DECEMBER 21, 2010 FRONT PAGE POLITICS BUSINESS MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY SPORTS STYLE WORLD GREEN FOOD TRAVEL TECH LIVING HEALTH DIVORCE ARTS BOOKS RELIGION IMPACT EDUCATION COLLEGE NY LA CHICAGO DENVER BLOGS Michael Giltz Freelance writer and raconteur Posted: January 27, 2010 04:27 AM BIO Become a Fan Get Email Alerts Bloggers' Index 0 0 views Inspiring Funny Hot Scary Outrageous Amazing Weird CrazyIdol Season 9: Auditions -- Los Angeles What's Your Reaction: Read More: Avril Lavigne , Kara DioGuardi , Katy Perry , Pop Music , Randy Jackson , Reality TV , Ryan Seacrest , Simon Cowell , Talent Contest , Entertainment News RATINGS UPDATE: American Idol scored 24.2 million viewers on Tuesday's audition show in Los Angeles, per The Hollywood Reporter.</p><p> That's down just 5% from the 25.5 million people the equivalent episode last January but a step back to reality after last week's episodes somehow increased roughly30% over the year before.</p><p> It will of course be the #1 show of the week as Idol marches towards becoming the first show in TV history to be #1 for six years in a row.</p><p> Only three shows have been #1 for even five years - All In The Family and The Cosby Show did it five years in a row, 60 Minutes did it non-consecutively.</p><p> SHOW COVERAGE: Here are the numbers you need to know in order to slog through the Tuesday edition of Idol : 12, 23, 39, 46 and 57.</p><p> Jump to those minutes to watch the only full auditions of golden ticket winners. (We also see a brief montage of other successful candidates at the end.) Just barely morethan one good audition every 15 minutes made this show drag on.</p><p> And since about 22 people got throughto Hollywood, why did so few of them make the cut for air time? Two guest judges included an uninteresting Avril Lavigne and a very tart Katy Perry, who had the sharpest riposte to Kara who went on and on about the inspiring backstory of a young man: "This is not aLifetime movie!" No, but sometimes the Idol producers want it to be.</p><p> Here's a rundown of the five people who got winning tickets.</p><p> JIM RANGER (12 minutes in) -- Sang "Drive," an original.</p><p> A quick shot of Ryan shows him warning friends of Jim that it's awfully hard to impress the judges when singing an original.</p><p> Surprisingly, not only is Jim good, so is his song (though the judges didn't really comment on it).</p><p> Good raspy Southern rockvoice.</p><p> Annoyingly, Avril and Kara decided this father of three maybe couldn't handle committing to a rock career AND a family AND his church.</p><p> Uh, isn't that the same issue every person longing for a career MOST POPULAR ON HUFFPOSTBIG NEWS: Ellen Degeneres | LeAnn Rimes | Levi Johnston | Movies | Creative Minds 2011 | More...</p><p> LOG IN | SIGN UP Get Entertainment Alerts Email Comments 6 Don't Miss Tonight's Rare Full Moon Eclipse Don't Ask, Don't Tell Repeal Passes Senate Procedural Vote WATCH LIVE: Rare Lunar Eclipse On Winter Solstice Timothy Karr Obama FCC Caves on Net Neutrality -- Tuesday...</p><p> Al Franken The Most Important Free Speech Issue of Our Time PHOTOS: 10 Things We've Accidentally Learned From Crime Dramas Sarah Palin Jabs Michelle Obama's Anti-Obesity Campaign Like 40K Like 40K Like 7K Like 8K Like 11K Like 1K Like 5K Survivor 21: Infants vs Senior Citizens: Fetuses...</p><p> Jud 'Fabio' Birza Wins 'Survivor: Nicaragua' Shania Twain Engaged To Frederic Thiebaud 'The Fighter' Star Amy Adams Talks Weight...in music faces? Whether they're a roadie or the lead singer? Do Kara and Avril only hire single people not in serious relationships for tours they're involved in? In any case, Jim had a strong audition and fills a useful niche that could carry him far if he gets by Hollywood.</p><p> MARY POWERS (23 minutes in) -- Sang "Love Is A Battlefield" by Pat Benatar.</p><p> Simon nailed her for looking derivative rocker-chick-ish.