American Idol: The Search For A Superstar s12e01 Episode Script

1 - Okay, uh, bring up the spot one more time.
- A little bit more.
And you're good.
All right, cue and stand by.
- hold on to me as we go as we roll down this unfamiliar road and although this wave is stringing us along just know you're not alone 'cause I'm gonna make this place your home they say that home is where the heart is settle down it'll all be clear last summer, you turned a pawn shop worker Phillip Phillips! Into a megastar.
Phillip Phillips' debut single has gone triple platinum and become an anthem for America.
Know you're not alone 'cause I'm gonna make this place your home but he's not alone.
He's up there with the best of the best in idol history, and history has shown that an idol can do anything.
Together, they sold more than 200 milhões de discos Thank you, fans! With 371 1 hits.
And the grammy goes to.
Carrie Underwood.
Kelly Clarkson! Oh, God.
Dominating every facet of the entertainment industry.
But it's a honor, and I'm just glad to be able to hold this statue in my hand.
Together, we have created a phenomenon And our legacy continues As a new era begins.
Is the next American idol here today? This year Well, we don't have to guess the judges for American idol anymore.
We have assembled the biggest names in the business It's official.
American idol lands its final two judges.
To find you new talent worthy of being crowned an idol.
- Here it goes.
- We're about to find out.
- Everybody's here, everybody's psyched, everybody's waiting.
- It's about to go down.
- First - From American idol, Randy Jackson! - What's going on, Arkansas? With over 100 million records sold as a producer and artist, Randy Jackson returns as our resident dog.
American idol is a true American success story set to music.
That's big.
- For the first time ever, we welcome a country superstar Keith urban.
He's had 14 1s, 5 consecutive platinum and multi-platinum records, and is a four-time grammy award winner.
There's just certain people, I think, that want to do this.
They're the ones that connect and bringing a little style back to the table, Nicki minaj.
She made history as the first female solo artist to have seven singles on the hot 100 at the same time.
As R&B's fastest rising star, she is one artist everybody is clamoring to work with, from.
Jay-Z to Taylor swift.
- No one's ever gonna touch American idol.
I mean, they'll never come close.
And last, but surely not least, with an incredible five-octave range, the definition of diva, Mariah Carey.
She's one of the biggest-selling female artists of all time, and has racked up a staggering 200 million in record sales.
Some of these kids have the most incredible stories, and to Amazing.
- And it's amazing because it matters.
- Welcome to American idol.
Good luck, everybody! - It's the dawn of a brand-new season.
Together, we'll take the journey that defines a nation.
New voices, new stories.
- If there was no music, I would not be alive.
New hope.
- My life expectancy is 35 years old, so we gotta reach my dreams now.
My dream is to be a famous singer on American idol.
A new generation will carry the torch, and follow in the footsteps of legends - What's goin' down, man? - Hello.
- Hi! Onto the dreamers of unattainable dreams.
This is the greatest opportunity I've ever had in my entire life.
To those with the drive You are what people watch American idol to hear.
And the courage to step up and reach for the stars.
- Somewhere, there's a spotlight just waiting for you to walk into it.
- I felt every single word you sang.
You made me cry.
- It's all right here.
All you have to do is take it.
Yes! Oh, my God! - Hollywood, California, baby! - I love you.
- I couldn't look away.
- Just spectacular.
Oh! - All at the same One, two, three.
Yes! - No.
- Oh, my gosh, you guys.
- Please.
- I know I got what it takes.
- Get the camera out of - my face! - She said yes, I said no.
- Can I speak? All righty.
- - Your range is better than.
Mariah's.
- This is what I deal with when I come into my "job.
" - - Get ready.
- This Is - American idol.
- season 12 starts right now! Here we go! - - So just the two of you? - Step up.
Welcome to American idol.
- 103.
5 ktu, the beat of New York.
Thousands have shown up today here in New York hoping to become the next American idol.
- - Hey, guys, good morning! - Hi! Hey! Everyone's taking so many pictures, getting ready for the judges of American idol.
Good to have you with us.
Welcome to the auditions.
We're gonna get things started with you.
- Randy, Randy, straight ahead.
- Randy! Yes, I just met Ryan seacrest! - All right, folks, let's move down.
- Hi! This is insane.
- We're here to show the world what we can do.
- This is my year to be the American idol.
- What does this opportunity mean to you? - A chance to hopefully, you know, have a star emerge.
- Oh, my God! Oh, she is fabulous.
I'm looking forward to this.
This is New York.
How could you not find some amazing talent? - Good morning.
- How you doin'? - Who is it? - Hi, guys! Oh, my God.
- Uh, it's a beautiful day in.
New York.
I can't wait to see the contestants.
So who has thought about this for a long time? "- Thought to yourself, " all right, you know what? This is my year.
I'm gonna go for it.
" That's you guys, right? East coast, are you ready? - Let's go! The dream is back - I've been preparing for so long.
- As we make a brand new start of it in - "New yawk"! - Nicki, Keith, Randy, and Mariah have descended upon jazz at Lincoln center to relight the idol flame.
You've watched the show.
It's the best show of its kind ever in the history of television, right? - - The contestants are pumped - It's feeling so real right - now.
- And the stage is set.
- Wow, New York! - Amazing.
- This is amazing, right? - It's so bobilicious.
And right away, we knew it was gonna be an interesting couple of days.
Nicki's got a drum major hat here.
Mm, Nicki and Mariah, you guys I was gonna bring my dog, 'cause if we can accessories, I didn't know that was allowed.
- That's the last thing I'm gonna say.
- Don't - that's the last thing I'm gonna say! - We were gonna play nice.
- I actually love the hat.
No, I do.
- Thank you, Bo-Bo.
- Why'd you have to mess with my hat? - 'Cause you was in the elevator, you act as though I was looking at the hat in a way no, you I didn't say you were looking at the hat.
- You said stop.
I was admiring the hat.
- It's gonna be wild in.
New York, uh-oh, uh-oh.
- Randy you're the man glad to have you back and Mariah so stunning I'm having a heart attack Nicki's cute face Keith in the place shakin' my body all over the place singin' I will I will rock you - Hi, I'm Mike.
- Mike, you need to come out of your shell, brother.
- Coming in here, I didn't know what I was gonna do, so.
- Apparently, you did.
- No.
- You knew exactly what you was gonna do.
- No, no, that that that was I last second at the door, waiting to come in here.
- Stream of consciousness.
So I figured, you know, what do you do when you don't know what to do? Turn on the radio.
See what's going on.
Check out oldies.
See you in September - he's like Robin Williams.
- Yeah, he's we're not even - here.
We're not even here.
- Stop.
- We're not even here.
He doesn't need us.
- see you are we here? - When the moon is through let's see what's on reggaeton station.
Well woman the way the time cold I wanna be keepin' - you warm - hey, hey, hey! - I got the right - temperature to shelter you - yeah, papi.
- oh lord gal I got the right tactics to turn you on - you're fantastic, Mike.
- That that is - are you gonna sing? - Yeah, no, no, no, no.
Okay, so we had some fun today.
Can we say no now? - Sure, no.
- It's a no from me, bro.
- I can't go against the whole panel.
My vote's not gonna matter, so I'll just say yes, 'cause they outvote me.
- Let's say no, be friends.
It's not you, it's us.
- It's us.
- It's a no, huh? - Yeah, it's a no.
- Oh, my God, wow.
- Thank you, man.
- You gotta go.
Bye, Mike.
Thank you.
- For a second, I missed Christmas.
- It sure was, wasn't it, Mike? Still is, darling.
We had one last year.
- 17 years later, it's still number one, oh, my goodness! How the did this happen? How did it happen? How does it even happen? It's amazing.
If she called me something that begins with a "b," and ends in an "itch," I rebuke it.
We'll be back.
More coming up from New York after this.
- Over the next two hours - Bam! - Whoa! - Gotham city heats up.
- Honestly, it was terrible.
Define terrible.
You love me more than you love sunny summer days.
You know somethin', Mariah? I'm in a good seat right here.
