Boston auditions Part 2

Hello,

I was reading Michael Slezak's always excellent review of "AI" at ew.com. He wrote about did anyone miss Paula. I have to admit it other than when they talked about it at the start of the show, I didn't even think about her. Kara/ Randy cover the loopy, questionable reviews enough for her. I absolutely did not miss her one bit. When I thought about it this morning I was glad that she was not there.

Although with Simon announcing he'll be leaving that did cast a pallor over the show. That was so obvious when the obnoxious Pat Ford said he would see the judges next year. Simon sarcastically said to the effect "oh good now we have something to look forward to." Not only was that a witty barb, but it really kicked in that he's not going to be here next year.

It makes me nervous about the rumors that Ryan Seacrest might be both a judge and host. Apparently when he originally auditioned for "AI" he auditioned to be a judge. All these shenanigans again make me think that this will be the second to last season. The best chance for this show to continue is to dump Kara and Randy after this season. They need to surround Ellen with other energetic, funny and intelligent judges. Either that or find enough money to have Simon Cowell come back for season 10. It would have to be enough money to get him to do "AI" and "X Factor".

Now on to other auditions from last night's Season 9 Boston premiere.

Jess Wolfe sang Curtis Mayfield's "People Get Ready", I rated her a 3 out of 5 rating. I agree with a commenter on another site, when she get's to Hollywood she needs a stylist. As doofus Randy would say she was aight.

Amadao Diricco-28- comes from a big Italian family and was one of the most fun contestants of the night. He's got a real great personality and he can sing as well. Not only that but bonus points for breaking out a Muddy Waters song. Waters is one of the most unappreciated singers of all-time. I loved Diricco's version of "Hoochie Coochie Man".

After the very disposable Derek Hilton and Mere Doyle it was time for my favorite contestant of the night.

That was the great Luke Shaffer. He took a deep breath before starting his performance. He sang a song that I had never heard before. That was Secondhand Serenade's "Fall For You" and I loved his version of that song. I think he sings it better than the original artist. (Thanks to lala.com for being able to listen to the original version.) I rated him 5/5 for his performance. Not only do I think he has a chance to win this whole thing, but also he was Boston's best. To see his performance again go to mjsbigblog.com.

Next up was the very good Benjamin Bright, I loved his version of "All My Lovin". He has a very smooth voice and I look forward to hearing from him in Hollywood again. (BTW Hollywood Week is currently going on in real time.)

Bad audition alert: Andrew Fenton. I don't blame him for having to wait for so long, dude that's why they're are iPods, PSPs and you can even watch TV on your phone now. His "House of the Rising Sun" started out awful but I liked his performance as he went on. Although he had no chance of advancing to Hollywood. My point in bringing him up is not for him, but because of Kara's idiotic behavior. Again as with bikini girl last year, Kara is making herself the story again. Can she be fired yet? What is Kara complaining about? What did he do that make it so personal for her? Why did she say, "I am very angry at you, who I don't like at all". Who cares Kara, just be glad you still have a job. You suck! I honestly think that's part of the reason why Simon is quitting is because he hates Kara. I think he intentionally says her name wrong for that reason on those very few times he talks to her. I think Simon might be one of the few people who miss Paula.

Part 3 hopefully tomorrow, themusicaddict