</p><p> And to me her vocals were too much of a copycat of Benatar, down to the vocal quavers. (She also had some dorky hand gestures; I hope they're just dumb and not mimicking the music video.) Powers was also a bit nervous and for all that she wasn't bad, just not distinctive.</p><p> ANDREW GARCIA (39 minutes in) -- Sang "Sunday Morning" by Maroon 5.</p><p> Also a dad (though no on- air complaint from Kara about his dereliction of duty) with parents who were gang members but moved away to give their kids a better chance.</p><p> Despite a heart-tugging backstory (which can turn me off) Andrew sailed effortlessly through his vocals with a sweet, controlled tone.</p><p> Love it when people don't getall Mariah on us.</p><p> Quite strong and the best of the day.</p><p> TASHA LAYTON (46 minutes in) -- Sang "Baby Baby Baby" by Joss Stone.</p><p> Well-dressed woman who is a personal assistant by day and minister by night.</p><p> Good performance, quickie audition with no sentimental backstory but at least we got to hear her sing.</p><p> CHRIS GOLIGHTLY -- Sang "Stand By Me" by Ben E.</p><p> King.</p><p> This young man -- who went through literally dozens of foster homes -- was the source of Katy Perry's tart "This is not a Lifetime movie" comment.</p><p> He keeps his eyes closed throughout most of his audition, which makes me worry about Chris'sstage presence and nerves down the road.</p><p> But it was a sweet. straightforward vocal and he's appealing.Simon and Katy gave him a yes but with a small "y," but I agree more with Kara and Randy that he'spretty intriguing.</p><p> Plus, he's already got a great last name for a pop star! So another city with only five full auditions and lots and lots of filler and clueless folk.</p><p> Again, FOX should post the complete auditions of all 22 golden ticket winners.</p><p> So what did you think of the five who got through? And what did you think of Katy and Avril? --30--Thanks for reading.</p><p> Visit Michael Giltz at his website and his daily blog.</p><p> Download his podcast of celebrity interviews and his weekly music radio show at Popsurfing and enjoy the weekly pop culture podcast he co-hosts at Showbiz Sandbox .</p><p> Both available for free on iTunes.</p><p> Link to him on Netflix and gain access to thousands of ratings and reviews.</p><p> Follow Michael Giltz on Twitter: www.twitter.com/michaelgiltz Related News On Huffington Post: Ellen Vs Simon As Cowell Is Very Late For First Day Of Taping It was American Idol's newest judge Ellen DeGeneres first day of taping the Hollywood segment, and she was excited and nervous, sources tell us.</p><p> But...</p><p> Michael Lynche Disqualified From 'American Idol' After Dad Talks To PaperMichael Lynche (a.k.a.</p><p> Big Mike) was reportedly told to pack his bags after his father revealed to his local Florida paper, The St.</p><p> Petersburg Times,...</p><p> Simon Cowell Haiti Single: Idol Judge To Produce Charity Song LONDON — TV mogul Simon Cowell said Thursday he would produce acharity single within 10 days to benefit victims of the earthquake in Haiti....</p><p> More in Entertainment... 1 of 5 Billie Jean King Repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell Is a Big Deal Al Franken The Most Important Free Speech Issue of Our TimeDON'T MISS HUFFPOST BLOGGERS HOT TRENDS amber portwood johnston in playgirl kim zolciak pregnant miley cyrus lap dance video sarah palin michelle obama More Celebrity News at People.com More Celebrity News at Popeater.com PHOTOS: 13 Products Most Likely To Be Made By Child Or Forced Labor Amanda Knox Court Makes Crucial Ruling Recommend 3K Like 156 Ask Steven Tyler a Question! READ MORE Missing Showgirl'sBoyfriend Abused Her, Police Say READ MORE James Van Der Beek Introduces Daughter Olivia READ MORE Video: ‘Glee’ Star LeaMichele at Age 12 Chris Brown Gives Keri Hilson a Lapdance Onstage Friend: 'Teen Mom' Regrets Baby Tattoo Comments 6 Pending Comments 0View FAQ 2 Fans 6 Fans 59 Fans 7 Fans 0 FansI couldn't agree more.