Will the villains take over Metropolis? - Your range is better than Mariah's.
- Or will a hero emerge? Hurt so good - listen, you're giving us vocals and emotion, and that's as our season premiere continues, all of your questions will be answered.
Do you have a girlfriend? - No, I don't, but I'm single, and I'm ready for you.
- Nicki.
-Don't touch that dial.
-Ooh.
Give me that, boo.
- "I wanna lose three pounds.
" I know how you can.
- It's a quote from mean girls.
If you knew mean girls, - "you would know - I do know mean girls.
- Okay, who says "I wanna lose - three pounds"? Which character? - Not not Lindsay.
Yeah.
- The other one, with the blonde hair.
- What's her name? - You know somethin'? - I just wanna know! - Mariah.
- Broken promises.
- When you add three incredibly passionate performers to the panel, you know that there's gonna be a little bit of well, potential personality conflict, and our superstars were super passionate from the get-go.
Oh.
Hmm.
- What is going on with you, miss minaj? Oh, nothing.
- Would it be frightfully tiresome if somebody brought me some ice? I think it was just I'm sorry to cut oh, well, I mean, who was supposed to go, darling? - Go, go, I'm I'm go.
I appoint you, go.
Okay, thank you, darling.
I've been appointed, okay.
- Oh.
It's like a knighting.
Something that happens, okay.
You love me more than you love sunny summer days.
- While that may not exactly be true for Nicki, for our next - contestant, it's an understatement.
- I'm very excited to see.
Mariah.
That's my girl.
That's my idol, my American hey, everybody! I don't want to keep you, 'cause I wanna get to hearing everybody sing.
Whoo! - Tell me about your fan-ship to Mariah.
I've been listening to Mariah since I was five years old.
Uh, I actually went to camp Mariah when I was little.
I actually got the chance to sing for Mariah when I was about I think I was 13.
It was a crazy moment.
It still feels like yesterday to me, but I hope she will remember.
Maybe when I show her our picture, it will dawn on her, her outfit, and she'll remember that day.
You seem cool and calm.
Well, get in there, and do what you can do.
- Good luck.
Nice to see you.
- Thank you so much.
- Okay, Tina, right through.
- We'll see you in a few minutes.
- Okay.
Bye.
Hi.
Tina, what's going on, baby? What's going down? Where you been at? - Here in New York, in queens, chillin'.
- In queens! Jamaica, queens.
- Tina, how old are you now? - I'm 28.
I heard you're a humongous fan of somebody on this panel.
- Mimi, I went to camp Mariah.
- Shut up! - What? - Did you have a good - experience? - I loved camp Mariah.
- I'm so glad to have - an alumni here, singing.
- I'm so excited.
- That's big.
I have pictures.
- Get out.
Oh, this is the best.
- And I sang for you too, when I was 13.
- What song? - You did sing.
- I sang my all.
- So, let's see what Tina's bringing this year.
- No, I'd rather look at pictures of myself.
No, I'm only kidding.
Can I have these? - Wow.
- I have copies.
- We'll make copies.
We'll make copies.
- You should have said, "I'll bring them to Hollywood.
" This is so cute.
You just made my day with this.
- You made my day.
Well, let's make our day.
What you gonna sing? - I'm gonna sing - you've got a friend by Carole king.
- She's very excited to sing - Yeah.
- It's a dream come true already, isn't it? - Yes.
- She's been a Mariah fan ever since she went to the camp.
When you're down and troubled and you need - some loving care - yeah, right.
- 'cause nothing nothing is going right - - you just call out my name and you know wherever I am I'll come running to see you again - mm.
Wow, wow.
- Yes! - Amazing.
Amazing.
Yes! Yes! - I gotta go first, I'm sorry.
Yeah, yeah, go.
I don't want to interrupt, but, like, if we could have somebody like this come out - of this moment of idol 12 - Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah.
I would be personally very proud because - We're all kind of just sitting in awe, blown away.
What I like is my personal bag.
I loved it.
- So you want to send her through? - Yeah, I do.
- Okay.
Thank you, Mimi.
- Mariah says yes.
Keith, what do you say? It's kind of refreshing in the midst of all of the stuff going on, to just have - a lot of patience and pace.
- Thank you.
- That's a yes for me.
- Absolutely.
- Absolutely.
- Nicki, yes or no? Yes.
- Randy, yes or no? Uh, yes.
- Ah, welcome to Hollywood!- - - Let's see what Mariah thought.
- Here's your pictures, - or I'll keep them.
Whatever you like.
- I have some extras.
Make me a copy of this one.
- This one? Okay.
- When you can, sweetie.
Okay, congratulations.
Yeah! - She is having a good day.
She is.
She's a good singer.
What was the moment for you inside? I showed her the pictures.
She wants me to make copies.
- So the hometown girl makes Mariah proud.
- And we're off.
And as the morning continued, New York delivered.
Hello, pretty boy.
Don't you know it's me now - see, all I need so believe me when I tell you I'll never do you no harm straight to my lover's heart for me "z" formation, snap, sn.
Word, word, word! I wasn't expecting that - voice.
- I say yes.
- I say yes.
- I say yes.
- Yes.
- All right, welcome to Hollywood! - Whoo! Whoo! - You did it! - Aah! - Whoo! Yes! Oh, my God! - What's up? Congratulations, buddy.
- I made it to Hollywood! Yeah! Yeah, yeah, yeah! - All right, let's have fun.
Keith, go - okay, hi, what's your name? - They're not here yet.
My name is James bay, I'm 15 years old, and I'm from long island, New York.
I'm a rap artist, I'm a pop artist, and you see people like.
Justin bieber.
He was started out on YouTube and now he's, like, a sensational superstar.
And I want to be just like him.
This is one of my lifetime dreams, and if I get a yes today, it will be a miracle.
And It will be a miracle and I will make it to the top, no matter what.
- You've thought about this moment for a long time.
I know you said that you saw bieber, and the YouTube story inspired you.
So, get in there and get it done, and come out with that golden ticket, okay? - I'm gone - what's up, American idol! - Oh.
- Hey.
- Hi, babe.
- What's your name? My name is James bay, I'm 15 years old, and I'm from long island, New York.
Right on.
Do you sing all the time? Do you do other things? I sing in my room, thinking it's a concert, so I'll get ready for the real one.
And I know what the audience wants.
And they just don't want a singer, they want a character.
- Right, right.
- Like a superhero - That's right.
- Type of thing? That's right, babe.
I feel you already, baby.
And what are you gonna do for us today? - I'm gonna sing Justin bieber's one less lonely girl.
Okay.
- All right.
- how many I told yous and start over and shoulders have you cried on before how many promises be honest, girl how many teardrops hit the floor how many bags you'd packed just to take it back tell me that how many either ors but no more if you let me inside of your world there'll be one less lonely girl, oh no, don't need these other pretty faces before I saw you, you when you're mine in the world there's gonna be one less lonely girl let's go - mm, yeah.
Okay.
- James.
Yes.
- It's a beautiful day in New York today.
- It's so nice.
Look at the park.
I like you a lot, James.
Do you have a girlfriend? No, I don't, but I'm single, and I'm ready for you.
- Oh, Nicki.
Nicki.
- Oh, there you go.
See? And Nicki, remember, we're gonna do a collide one day, remember that.
- A what? - A collide.
- A collide? Yes.
- I guess when two things come together, they would collide.
- I'm, like, what's crazy is that when things usually collide, it usually hurts.
Like, I would like to do a collaboration, maybe.
Yeah, that's better.
- Have you ever dj'd? - Uh, no.
You know, it's artistic, you can still deal with music, but you don't necessarily have to be the singer.
- The whole package didn't feel like it was quite there.
What are we talking about up here? The vocals, no.
- Don't sing.
That's not your thing, dude.
I wanted to be a race car driver, drive in nascar.
That's not what I got.
I wanted to be a bus driver at one point.
- Huh? I wanted to drive buses.
I loved driving.
A city bus? Yes, the city bus.
- What are we talking about up here? - Anyway.
Shall we vote? - Let's vote.
