that you're excited.
Yeah, we're both excited.
Then we're both excited.
That makes a lot of excitement.
- Yeah, it does.
- All right, let's get in there--good luck.
- All right, thank you.
- Nice to meet you.
- You too.
- Uh-oh.
- Hey, hey! - Hi.
- How you doing, brother? - Good.
How are you guys? - Good.
- Really good.
What's your name? I'm Caden Stevenson.
- How old are you, Caden? I'm 16 years old.
When did you start singing? I probably started singing when I was about four years old.
Ever since then, I knew I was the one.
It's my dream.
[Piano playing.]
By looking at me, people would never think I have something wrong with me.
Basically, I don't have as long to live as other people.
I obviously look young, but that's because I have cystic fibrosis.
[Machine whirring.]
Cystic fibrosis is a terminal illness.
You're born with it.
It makes your mucous really thick.
My life expectancy is 35 years old.
I was diagnosed at 18 months.
- He had the symptoms of just really severe allergies and asthma, and so we had kind of hoped that it was something that simple.
- There was a time when kids with c.
F.
Didn't--you know, lived just a few years.
So it's getting better.
- Knowing that my illness is terminal, it's definitely scary.
But also, it gives me an opportunity to do everything now while I'm young.
I'm doing American idol 'cause this is my dream.
I've always wanted to be on the show.
That's why I came here as soon as I got of age.
- He never takes a day for granted.
- He's, uh tougher than any kid I've ever known.
- What are you gonna sing for us today? - Today--what am I singing? Oh, I'm just kidding.
I know.
[Laughter.]
Today, I'll be singing I wish by Stevie wonder.
- Okay.
- Yes, sir.
Hit it.
Even though we sometimes would not get a thing the joy the day would bring I wish those days could come back once more why did those days ever have to go? I wish those days could come back once more why did those days ever have to go? 'Cause I love them so [All humming.]
- Kind of makes you want to sing along, right? - It does.
I loved your voice-- reminded me of a baby Michael.
Oh, really? Thank you.
- You are so unique that I just think so many children would be inspired by you - That's why I'm here.
- To not give up, no matter what health problems.
So I'm really inspired by you myself.
- Thank you.
Thank you very much.
- Yeah.
- I'm beyond inspired.
I'm like, you know, "let's go make the record now.
Let's go in the studio.
" All right, let's go, Carey.
Come on, Mariah.
Let's go, man.
With the swag, you got everything.
- Exactly.
- Smart kid.
- You got the bling-bling today--you're looking good.
- This is nothing for me.
Are you kidding? - Beautiful as always.
- Aw, thank you.
I appreciate--I appreciate you noticing.
- Got his game on.
I like this kid.
- Doing everything.
Come on.
I think that girls will fall on the floor when you walk into the room.
- Come on, ladies.
- Is that a goal, Caden? Is that a goal? - It's definitely a goal.
- Yo, he's committed.
I like it.
- I am.
- Obviously committed, determined, I love it-- and gorgeous.
- Oh, thank you.
You are too.
You guys are all gorgeous.
[Laughter.]
- Let's vote.
Randy, let's vote together, shall we? - Yeah.
- Let's vote together.
- One, two, three.
- All: Yes! - Thank you.
- Yes, baby, yes! - Good job, mate.
- Congratulations.
- Let's pound it out, dog.
Yeah! See you late.
- All right.
- He's so cute.
- Caden takes over the world.
- He's got things to do.
[Cheers and applause.]
- Good job, man.
- You did it! - You did it, kid.
- Where do you get this confidence from? - I don't know.
I just-- I'm born with it.
I'm lucky.
- Yeah, you are.
Good work.
- Thank you.
And the bling ring on Mariah.
- Oh, yeah, she looks good.
You were checking her out.
- Yeah, definitely.
- Tell me what it feels like to be holding that ticket, knowing that ye oustep closer to this dream.
- I feel like I'm the luckiest person in the world.
Um, God put me in this position to do this, so This is awesome.
- Congratulations, Caden.
Good job, buddy.
- Thank you.
- You deserve it.
All right, we'll see you in Hollywood! Whoo! [Uplifting rock music.]
[All cheering.]
- 44 others in Oklahoma earned that coveted golden ticket.
They're headed to Hollywood, where they'll have a chance to [Sound slowing.]
compete for wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
We still have one more audition for you.
- Yeah, come on in.
Get some of this.
- [Laughing.]
- What the what? What the? What is your name? - [High-pitched voice.]
My name is pepper labeija from the house of labeija, and I'm-- pepper, what do you do? I'm gonna sing a song called tell your ma, tell your pa, our love gonna grow, wah, wah.
[Laughter.]
But before I do, I'm gonna judge - I like you men.
The roosters may crow, but the hens deliver the goods.
You know what I'm saying? [Laughter.]
- Steven Tyler.
- Ah ha ha! - Steven Tyler is in the house! - Whoo! - Do I go through to Hollywood or what? - You gotta sing! - Yo, I thought it was Halloween or something like that.
- This dude looks like a lady.
- Steven, let me just say something.
Uh, has your chest grown? [Horn honks.]
[Laughter.]
- Uh-oh.
- All right, here we go.
Drumroll! [Sexy music playing.]
[Cheers and applause.]
- You--Randy.
[Slide whistle blows.]
- Aah! Aah! Stop! - That's the same sock you wore last night.
- Aah! - I just wanted to come by and say, "hello, everybody.
Love you.
Good luck with this year.
" I tried so hard.
No Hollywood.
- No Hollywood! Hey, I think Boston is in your future.
- Steven Tyler, wait, darling.
Wait a minute.
[All shout.]
- Whoa! [Laughter.]
- Oh, yeah! - [Imitates crying.]
I won! - That is a sight to be seen.
- [Laughs.]
- Now, who looks better in the wig, huh? Next week - This is your shot.
- The best singers in the country will converge on this stage, fighting for their spot in the top 40.