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Freelance entertainment writer, martial arts instructor, and mother of two.

American Idol 8, January 20th – Not Finding That Heart In San Francisco


Judging by last week, this might be a pretty good audition season for American Idol. Let’s hope we have more of the same this week as we travel to San Francisco for the auditions. I’m hoping to see more of the good auditions and just enough of the bad ones to keep it all interesting. There was even two people getting married while waiting in line. Looks like we’re in for some great entertainment.

Tatiana Del Toro, 23, from San Juan, Puerto, knows she deserves to be the next American Idol more than anyone and is a full time singer, musician, songwriter, writer, assistant director, model, and film actor This won’t go well. She saw a psychic before coming here who told her she is definitely going to make the top 12 and the psychic hasn’t been wrong yet. Tatiana has the most annoying laugh. She has a gift for the judges which Simon Cowell seems to assumes is her body, but is really her press kit. Simon pics up a picture of her and says it’s quite naughty, and Tatiana thanks him.

Tatiana sings Never Loved a Man and isn’t as bad as I was figuring she’d be, but is too affected. Simon tells her she shouldn’t have done that song. He adds she’d do a lot of things well, but not singing. Tatiana starts singing again, singing the lyrics, “I’m Giving You Everything,” Kara DioGuardi replies, “In that dress you are.” As she pleads with her hands over her heart, Simon seems to think the problem is she keeps trying to copy these other bands. Paula Abdul interrupts to say yes, because you can’t deny Tatiana doesn’t have a voice and she’d also color things up. Randy Jackson tells her the problem is she wants to be R&B, but it’s not what she’s got. Simon forces him to answer and he says yes, while Kara isn’t sure. Simon puts her through, and she is still laughing annoyingly. I just want to slap her.

Nick Reed, 17, Antelope, California, does some odd beatboxing which is far too nasally, and Jiayi Yu, 16, San Mateo, California, has a really weird voice which Simon says is boring. He also hates what she’s wearing.

Dean-Anthony Bradford, 27, Pasadena, California, is a failed entrepreneur and has an odd ponytail and a long plaid coat. Randy jokes he almost bought something just like it. He explains he started a special events company that crashed, then sings Stars. Dean-Anthony doesn’t have a bad voice, but makes the weirdest facial expressions and is as loud as his coat. Randy tells him it was wild, but says no as it was over the top torture. Simon calls the outfit as bad as he’s seen and even attacks his hair color, but Dean-Anthony swears “the carpet matches the drapes.” He starts taking the jacket off, and Simon doesn’t want to know what’s underneath it. Whew! He gets four noes, but Simon points out at least he won’t be cold.

Jésus Valenzula, 29, North Highlands, California, a fleet manager, calls American Idol a family show, saying his kids watch it every year, and it’s just the perfect opportunity. He admits they wanted him to audition, then sings Nice & Slow and isn’t too bad. He has a decent voice that needs work. Simon tells him it won’t work and he won’t win. Kara and Paula don’t think he has a bad voice. Jésus pleads, saying his kids are waiting for him, and Simon tells him to bring the kids in.

Jésus’ sons come in with tsigns they made, and seem to have more character than dad. He sings Unchained Melody and is better, but Simon’s favorite song wasn’t a good choice for this moment. Simon still says no, Paula says yes, Kara says yes, and Randy says yes. Honestly, they put people through with less talent than that last week. Simon does give the kids some hugs though, proving he’s an okay guy after all.

Dalton Powell, 18, Manteca, California, comes in with a Rubik’s cube, exciting my son who has finally figured out how to do it and now times himself. This guy does it quicker in 24 seconds. He sings Oh Baby Baby and as I comment it’s not going to go well, my son mentions this is something Dalton won’t be able to do for 24 seconds. He sings with his eyes closed, and when he’s done, he acknowledges he’s never sung in front of people before. Dalton admits to being a fan of the show, saying Simon keeps it interesting. He tells Dalton we know what the answer is going to be, but tells him he’s shown great intelligence during the show.

James Smith, 27, Sacramento, California, a ballroom dancer, sings to Paula as Kara eggs him on, and Randy tells him that Paula wants a baby, to which she whips her head around so quick. It’s nice of him to offer her out as a Baby Mama to others.


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