No.
- I'm gonna say no today.
- Not today.
- Yeah.
- And for me today, I also have to say no.
- Babe, come here.
Come.
You real I really mean what I say when I say that you are special.
Just not for this competition.
But I think for life in general, you I loved that you own it.
You're so young, you're not afraid.
I would never do this when.
I was your age.
I was so scared.
Okay? Bye, babe.
- Good to meet you, dog.
I like the shades.
- Good to meet you, James.
- I like the shades, man.
I'm serious about the dj'ing.
I'm not kidding.
- Give me a hug, baby.
Great to meet you.
Okay.
- I'm rooting for you, and I won't ever forget you, either.
Bye.
- I just want to be a singer, but I guess that didn't work out.
Um, not really, 'cause in the end, Nicki minaj kissed me.
As long as you love me All right, so put your sticker on, follow him to the green American idol shirts for the number eight.
For number eight? - Let's keep it rolling.
- All right.
- Wow.
- Hi.
- I say that every day.
- Hi, little labug.
How are you? - Hi, guys.
Oh, my gosh, sorry.
I can't look at you until after I sing.
- You're you're all so beautiful.
- So are you.
- So are you.
- Thank you.
- And what's your name and where you from? - My name's Christina pasqualone, and I live in Boston, but I'm from born in New York, raised in Atlanta, Georgia.
You know what I read about you that I wanted you to kind of just talk about? It said that you struggled with your weight, so we're surprised 'cause you just walked in here looking amazing and beautiful and confident.
- Thank you.
Well, when I was in high school, I was around 200 pounds, and it was really tough for me, so I decided to do something about it since I wanted to be a singer.
And I wanted to feel good, so I lost the weight.
I dropped down 50 pounds - before college.
- Congratulations.
- Here I am, and it's still - working, so, you know it's every day.
- It's funny that, about high - school, kids can be very mean.
- Yeah.
- This High School thing did you ever watch mean girls? - - Yeah, but that's so - unrealistic.
- What are you trying to say? - I can't believe you're doing this right now.
- Did you watch mean girls? I'm just trying to i'm just shedding light.
- They're trying to call me Regina George, and I don't even know - she's Regina George.
Regina Christina Can you let us hear you sing, my darling? - Of course.
Let me sing for you.
- What are you saying about it? Summertime and the livin' is easy fish, fish are jumpin' and the cotton is high your daddy's rich - wow.
And your mama is good-looking so hush little baby don't you cry omg.
- Wow.
- I can't believe I just did that.
- Omg.
- How did that feel? You can't believe? - Ah, whew.
Much better.
You should feel so proud.
I see you going really, really far in this competition.
- Thank you.
Like, because of what you just did was a combination of amazing skill with beautiful - tone and beauty and - thank you.
- I'm just I'm blown away.
Thank you.
- I think you're a natural singer.
I think your voice and the way you sing is it was just who did you listen to, growing up? - - Mariah.
Yeah, I can hear it.
As soon as you - I want to bring that great music back.
I really do, and I think - so do we.
This is the opportunity.
I want to bring those great singers back.
Thank you, darling.
- You know what I loved? I loved the vulnerability - in your voice.
- Mm-hmm.
- That's the thing.
That's the things I'm listening for, the humanity coming through, unfiltered.
And you're just right comfortable with that.
That's what I loved.
I liked that you knew who you were as soon as you started singing.
Oh, yeah.
- There was no confusion in your face.
There was, like, this almost like you were at a show.
- Thank you.
I think you did a beautiful job.
I love that song.
I've been singing that song since I was a baby.
And, um - your mom was an opera singer.
- Yeah.
You do know.
I do.
- You do know.
I think it was a great choice and something different.
And I would love to hear you explore that a little bit more 'cause it's you have it.
- Thank you so much.
- It's great.
Berklee college of music.
- Yeah, hey.
A hand for berklee.
It's a great school.
It's a great school.
But listen, build up that "confidence.
When you said when you finished, "I can't believe that I just - did that," no, believe.
Please, believe.
- Okay, I will.
I'm gonna say yes.
Nicki? - Yes.
Keith? - Yes.
- Mariah? Absolument.
- Four yeses! You're through to Hollywood! Thank you so much.
- Congratulations.
- Whoa! - I'm so proud of you.
- Thank you.
I'm really proud of you.
- She has a great voice.
- Wow.
- Good lord.
- Crazy.
- Great tradition, great school.
- I didn't go to no school.
I went to the school of mother life, okay? - Right? School of life.
This means so much to me.
This proves that anyone, shape, size, body type, if you have confidence in - yourself, you can go so far.
- This is Evan.
Where are you from? - I'm from old bridge, New Jersey.
- Not too far from here.
45 minutes outside the city.
I've been dancing for about 17 years now.
I first started dancing when I was five years old.
In September of 2008, I started school.
Right off the bat, I was cast in a musical.
And I was really, you know, shooting for Broadway.
You know, reaching for the stars.
When I was 19, I was diagnosed with osteosarcoma bone cancer.
You know, you get told that you know, you have cancer and then everything stops.
You're no longer thinking about, you know, "I'm gonna sing, dance, and act.
" You're thinking about, "I need to stay alive.
" When we heard the words "cancer," I was scared to death.
How can I live without my child? That's all I that's all I kept thinking was, I can't.
I won't be able to.
Finally, after I went through 16 months' worth of chemotherapy and after multiple surgeries, my "cancer came back.
My doctor comes in, tells me, "we have to save your life now.
And the only thing to do is to amputate your leg.
" Being here today, it means the world to me.
I've been through some of the toughest times in my life the last three years.
Just because, you know, you have a disability doesn't mean you can't go out there and be the next American idol.
- You know, do whatever you want to do.
- Hey.
- Good to see you.
- Hey, how are you? - Good, good.
What's your name, sir? - My name is Evan ruggiero.
Evan, and how old are you? I'm 21 years old.
- Are you in college? What do you do? Tell me about your life.
- All right.
I'm in college.
I'm a senior at montclair state university.
I'm also a tap dancer.
- A one-legged tap dancer.
- Wow.
- I love that.
Yeah.
- Hey, man, nothing can stop you, that's right.
Nope, nothing will.
- And how long have you played guitar? - Uh, about nine years.
- Right.
- Yeah.
I know you like guitar.
- I do.
- Brought it in.
- I sure do.
Do a little playing, a little singing, serenading.
- Nice.
Pretty long day for you guys so far waiting, huh? - You're exhausted, right? - No! Why, do we? - No, no, no.
Yeah, you know, I've been tired for ten years.
- All right, what are you singing today? - I'm gonna sing Jason mraz, I'm yours.
Okay.
- so I won't hesitate no more no more, it cannot wait I'm sure there's no need to complicate our time is short this is our fate I'm yours don't you, don't you don't you well d-d-don't d-d-don't d-don't you want to come on ooh mm-mm-mmm - all right.
That was very cool.
- Yeah.
- You want to play something on the guitar? - Yeah, sure.
We'll go back, you know, to the '80s.
- You know.
- All right, uh - Some bon jovi.
- What? - Wanted dead or alive.
- Yeah, that's a good song.
- All right? - Okay.
- it's all the same only the names will change and every day, yeah like we're wasting away another place, yeah where the faces are so cold I drive all night just to get back home I'm a cowboy on a steel horse I ride and I'm wanted - wanted - dead or alive yeah.
- Yes.
- That's more in your wheelhouse.
- I like doing that, you know, noodling around on the guitar, writing songs, you know.
- I like your voice, Evan.
- Thank you.
I'm not I don't know if the if the star factor is all there yet, you know? All right.
- But I do think you could take this time right now and decide, like, do I want to be in a band, do I want to like, what's the what's the style I want to have.
Yeah, I don't I don't really see it for the competition, but I feel like the fact that you lost your leg and came through such a very crucial part of your life you had to you had to kind of stop doing tap and do all these things, and then learn how to do that again.
You don't understand how many people you're gonna touch just from being here Yeah.
- And showing that anything is possible.
Right.
