American Idol - Kentucky Auditions

We're at Churchill Downs and there are more contestants hoping to reach their dream. Louisville is well known for the Kentucky Derby. Apparently there are some pronunciation differences of the word "Louisville." There were 11,000 contestants trying out in Kentucky. The judges walk in to some trumpets. Kara attempts to play a trumpet somewhat unsuccessfully.

Our first contestant of the night, Tiffany Shedd, has some overly confident parents. Tiffany exclaims that she will be positive even if she doesn't make it. As she stands in front of the judges, Tiffany explains that she will go to college if she doesn't make it. She sings "Hero" and squeaks through the whole thing. Randy laughs throughout the performance. Kara tells her that she's headed to college. It's a definite no. She hugs her parents and has a sour attitude. She sings "Because of You" for the camera at the end and it's even worse. She continues to complain to the camera until she walks away.

Joanna Pacitti is from Philadelphia and she has been trying to get into the music business since she was 16. She's 23 and she's grown a lot from her experiences in L.A. Kara points out that she was from A&M Records. Joanna explains that it didn't work out. She sings "We Belong" and she has a great tone to her voice. Kara likes her. She gets four yeses and Joanna is in tears.

Will luck help Mark Mudd? He's had two car accidents and has almost died several times. His distant relative actually repaired John Wilkes Booth's leg. He walks in and surprises Simon with his phone holster. He sings a country song and it makes Kara and Paula laugh. Paula says that he's "not bad." Simon thinks he would be better for Wheel of Fortune. He tells the judges to "be careful" and Simon takes it as a threat.

Brent Keith Smith sings "Can't Get Enough." He has clarity in his voice and has a little bit of scruff in his higher keys. Paula is surprised by his voice. Simon thought the song was ridiculous and not the right choice. Paula and Kara overreact to Simon's criticism. Kara tries to explain that he needs one great song. Simon votes yes. This confuses the girls and they go under the table. They get four yeses and he's off.

Kentucky hopes to produce Louisville slugger. Obianuju baa's like a sheep. Wil Hueser is equally as disturbing. Ryan Benningfield freaks me out; let alone sings badly. Patrick Werner is a fat Michael Jackson. No sluggers there.

Matt Giraud is a dueling pianist. He just picked up the piano four years ago and wants to continue performing. He sings "I Don't Wanna Be" quickly. Paula loves the uniqueness of the voice. Simon is reminded of Elliot Yamin. Simon doesn't think that he doesn't believe in himself. There are four yeses and he's going to Hollywood.

On the other hand we have Ross Plavsic. He's introduced as a brainy guy. Wearing his suit and tie, he studies Chinese characters while waiting. He thinks that studying videos and songs will help him succeed. There's something holding him back: Today he has a scratchy throat. He walks in and explains organizing Chinese characters. He sings "Cara Mia." He has a shaky baritone. The judges join in during the chorus. Paula suggests something modern. He makes an excuse of being scratchy and grabs Paula's water and drinks right from the straw, freaking Paula out. He tries again. It doesn't help and he's rejected. Paula wants a new cup. He gets applauded by the other contestants when he leaves.

Day one had ten people succeed. There are a lot of different forms of celebrations to the song "Shout."

It's Day two and one girl neighs into the camera. The local news is around interviewing and the judges arrive.

Alexis Grace is from Memphis, Tennessee. She's a single mother at the moment because her fiance is in military school and they will marry soon. She comes in and sings "Dr. Feelgood" and instantly captures the judges' attention. Randy thought that a different voice would have emerged. Paula likes her but she needs stage presence. There are four yeses. Kara suggests that she "dirty up" her image.

Day two continues and the energy lowers. Simon calls some people boring and one judge compares it to paint drying. Aaron Williamson comes in pumped. He hoots and hollers. He's energetic as he walks in. He says he wants to be America's Next Top Model. Whoops. He yells through "Have You Ever Seen the Rain." The judges let him sing and then he yells the whole time. Kara is pumped. Ryan walks in totally confused because it was quite loud. Paula feels like it got her aggression out. Aaron is hungry for winning. The judges reject him. He speaks to Ryan almost in a whisper as he leaves.

Rebecca Garcia got to talk to the local news in the morning. As she walks in, Paula remembered her from the news. Rebecca has a cheat sheet on her arm. She sings "Before He Cheats." It's not good at all and she forgets the words. She looks at her arm. Kara says that this was funny and calls it a joke. She might have been serious and starts to cry. Kara feels bad for being mean. Simon likes her but she shouldn't sing. It's a no. Her mother comforts her as she leaves.

We get a string of yeses: Kris Allen, Felicia Barton, Ryan Johnson, and Shera Lawrence.

It's almost the end of day two and many have walked away with nothing. Laneshe Young has been struggling her whole life. She's 18 and they were raised with little. There was no support from her father; they jumped from shelter to shelter. When she got older she stayed at home to help her family. She sings an original song. The song has a swagger to it. Simon liked the quirkiness to it. Simon thought it was well written too. The judges all agree. Paula freaks her out by joking around and saying no. She's off to Hollywood.

Next week, Jacksonville, Florida.