As much as we want to give the starring role on American Idol to those deserving contestants laying their hearts and voices on the line for a chance to become a musical artist, judge Katy Perry may have upstaged them during the fourth night of auditions, at least for a moment. During the show opening, she, Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie shared the big news that she and fiancé Orlando Bloom are expecting a baby. Of course, she had actually made the announcement when she released her video for “Never Worn White” the week prior, but it was worth mentioning again. And it gives Luke and Lionel time to arrange a joint baby and bridal shower.
With the baby announcement taken care of, it was time to shift the focus back to the younger performers who were hoping to score a golden ticket to Hollywood.
DANNY LA ROTA (24) – Birmingham, Alabama / dental student
KATY: “You’re the most original person on American Idol, of this season, so far.”
LOU DAWG (23) – Oahu, Hawaii / surfer
Didn’t know who any of the judges were or what American Idol is.
LUKE: “I think you almost have something, I just don’t know if it will be exciting enough to keep people’s attention for a long time.”
MAKAYLA PHILLIPS (17) Temecula, California / high school student
KATY: “You are Top 10 in my book.”
DEVON ALEXANDER
LUKE: I thought it was a great audition. You really check a box for me, like a crooner….Yeah, I’m into it.”
MOSEAN WILSON (23) – Springfield, Illinois / non-profit employee
Only child, found his father dead from an overdose
KATY: “You have an incredible voice and I’m really moved by it. I don’t think you’ve ever had the people who want to invest in you like we want to invest in you.”
FAITH BECNEL (20)
KAT LUNA (19) – Miami, FL / college student
ALEJANDRO GARRIDO (“Space Cowboy”)/ALEX CORTEZ (26) – Pembroke Pines, Florida / self-employed
LUKE: “It never happens like this where both people really knock it out of the park.”
KATY: “You guys are both going to be in the Top 10 if you want.”
LIONEL: “I’ve never seen two people complement each other so well.”
TAVIA SMITH (29) – Compton, California / sales associate
LIONEL: “Let me tell you what you need — experience.”
SOPHIA WACKERMAN (20) – Long Beach, California / college student
Dad was a drummer for James Taylor, mother sang in Moody Blues (passed away when Sophia was 16)
LUKE: “I think you have a very, very signature tone. Very mature, very professional sounding. I like your sparkle.”
LIONEL: “You are several different threats here that all work in your favor.”
JIMMY LEVY (21) – Miami, Florida
Comes from a psychic family – mom is clairvoyant, grandma was number-one psychic in the world and he sees dead people
LUKE: “You could be a badass. When you get to that growl and high level angst, it’s a good thing.”
LIONEL: “You are a front man for a great alternative band. You’ve got a voice that could go there.”
OLIVIA XIMINES (16) – Menifee, California / high school student
Brought her high school dance team with her.
KATY: “I think you have a phenomenal voice on you. You can hear that you’re 16. That’s OK. You are a delight. You have such a joy and positivity around you.”
MARNA MICHELE (27) – Costa Mesa, California / secretary
Born with muscle and joint disorder – confined to wheelchair
LUKE: “You’ve got an incredible range, I just want you to have a little more cry in your voice. Just really dig in.”
LIONEL: “I want you to concentrate on the story you’re telling.”
ZACK DOBBINS (18) – Clay, West Virginia / construction
KATY: “I don’t think you know what you’re doing, I don’t think you need to know what you’re doing. You’re so authentic.”
REN PATRICK (26) – Cypress, Texas / singer-songwriter
Katy saw her and her boyfriend fighting several years ago and told her to leave him. She did.
LUKE: “You’re an incredible singer and you’re in our little space now and I’m very excited about that.”
LIONEL: “You’ve got an instrument. We’re going to see how far that instrument can take you.
KATY: “I believe in you. We believe in you.”
There’s only one more night of auditions before American Idol moves to Hollywood, so host Ryan Seacrest and mentor Bobby Bones kept the traffic rolling, which meant the viewing audience didn’t get to see all of the contestants. However, viewers won’t have long to wait. The final night of auditions is March 15 and Hollywood starts March 16.