- But I don't think that, you know, it should I don't think the overall was strong enough to go to Hollywood.
- But I think if you find your niche, I think you could do well in this competition.
It's not quite there yet.
- I'm gonna say no.
Nicki, what about you? - I'm gonna say no for now.
All right.
- I'm gonna say no, too.
But you're a rocker.
That's what you are.
- That's the thing.
Mariah? - I think your niche is not so far away.
I think it's right there.
When I heard that wanted dead or alive, I wanted to hear the next verse, and I think you don't seem like the type of - person that's gonna give up, so - No.
Don't give up on this, and I will see you next year.
I have to say no and go with the rest of the group right now, but you have inspired me and encouraged me as a human being.
So, thank you.
- It's a no for today, man.
But listen, keep on, man.
Yeah.
- Thank you.
- Thank you.
Good to meet you.
- Good luck with everything, man.
- Yeah.
Wow.
- No? - Nope.
- Okay.
No ticket, man? - I so feel for that kid.
- I do too.
- So, what can what can you take away from it? - I think this was a great experience, you know? Being here, getting to where I am.
You know, I had a great time up there.
Got to sing for some really great people.
And maybe I touched someone out there who's watching this right now.
- Oh, there's no doubt about that.
- Mm-hmm, thank you, guys.
We so appreciate you trying.
Good job.
- That's it.
I mean, I've dealt with a lot of stuff.
You know, my past, you know, trying to just survive.
And so, this isn't the worst that could happen to me.
I'll go on, you know, learn from this experience, and I'll move on to the next thing.
you know, over the years, we've met many contestants who weren't necessarily that excited about stepping in front of the spotlight.
So this season, we let you nominate someone you thought - deserved a shot in front of the judges.
- My name is Janice kartalis.
I am nominating my daughter, Jessica rose kartas, because everyone tells us she should be an American idol.
- I'm on the way to staten island.
I'm going over to see this girl, Jessica.
Her mom has nominated her, and - she doesn't even know we're coming.
- Let's go, everybody.
- Come on, now.
- Jessica has been performing since she was about 14 years old, and she was a natural at it.
Randy, Randy, Randy! Jessica, you now have your number to sing in front of the judges in Manhattan.
Jessica! Jessica, Jessica! Hi.
- Hi, hello.
- It's great to see you again.
Thank you so much for coming to get me.
This is amazing.
- Well, welcome to idol, season 12.
- Thank you.
It's great to see you guys.
This is awesome.
- So, listen, what kind of artist do you want to be? - I don't want to label myself.
You know, being on this show will, you know, guide me and direct me in the right way, but I don't want to put a label on it yet.
- Can we hear a little bit of an original song with you and - the guitar? - Yeah, sure.
- Might be a treat.
Yeah.
- Right? - Oh, yeah.
- I would love to hear some originality.
- Okay, so the first part's a capella, so it's sitting in the park as you walked by I said "hello" but you seemed shy I tried to call but you won't answer your phone 'cause you're all I ever wanted all I ever needed now you're sorry.
All I ever wanted all I ever needed there you go.
- now you're gone gone sorry.
All I ever wanted all I ever needed Now you're gone gone I'm sorry.
That's okay.
- I wasn't gonna bring this in, and then I just grabbed it.
- But at least you found the key later.
- Right.
I apologize, it's - uh, what do you think, Nicki? - Um I don't think you're ready yet.
-- No? No.
- Can I sing a more upbeat, a capella song? Please? - I feel like we've heard it, Jessica, and I don't think it's bad for you to maybe come back next year, after you've kind of molded yourself, and maybe not come in and expect idol to completely do everything.
- I know.
I played guitar a little bit for a movie, and that was, like, the hardest thing, to sing and play at the same time, for me, because it's just not you know, I'm not that coordinated.
So, um, I feel for you that you went into the - you were, like, in the wrong key.
- I yeah, that's so that completely shocked you at that moment, and I felt for you so bad, but I do think - it's about next year or the year after.
- Yeah, I think you're that close, not quite - you know, today's my only shot, so - it's not your only shot.
- It'll never be your only shot until you decide it's your only shot.
- I love that you write and play guitar and sing.
There's a purity in what you do.
I like I really like that.
- Well, let's see what the fate is.
Keith? - It's so close to a yes for me, you know? - - But I can't quite tell who - you are yet.
- Yeah.
- It's very close.
- I'm going to say no too, my darling.
- Do not give up, but I have to - say no.
- But thank you so much.
- All right.
Thank you, guys.
- Love you, love your spirit.
- Bye, honey.
Don't lose that.
- It was nice meeting all you guys.
- Nice to meet you too, sweetheart.
- Thank you.
And though the judges think she needs more work, Jessica will always be a star to her biggest fan.
- Yeah, I'm a little disappointed.
But she's 19 years old.
She has a lot of time ahead of her, and something's great gonna happen for her, and we'll come back.
I wish, like, if people really knew how many doors everyone up here has had closed - in their face - every door.
- Like, if they knew that we've cried, and went to sleep, like, "this'll never happen," like, I think that they 'cause when they say stuff like, "well, this is my only shot," it's never your only shot.
- No, it's never your only shot.
- This whole weekend has been so crazy.
All day today was very emotional.
Of course, it would have been so much better if I was going to Hollywood, but Not this year.
- Coming up, big talent in the big apple.
- Like, I see a complete package.
- I really believe in this girl.
The contestants may survive the judges, but can the judges survive New York? - You wrecked the whole thing up.
- No.
I don't feel star power.
- Oh, no, the English accent.
- Forget about it.
Nicki.
can you give me a welcome back to New York? - Welcome back to New York.
- Perfect.
New York City, where the world has always come to follow their dream, no matter what language you dream in.
- I'm originally from Belgium, Europe.
- Bolivia.
- Nynashamn, Sweden.
- Mexico city.
- Amsterdam.
- Vologda, Russia.
- And 23-year-old shira gavrielov has also left her homeland for a shot to make it here in America.
Hello.
How are you? - I'm good.
How are you? - Hi.
- Hey.
- I hear you are from - Israel.
- Israel, so shalom.
- Shalom.
- Shanah tovah.
I grew up in a musical house because my dad is a composer, singer/songwriter.
I started playing piano and writing songs.
I had a single out on the radio station.
When I was 17, I had my first cd out, and one of the songs was the number one hit in.
Israel.
I moved to New York because of the American dream.
New York is the big apple, and I wanted thaveo bite.
- Okay.
- So, let's hear you do some singing.
- well sometimes I go out by myself and I look across the water and I think of all the things what you're doing and in my head I paint a picture stop making a fool out of me why don't you come on over, Valerie - you superstar.
Gave it to me.
Thank you.
- Oh, I love that you chose that song.
It worked so good for your tone.
You just excited me.
And that's what I wanna feel when I see people come in this room.
Between the look and your sound and your attitude, I think those three things have to all work together.
The whole thing.
- Yes, and that's what you want out of an American idol.
- So, I just wanna say that I love you.
- Well, listen.
- Yes! - Oh, my God.
Welcome to Hollywood.
- I'm so glad you made it.
Congratulations, honey pie.
- Excellent.
- Beautiful voice.
- Bye-bye-bye.
- So, shira heads off to conquer America.
- I loved her vibrato.
God, that's just gorgeous.
- And our first day is flying by.
- Oh, my God, I'm so sorry.
We'll have to edit right here.
Hello? - Papa? - Yes? I'm going to Hollywood!- What's going on, Randy? - They're changing the light.
- Uh, yeah.
We're chasing the sun.
- Chasing the sun? Whoa.
And we chased the sun all the way to the evening's last contestant.
Frankie? - Yes, it is.
- Frankie, where are you from? I'm from Brooklyn, New York.
It's not the easiest place to live.
It's a tough neighborhood.
But, um, it made me tough.
I found out that I was adopted at the age of eight.
My biological mom, she struggled with some substance abuse problems, so I've been living with my adopted mother since the age of two.
We're very close.
Um, she's my rock.
I am currently, um, a ke, you know, like, a starving artist, like other people.
