'American Idol' News: The Search for the Final 'American Idol' Began
It may be the last season of "American Idol," but fans are looking forward to see who's going to be named the final winner of the hit Fox competition. Last night was the start of the end, and the two-hour premiere showed a bunch of talented singers and a celebrity cameo at the end.
The judges, Jennifer Lopez, Keith Urban, and Harry Connick Jr., all face a big task ahead of them since they will be looking for the last, and hopefully the very best, "American Idol." According to Billboard, they were assisted in the first episode by past "Idol" champs like Ruben Studdard from season 2, Taylor Hicks from season 5, and season 1 runner-up Clay Aiken.
The first two contestants who stepped up on stage were Michelle Marie Lecza, 15 years old, and Josiah Siska, 18 years old. Lecza sang Leann Rimes' "Blue," and all three judges made a unanimous decision to give her a gold ticket to Hollywood. Connick said that he has never heard anything like Siska, who performed Johnny Cash's "Ghost Riders," and everyone at the table decided to send him to California as well.
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Among the next golden ticket receivers are Lindita, who is a personal trainer; Lee Jean, a teenager who lost his brother three years ago; Jeneve Mitchell, who lives without electricity; and Sonika Vaid, who the website said they can predict winning the last season of "American Idol."
The few that were given the airtime, but sadly did not make it, are Travis "Billy Bob" Evett, Joseph Kohlruss, and Sylvia Lee Walker. Evett sang with his guitars, but his pitch was not strong enough, which is why Connick decided not to give him a yes. Kohlurss performed Lionel Richie's "Hello," and despite being overly confident, the judges had to say no. Meanwhile, Walker sang and danced with her hula hoop at the same time, but Urban didn't fall in love with her singing voice.
The last few who got their own golden tickets to Hollywood are Reanna Molinaro, Shevonne Philidor, Kory Wheeler, Laurel Wright, Joshua Wicker, Kerry Courtney, and Shelbie "Z" James. A married couple, Jordan and Alexandra Sasser, also tried out this year, but it was only Jordan who made it through.
The last audition for the day was actually not an audition but a celebrity cameo by Kanye West and his wife, Kim Kardashian-West, who was still pregnant with their son, Saint. Kanye sang "Gold Digger," and the judges awarded him a gold ticket. Vulture even called Kanye's appearance in the show as the most likeable he's ever been in eight years.
Watch "American Idol" every Wednesday and Thursday on Fox.