I supplement my income.
So I've gotta, like, sing on the train to, like, make money.
So, that's kind of, like, my calling card, as it stands right now.
I normally wait until I get into Manhattan, 'cause I was always worried that I was gonna run into friends and people that I knew.
And I have actually, throughout the years, run into people that I've known and it's for them, it was kind of like, "oh, how far have you fallen?" You know, just doing what I can to survive, more or less.
- Until you get your big break, right? - Yes, absolutely.
I am not gonna let this opportunity pass me by.
I have every intention of - outworking everyone here.
Hey, guys.
- Hey, how are you? - Howdy.
- Nice to meet you.
- What's your name, sir? My name is Frankie Ford.
- Frankie Ford, double "f".
Where you from? From Brooklyn, New York, flatbush, you know.
Hey, yeah, dodge ball! - Yeah! - Brooklyn out of alls.
- So, dude, tell me a little bit about yourself, man.
- I left school to, like, pursue some music.
Um, things kind of got rough, so I started singing on the train to make money.
I don't know if you know, Keith, but, like, on the trains here, like, people will literally be in train all day.
Like, that's their job, and - oh, yeah.
Well, Keith had it over there.
It's called busking over there.
It's the same sort of idea.
- Yeah.
I played on a train, I did.
- You played on a train? - Yeah.
- You know, people kept telling "me, like, you know, " you got some skills.
You should go out and, like, try out for American idol.
" So, here I am.
Hoping you guys enjoy it.
That's good.
- I like this dude.
All right, let's get it on.
- Let's get it.
- Just do it, Frankie.
Sweet dreams are made of these who am I to disagree hold on, I'm really sorry.
I-I get a little, uh, nervous and whatnot.
- Okay.
- Okay.
- And how is he? Is he pretty good? - He's a wonderful kid.
He has drive and determination.
And once he sets his mind to doing something, he doesn't - give up.
- All right, um - take your time, relax.
Take a deep breath.
It's all good.
Sweet dreams are made of these who am I to disagree I traveled the world and the seven seas and everybody is looking for something some of them want to use you some of them want to be used by you some of them want to abuse you some of them want to be abused oh, yeah - I like your big voice.
There's a lot of musicality in the tone.
You got a lot of dynamics.
And I hear a lot of who you are.
I like this kid.
I like I believe in you, man.
Thank you, Mr.
Jackson.
I appreciate that so much.
And you don't have to worry.
I'm gonna work.
Like, I'm willing put the work in, the effort in.
Whatever it takes, whatever is - necessary.
- I bet you would.
- I work 110%.
What I think you have is an inner-glow, which is always beautiful to see, because you can't manufacture that.
You can't puit on.
It's just there.
Thank you.
- And that's what makes me like you.
Because I feel like you're so different.
I don't think that you have the best voice here today.
But there's something about you that I think the people would like to see more of.
And you have this story to tell.
And I think it should be told.
All right, let's take a vote.
Yes or no, Nicki? - Yes.
- Keith urban? - Yeah, definitely.
- Mariah? I'd say yes.
- Mr.
Jackson? Yes.
- What? - Guess what.
Keith, where's he going? - Frankie, you're going - to Hollywood, man.
- Whoa! - Y'all playin'.
No.
- Yo, I swear I'm not gonna let you guys down.
I'm gonna go home tonight.
I'm gonna start practicing asap.
Yo, thank you, guys, so much.
- You don't know how - so welcome, man.
- Thank you.
- I appreciate it.
- Congratulations, man.
- Come here.
- Yo.
- You're welcome, man.
- Thank you, Mr.
urban, yo.
- Frankie.
- Yo, it's been - you, definitely, dude.
I am in the presence of greatness right now.
This is crazy.
This is, like, the most surreal moment of my life.
Get on your business in.
- Hollywood, Frankie.
- Yeah, get to it.
- Will do.
You got it! - Bye, babe.
- See you, Frankie.
- Nice kid, man.
- Is that his sound right now? - That's my boy! Don't pick me up, ow! - Wonderful! Wonderful! - Frankie! Congratulations, buddy.
- Thank you, sir.
This time last week, I was singing on the train, hoping to get quarters from people.
This is my moment, and I don't want to squander it.
- Yeah, I love that he's singing his butt off on the "train, you know? - 'Cause people say, you know, "what would you do if you couldn't do this for a living?" The answer is always like, "well, I'd do it for not - a living.
" You know? - Do it anyway.
Do it anyway.
- Congratulations.
Day one in New York is over, - but we've got another one tomorrow.
- We do.
We're ready.
- Let's get some rest.
- Dinner, dinner.
In the next hour, we wake up the city that never sleeps.
- Oh! Give me that, boo.
- And as the big apple shines Just go ahead - you don't understand - The battle on Broadway boils over.
- I can't - oh, we gonna start now.
- It's not safe.
- Ooh - -.
- Y'all blew it.
- We're in a New York state of mind.
- Your rae isngetter than Mariah's.
- It is a beautiful day in the big apple - Good morning, good morning.
As the second day of auditions is about to begin.
- Busy day here in New York.
Lots of people waiting to see our judges.
Let's see how they're doing inside the room.
- Mariah, is this beauty lighting? - Do I consider it beauty lighting? - I just need you to make sure - the lighting is completely beautiful.
- I already did that for you in up out my face.
- Oh, we gonna start now? Okay, okay.
You know you look great.
- I'm in a good seat right here.
- And now we begin.
- Yay, judging.
- And we begin with 21-year-old.
Benjamin gazy.
- My name is Benjamin gazy.
I live in sinking spring, Pennsylvania.
When I sing, I'm a very confident young man.
I'm a ladies' guy.
When I go out to party and stuff, make my way through, those ladies grind 'em.
- Whoo! - Is this, uh, plastic? - Plastic.
- Plastic? - Well, 'cause it was - a Halloween costume from years ago.
- No.
- Mm-hmm.
- Can you breathe in it? - Yeah, I can breathe in it.
I just can't zip it all the way.
'Cause like I said, it's from years ago.
Yeah, I got ya.
- Nobody out there wants it more than me.
"When I make it through, all my friends will say, "man, I guess he really fulfilled his dream.
He is the man.
" Ah.
- Yo, what's going down? There he is.
What's up? - Yo, man, I've been waiting for you to show up.
Hey, your dream came true, just like mine, bro.
Let me ask you a question.
- Is that your hair? - No.
- No, you're kidding me.
- I'm not kidding you.
- Really? - Mm-hmm.
It's not my hair.
Wow.
All right, so what are you gonna sing? Two love songs for two beautiful young ladies right there.
I mean, but, you know, we're here too, just know that.
- Give me that, boo.
- Let me get that.
- Here we go.
- I'll make love to you like you want me to and I'll hold you tight Mariah all through the night I'll make love to you and every time I close my eyes I thank the lord that I've got Nicki - ooh.
- Bam! - Whoa! Every time I close my eyes I think to myself wow.
I can't believe it's true that God over there he gave me you - sing that.
Can you sing a little bit more, babe? Like, I'm in a trance.
I you should let me love you let me be the one to give you everything you want and need baby good love and protection make me your selection give you everything you want and need - it's not safe.
- You know, what's throwing me off with all of this is the wig.
Oh, no, see, the thing is, this is on behalf of my idol.
- You obviously love tom Jones.
- Let's take a vote.
I don't listen, this is just let's just vote.
I don't want to be the one to squash the dream, but you know it's a bit much, over the top.
It's a little over the top.
This is not the right, uh, Avenue for you.
Well, what do you is it 'cause I - babe, can I say something to you? 'Cause I really like you.
It's not for you.
I-I don't what Nicki was gonna say to you what she was trying to say to you is, like, the voice is terrible.
- What part did I sound terrible? What did I - no, the voice is not dude, it's terrible.
It's a singing competition, so therefore it has to be a no.
It's definitely a no for me, dog.
The voice is just not - I nearly fainted with the thrust.
- Bam! Yeah, baby.
Hmm? Yeah, I'm fine.
- need some help? Actually, I'm fine.
- You're good? All right.
Well, get in there.
Good luck.
Got a lot of people to see here.
More auditions on the way.
Come on in, everybody.
And the auditionees have come from all five boroughs and beyond.
- In New York, we're gonna bring it, baby! - New York! - I'm from Brooklyn.
- Binghamton, New York.
- East orange.
- I'm actually from Manhattan.
Whoo! - My name is roseanna.
I'm 21, from staten island, New York.
I live at home with my parents.
My parents are very supportive of what I do.
They're really excited.
Anytime I have to practice, I always sing it to my parents first, and I always get their feedback.
So, yeah, it means a lot to me, what they say.
But tell me what you're gonna do when you get in the room in front of the judges.
I'm just gonna try to show my personality and just do the best that I can.
- I've been waiting for this moment.
- Roseanna.
- That's me.
- Hi, roseanna.
- Hi, roseanna.
Hi.
How are you, guys? - - How are you? Oh, really nervous.
I usually don't sing in front of people, so singing in front of you guys is, like - h-hang on.
You never sing in front of - people? - I sing for my parents.
- What do they tell you about your voice? - The song make me have chills, some of the songs.
And when she started to sing, I started to have chills too, you know? So strong, her voice.
So nice, her voice now.
- Oh, that's nice.
Very sweet.
- Well, let's see what you got, little ladybug.
All right.
To know, know know him is to love, love, love him just to see that smile makes my life worthwhile - she sings everywhere in the shower, in the bus, in the car, and the parties.
She loves it.
How blind can he be? Someday he'll see that he was meant for me oh, oh - that was a last-minute song choice.
- Are you nervous? Oh, I'm so nervous.
I decided to do one that would show my range off better.
Yeah.
- - I'll do the second song.
I don't think we do we need it? I don't think we need one.
Please.
Oh, my God.
- Dude, it was bad for me.
That was bad.
- It was really that bad? - Yeah.
- So sorry, it's a no for today.
- All right, well, thank you anyway, guys.
No? - No.
It's a no.
- This is not easy, like I thought it would be.
- Unfortunately, delivering bad news doesn't get any easier.
And you know you can't survive - ooh - and all my tears lay - I've been dying to tell you.
- I don't know who you are as an artist.
- You can study and maybe have - this as a hobby.
- I'm gonna say no.
- Let's go.
We don't wanna be on the camera.
- I can't say yes and really believe that you're gonna shine in the competition yet.
- Can't win 'em all.
.
- Mariah, yay or nay? What do you say? - I wanna go last.
- - Aw.
- Bad choice.
Y'all blew it.
- Can you stop? Uh, what other skills and talents do you have? It's hard saying no.
We're all still learning everything.
But you've been here, so you - kinda - you're like Obi-Wan Kenobi.
- You're the anchor, Randy.
You're not even remotely close to being right for this show.
Honestly, it was terrible.
- Define terrible.
- The judges' gentle attitude hasn't rubbed off on the delicate new yorkers.
Get this man of of my face or I'll the out of him.
Can a good ol' Jersey girl brighten up the New York mood? - My name is Sarah restuccio.
I'm 17 years old from hammonton, New Jersey.
People, when they think of New Jersey, they think of cities, like, maybe up in north Jersey or anything.
But hammonton, New Jersey, is the blueberry capital of the world.
It's farmland everywhere.
I enjoy just going out there, having fun, and getting all dirty.
No one in my family really sings, but my grandma told me I have, like, a great aunt or something that's an opera singer.
But I have no idea who she is.
My heart is in country.
I've grown up listening to it.
I do believe I can be the next - American idol, 100%.
- What's your name? - Sarah restuccio.
- How old are you, Sarah? - 17.
- 17.
So tell me something about yourself.
- I work at a blueberry farm, actually.
Of course.
- And yeah.
Do you live on a farm? - Well, me, my grandparents, and my aunt and Uncle, we all live next door to each other.
So and we have a bunch of horses and chickens and garden, - so pretty much, I guess.
It's fun.
- Wow.
All right.
So what are you singing today? - Mama's song by Carrie Underwood.
That's a good song.
- Mama, you taught me to do the right things so now it's time to let your baby fly you've given me everything that I will need to make it through this crazy thing called life and he is good so good he makes promises he keeps no he's never gonna leave - okay.
- I like it.
- Thank you.
- You have a beautiful tone.
Thank you.
- I feel like you could be a humongous country star.
Aw, thank you.
- I agree.
I think you have a beautiful voice.
I really enjoyed how you sang the song.
Thank you.
- I felt like you could make a great album.
Like, I see a complete package.
- I-I wanna hear one more song.
- Okay.
- A little bit of one more.
- I sing super bass.
Aw, let's hear it.
Oh, come on.
- This one is for you Nicki sitting there in that American idol chair when I come up in the club they be selling out got stacks on deck like I'm savin' up and he ill, he real he might got a deal he pop bottles and he got the right kind of build he cool, he dope you all drink coke you always in the air but you never fly coach he a motherlovin' trip, trip sailor of a ship money make him drip, drip kiss him on the lip, lip that's the kind of dude I was looking for and yes, you get slapped if you're looking, oh I said excuse me you're hell of a guy I mean, my, my, my you're like pelican fly I mean, you're so shy and I'm lovin' your tie you're like slicker than the guy with the thing on his eye, oh - Yo, wait a minute.
Wait a minute.
I'm confused.
I'm really messed up right now.
- I liked that.
What? - So you come in here.
You work on the farm.
You're singing Carrie Underwood.
But then you do super bass and wreck the whole thing up.
No.
- It's my jam.
I gotta I gotta sell it.
It's like an iPod shuffle.
You never know what's happening.
- It was two different moments.
It was two different moments and two I feel, two perfected moments.
- Like, nobody does that.
- Thank you.
- When you sang the first song, I didn't quite feel it from you.
And then you sang Nicki's song and I was like, oh, totally different girl.
Like, a different part of your personality.
So, my feeling is, like, I'm not sure who you are yet.
- Yeah.
Who do you wanna be? - She's every little girl.
There are so many girls that identify with her that come from where she is, maybe lives on a farm, and they sing super bass.
Hello, Taylor swift made super bass hot.
Boys are gonna love her 'cause she's pretty.
And girls are gonna identity with her because she's singing this amazing country song whatever, and she's rocking out.
And she's not hiding that.
- If she really likes to sing country songs, then she could - find one that fits into her - I don't think her doing super bass means that she wants to be a rapper.
I think she was just a regular girl having fun.
I'm saying she's having fun.
- No, not you, Mariah.
What Keith is saying Keith is like, "she has to choose one.
" - You don't have to choose one.
Everybody, everybody - but today we gotta make a decision on someone.
Everyone told me everybody told me my whole life I had to choose.
Everybody's always giving me, "choose, choose, choose.
Who are you? Who are you?" - You are who you are.
- I agree.
- You could be exactly that person.
- Well, let's see.
Keith, listen.
What do you think, man? - I'll say yes, actually.
- Nicki? Thank you, Keith.
I really believe in this girl.
- Thank you.
- I really do.
Yes.
- Yay.
- Uh, Mariah, what say you? - Yes or no? - I say yes.
- Guess what.
- I'ma say yes too.
Welcome to Hollywood! - Thank you! Thank you so much.
- That was a fun one.
And she's crying.
She's gonna make me cry.
- Sarah.
Baby! - You were responsible for a little bit of a debate in - there, wouldn't you say? - That was crazy.
- Let's break for lunch, guys.
- It's lunchtime.
Let's get it.
- Just getting started.
It's a good start.
I know, man, I know.
It's 2:30 here in New York and the judges are in the holding room, giving the contestants some words of encouragement.
- We know it's not easy.
We know it's never gonna be easy when you're putting yourself out there, but just be you.
Have an amazing day.
And yay to all these amazing judges.
I am so excited to be part of this family.
Whoo! Ladies and gentlemen, the new judges of American idol.
Today, we introduce the new judges.
Albert, what do you think? Yeah? What do you like to do when you're not working in the doctor's office? Um - sing? - Yes.
Perfect.
Good luck.
We'll see you in a minute.
- Hello.
- What's ur name? - My name is Albert Chang.
- And how old are you? - I'm 25.
- And where are you from? - I'm from queens, New York.
- Ahh! - Right on.
- Ah, yeah.
- I'm from queens, yup, yup.
- Have you been singing all - your life? Or when did you start singing? - I start singing in the school chorus.
- So, what are you going to sing for us? - Um, phantom of the opera.
- Oh, beautiful.
- Oh, wow.
Wow, okay.
- Since once again with me our strange duet my power over you grows stronger yet and though you turn for me The phantom is there inside your mind - oh, my God.
Very nice.
- Your range is better than Mariah's.
Do you know her range is the best range in the world? - Wow.
Did you know that you were singing in front of the best range in the world? Nicki.
- Keith? - Yes? - Oh, hi.
- Randy? - Honestly, it was terrible.
- But you're not right for this, man.
- All right.
I don't feel star power.
Oh, no, the English accent.
- I am a little bit nervous, so, you know.
- Is that when the British accent comes out? When you're nervous? Thank you again.
Whenever I'm nervous, the British accent sort of comes out.
Uh, okay.
- Hi, little hush puppy.
- What do you have to sing for us, honey pie? - I'd catch a grenade for you - wow.
I really like you.
I like your personality.
- I'm in pain - I probably wouldn't remember you once you left.
Do you know what I mean? Like, it's not that thing that - when you walk in a room that I feel like - Ah! But that's just me.
The truth is all that I can hear every time you lie - thank you, little lady.
We're not going to do the British thing.
- We can't.
- Yes, we have to.
- Because then you're going to make me do it, and I don't - if every time I do it, you do it, we're gonna have a complete - I can't.
- Hi.
- Hello.
- How are you? - Hi, pretty girl.
I'm great.
It is so good to be here.
Oh, my goodness.
What's your name? - My name is Angela Miller.
How old are you? 18.
- Is there anything interesting about urself? Um, I've had hearing problems whole life.
Um, I have 40% hearing loss in - my left ear and 20% in my right.
- Wow.
- In terms of singing, it's - so important to have y your ear.
- Yeah.
- Like, how do you find, like, singing? Is it more difficult because of this? It definitely is, especially hearing music around me.
- Yeah.
But, um, like, ask anyone.
Whenever I sing, the monitors are always so loud 'cause.
I can't hear the music.
- What are you gonna sing for us? I'm gonna sing mamma knows best by jessie j.
- Let's go.
A favorite today.
- Well there is something going down like the storm in the sky whoa I ain't gonna be played by your behavior how can I trust someone who's lying to me? So bow out, go now I said bow out and leave I said take your stuff and go 'cause you're not for me, no mama knows best when times are getting hard and papa always has a joke to make me laugh and mama knows best when I'm feeling down so bring me up and always keep my feet on the ground - thank you.
- Thanks.
- Yay.
- Wow, wow, wow.
- Angela.
- Impressive, impressive.
- Nice.
I haven't felt that for the whole day, that thing that makes me feel something in my soul.
You know what I liked? I liked that you moved a little bit and came closer to us.
- Like, it worked.
- Confidence.
- All day long, we haven't had tone, and there was tone.
And that's one thing that I would like to say we need more of in the music industry, because it's rare.
- Gots to have.
- You know what I'm saying? - Gots to have more.
- Like, a real tone with a real soul behind it and just a beautiful texture, you know? - Beautiful.
I think you're definitely one of the best today.
I mean, that was really, really good.
- Really? - Yes.
Should we vote? - Yeah, let's vote.
This is easy Mariah? - Yes.
- Easy yes.
- Yes.
- Yes.
Welcome to Hollywood! - Thank you so much, really.
- It's so nice to meet you, guys.
- Congratulations.
- Wow.
Easy.
- Yay! Hollywood! - You did it.
- She's got real potential.
- Yeah, she's sweet too.
- Yeah.
- Congratulations.
Good job.
Thank you so much.
- How many yeses did you get? - All of them.
All of them.
- Aah! Ryan! - Well done.
- You raised a good one.
- Cool "f" beans.
- Somebody really good in here.
Yeah.
- welcome back to the American idol auditions here in New York.
As contestants wait for their chance to shine, one of the best voices we've ever had is currently impressing the judges.
Let's listen in.
- of the world - wow.
Yeah, okay.
- This is a whole 'nother bag right now, dude.
Should we vote? - I'ma jump out on a limb and I'm gonna say yes.
I'll say yes.
- That's a yes for me too.
- Mariah? I'm gonna say yes.
- Welcome to Hollywood, baby.
Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah! My name is Brett holt.
I come from willow grove, Pennsylvania, which is right outside Philadelphia.
And I am a huge, huge American idol fan.
tell me what you can tell me about American idol.
- Name something.
I can tell you anything.
Really? - Yeah.
I challenge anybody in America - to take me on in American idol trivia.
- Chris, where are those cards we always carry around with the American idol trivia? Thank you.
Speed round.
What song did William hung audition with? She bangs.
That's right.
What season did hung audition? Tough one.
That's a tough one.
I'm gonna guess and say season five.
It was not two.
It was not five.
It was not four, but it was six? Nope.
Three? Three.
What American idol winner worked at a pawn shop? Phillip Phillips.
That's right.
What season of American idol is this? Season 13.
That's correct.
No, that's wrong.
It's 12.
Okay.
Well, I guess the craziest thing I've done with idol is I auditioned seven times.
You know, I just kept pursuing the dream, you know, over and over, year after year.
- You got four yeses.
- Yay! - You're going to Hollywood.
I think this will be the first time I make it to Hollywood.
I'm hopeful about it.
I'm a little more hopeful than I was in past years.
I'm almost out of questions.
Ah, who's gonna win this year? - Me.
All right.
Well, there you have it.
Well done.
- You advance to the next round.
- Thank you very much.
- Pick up your vacuum cleaner - prize over here.
- I will.
- Hey, hey.
Good evening, judges.
How are you? - Hi.
- Good, man.
How you doing? - I'm doing good.
- What's your name? My name Brett holt.
- Do you like American idol? Oh, I am the biggest fan - of American idol, no one bigger than me.
- Really? That's nice.
- What ya gonna sing for us tonight? I'm gonna sing when I fall in love from nat king Cole.
Beautiful.
- When I fall in love it will be forever or I'll never fall in love love is ended before it's begun and too many moonlight kisses seem to cool in the warmth of the sun The last part.
- Yeah, we loved you.
You're an amazing.
Welcome to Hollywood, yes! Yes! - Brett.
Brett? Brett.
- Okay, Brett, I'd say no.
Brett, I didn't feel it tonight either, man.
- So, I think it's better to move on.
- Thanks, man.
It's a no for today, but thank you.
- Thank you so much.
I appreciate it.
Thank you.
Brett.
- It's a no.
- And with that, our trivia whiz kid goes from studying idol history to now becoming a part of it.
The evening session hasn't started as well as expected.
Hopefully, the next contestant - can wake up the city that never sleeps.
- Shall we? Let's go, let's do it.
- Send them in, please - you've got to hi.
- Wow.
- Hi, how are you? - Hi, how are you? - How are you, baby love? - I'm excellent.
- Good to see you guys.
You all look good.
- Good to see you too.
- How do we pronounce your name? - My name is gupreet Singh sareen.
- They told me that, um, you change your turban with every - outfit.
- Yes, ma'am, I do.
- Cool.
- I love matching my turban and my outfit.
- And that's, like, a lavender moment that I really like.
- Why, thank you so much, ma'am.
- What did they nickname you, dude? - I go by "turbanator.
" I don't know if - oh, there we go.
The turbanator.
Turbanator.
- Gupreet Singh sareen is the turbanator.
I believe, at this date, I have about 40 to 50 turbans, and I definitely think I can bring that creativity and that colorfulness to American idol.
I've never actually been starstruck.
I've never actually met a celebrity in real life.
I was shocked, I was enthusiastic, I was thrilled and ecstatic, so, um, to just let them know that, you know, I'm here, I have talent, and I want - to be the next American idol.
- Go, go, go, go! I believe I have the vocal talent, and I think that stems from my background with Indian classical music.
American idol, brrrrruhhah! - American idol, brrrrruhhah! - Yeah, there we go.
All right, let's go.
- All right, let's go.
- Good job.
I'm actually very thrilled and very excited to get that golden ticket, and I'm looking forward to it.
So, would you like to sing? - I would love to sing.
- Let's hear it.
Sunday morning rain is falling oh steal some covers share some skin Clouds are shrouding us in moments unforgettable you twist to fit the mold that I am in oh, 'cause you're maybe all I need yeah, well, darkness she is all I see yeah, well, come and rest - your Bo - thank you.
- Thank you.
You sing that whole pentatonic, Indian kind of scale thing? Uh, yeah, I do a lot of, like sargams is what they call it in Indian classical music, - but I guess it's, like, riffs almost.
- Uh, well, sing a little bit of that.
- Nice.
- Thank you.
- Well, turbanator Turbanator.
- Um, I love, uh, your look.
- Thank you.
I think you have a pretty voice, but I don't think it's a stand-out voice.
Okay.
- I think you've got a beautiful voice.
I think it's very light, and I think, uh, in this kind of competition, when there's other singers that are coming at it, I think your voice may be a little too light this time around.
Okay.
- I like light singing and breathy stuff, so, you know, I - thought it was really pretty.
- Thank you.
- I'll give you a yes.
Thank you, Mariah.
- I'm gonna say yes.
I think you're worth one more - shot.
- Thank you, and, um - what do you think, Keith? Come on, Keith.
- Uh, for me, for the voice that I'm, like, waiting to feel and hear, I just didn't feel that tonight, and you're a you've you've got a beautiful heart, man.
It's not about that.
- Thank you.
- I'm just waiting for one more chance.
- So, is that a no? Okay, so - unfortunately, for me, it's a no, man.
It's a no for Keith.
Your fate lies in the hands of one Nicki minaj.
No pressure, Nicki.
- Please.
We're both very vibrant people.
I think we can connect on that level.
I actually have a marigold turban like your hair.
- - It isn't all the other colors, also, but just give me one more chance, please.
- He's campaigning.
Please.
- Turb, turb.
- Turb.
- Nicki, please.
Nick turb.
- Where is he going, Nicki? Tell him where he's going.
Turb, you're going to Hollywood.
- Don't disappoint us, darling.
- Whoo-hoo! - Yes! Go! - - He's a sweet guy.
- A nice guy.
Yeah, yeah, yeah.
- Whoo! Yeah, baby, season 12.
I'm going to Hollywood! This is the year of the turbanator, baby.
Bring it.
Whoo! It's been a busy day in New York, and as we wrap up the auditions, final contestant, 21-year-old Ashley feliciano won't be alone when she steps in front of the judges.
- How do you have this much family? - Uh, well, we foster and adopt.
- Tell me what it would mean to you and your family here to make it through to Hollywood to pursue your dream.
- Absolutely, uh, amazing.
Back in 2002, my mom came up to me and the rest of the family and told us that she wanted to start fostering and adopting medically complex children.
We did have, uh, three biological children.
At that time, Ashley was ten years old.
We've adopted four children through the foster care system.
Yeah? - Yeah.
- Put your glasses on? Aidan has been a miracle baby since the beginning.
He shouldn't have survived.
You know, even though he has a lot of issues, he'll be he'll be fine, and I know that.
Oh.
I don't know if we could have really made it without Ashley.
Mwah! I love my parents.
They both really set their lives aside to make sure that my dreams come true, and to know that I have two parents that love me as much as they do, it's pretty cool.
They're pretty awesome.
Hi.
- Hi.
- Hello.
Hi.
- Hi, my name is Ashley feliciano.
- Hi, Ashley.
- I'm so excited.
- How old are you? I'm 20 years old, from east Hartford, Connecticut.
- Could you tell us a little bit about yourself? - Um, our family, wfoster and adopt medically complex children.
We've been doing that for ten years, so wow.
Bless you.
Bless your parents.
That's big.
They're they're amazing.
I have, literally, the best family in the world.
- And what are you doing for us today? - I'm gonna sing put your - records on by Corinne Bailey rae.
- Okay.
Okay.
Blue as the sky sunburnt and lonely sippin' tea in the bar by the roadside mmm don't you let those other boys fool you got to love that afro hairdo - yeah maybe sometimes we feel afraid but it's all right the more things stay the same the more they seem to change oh, don't you think it's strange girl, put your records on tell me your favorite song just go ahead let your hair down - nice.
- So pretty.
- Pretty voice.
- So pretty.
So, I want to come to your show.
- It'd be hot.
I don't think you understand what you just did.
I'm so inspired by you.
Oh, my gosh.
- And I think so many girls will be inspired by you too.
Thank you so much.
- I mean, in incredible.
- I think it was really nice.
I thought everything was nice and clear.
You know, the potential is great.
- Yeah.
- It was beautiful.
- You should be really proud of yourself.
- And you know what I love? Your your low register has the most beautiful nasal tone.
- I agree.
- I just wanted to hear so much of that.
- Let let me just say something, though.
Before we vote, guys, can we get the family in here? I want to meet this family.
- Really? Oh, my God, she'll be so - excited.
- Can we have them come in? - Yeah, bring 'em in.
Have 'em come in.
- I can go get 'em? - Yeah.
- Oh, my God, you're gonna be so excited.
- Bring them in here, man.
That that's big, man.
- She's got such a beautiful tone.
That's a nice family.
- Yes.
- Hi, family.
- Hi.
- Hello, family.
Hi.
- A hand for the family.
- Yeah.
- - The family, yay.
- Okay, what are y'all gonna sing? - I want to know, what's the little one with the hat on his head? You guys are truly good people and, I mean, it definitely shines in her.
- She this is a good girl right here.
- She did such a great job.
You guys should be so proud of her.
Amazing job.
Like, even more than just how pretty you are, it comes from within.
Ryan seacrest, come in.
Ryan, stand here with the family.
Great family.
Mariah Carey, what say you about this young, talented girl? I say yeah - Keith urban? Oh, Ashley, that's a yes.
- Absolutely, positively, yes.
- Oh, my gosh.
I say yes too, and you're going to Hollywood! - Hi.
- Oh! A pleasure to meet you guys.
- Congratulations, man.
- Congrats, Ashley.
- Thank you so much.
This is so surreal.
- All right, beautiful.
- Yeah, thank you, guys, so much.
- Be good.
Bye.
Oh, what a great family.
- Yo, great day in New York.
- That girl just blew me away.
Great singers.
- I was about to say, we met some really good singers.
- We did.
- We had a good time, right? - Who said I had fun? Oh! - Uh-oh.
- I had a little fun.
- I did.
- I feel like we gel well.
- Yeah.
- Yes.
- In a weird, crazy way.
- I agree.
I'm going to Hollywood! - In all, 41 New York contestants secured their place Yes! - You're going to Hollywood! My family is waiting for me.
They're gonna freak out.
- - Congratulations.
- Show me some love.
- Shake it off.
- Aah! - It was amazing.
- I think we found some good kids.
- I really do.
- I had to strangle one of the divas on the panel, but I won't tell you who.
- I loved it.
I loved, uh, being in between, uh, Mariah and Nicki, and, uh - Peace, New York.
It's been real.
Yeah.
Tomorrow night, idol invades the midwest, as we land in the windy city Chicago, are you ready? With stories of inspiration - When I started to sing again, the feeling was like nothing I've ever felt before.
- And never-ending perseverance.
- Living with a s-st-stutter is really hard.
Plus, drama at the judges' table like you've never seen before.
- Why are you in my face? - Calm down.
- This is crazy.
- Run before it gets crazy in here, baby.
- Run away! - I swear, I feel like a scratching post.
- Find out what happens when