</p><p> Some of us watch for the performanc es, to see potential stars in the making, and gauge the contenders ' stages of developmen t as the season progresses .</p><p> I personally couldn't care less about the no-talents , freeks, losers, and borderline sociopaths who bomb their auditions.</p><p> It would be nice if the producers of the show didn't feel compelled to dumb it down so much.</p><p> Definitely out of balance.</p><p> Also, I thought Katy Perry looked exquisite, her demeanor appropriat e, and her snarky comments dead on, mostly.</p><p> Kara's "oh-no-she -di'in't!" nonsense and derisive neck-snapp ing is more than grating.</p><p> I thought the guest judges were horrible.</p><p> I actually kind of liked Avril Lavigne before the appearance .</p><p> She seemed like a self-impor tant little miss priss.</p><p> She made it clear that she thought she was way too good for the people around her.</p><p> Katie Perry was absolutely mental.</p><p> She is seriously mentally ill.</p><p> Sorry, but she was abrasive and completely uncivil.</p><p> She must be an utter nightmare to be around.</p><p> Especially after her hit.</p><p> Theyshould have just kicked her out.</p><p> She was a complete pill.</p><p> I liked the preacher/s oul guy, sort of like that guy last year, what was his name? Andrew Garcia killed.</p><p> I thought he was great, though he isn't a hunk, so his days are numbered.</p><p> Danny Gokey? He's got a new video on the Idol website.</p><p> Thanks for reading.</p><p> Looks do matter of course, but Ruben Studdard won and he's no pin-up either.</p><p> I thought Katy Perry was fantastic last night.</p><p> Honest, funny, no BS...and she looked amazing.</p><p> It wasgreat to hear her call out Kara one more than one occasion. her comments were right on and Iwould love to see her come back.</p><p> Avril was annoying as usual.</p><p> Too immature, giggly, and not reallya good judge.</p><p> Please do not have her back....ev er! I personally thought Avril was adorable in her devil hoodie.</p><p> I just wanted to give her a big hug.TOP VIDEO PICKS 1 of 10 Vince Vaughn's New Bundle of Joy Paris Hilton's BikerBlunder Scarlett and Ryan's DinnerDate MOST DISCUSSED RIGHT NOW HOT ON FACEBOOK HOT ON TWITTER Most Popular NBA Video Poverty Health 30 Rock Immigration Death & Dying IslamHUFFPOST'S BIG NEWS PAGESRecency | Popularity DCDan 02:00 PM on 1/28/2010 Permalink | Share it HUFFPOST SUPER USER ScottR 06:39 PM on 1/27/2010 Permalink | Share it HUFFPOST BLOGGER Michael Giltz 01:58 AM on 1/28/2010 Permalink | Share it HUFFPOST SUPER USER BobbyV123 03:04 PM on 1/27/2010 Permalink | Share it badjuggler 10:29 AM on 1/27/2010 Permalink | Share itTracy Morgan Undergoes Kidney Transplant 129 Comments Bristol Breaks Silence On Levi's New Girlfriend 172 Comments ENGAGED 234 Comments PHOTO: Kardashian Christmas Card Revealed 2,288 Comments PHOTOS: Paris Hilton Dons Leather Bodysuit 128 Comments Guess Who Got A Tattoo Of Her Daughter 752 CommentsComments are closed for this entry View All 59 Fans She did look cute.</p><p> I just didn't find any of her comments interestin g or helpful, especially compared to Katy Perry.</p><p> But maybe Im just a frustrated Idol judge/pop star.MORE BIG NEWS PAGES » FOLLOW HUFFINGTON POST FRONT PAGE POLITICS BUSINESS MEDIA ENTERTAINMENT COMEDY SPORTS STYLE WORLD GREEN FOOD TRAVEL TECH LIVING HEALTH DIVORCE ARTS BOOKS RELIGION IMPACT EDUCATION COLLEGE NY LA CHICAGO DENVER BLOGS Advertise | Log In | Make HuffPost your Home Page | RSS | Careers | FAQ | Contact Us User Agreement | Privacy | Comment Policy | About Us | Powered by Movable Type Copyright © 2010 TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc. | "The Huffington Post" is a registered trademark of TheHuffingtonPost.com, Inc.</p><p> All rights reserved.</p><p> HUFFPOST BLOGGER Michael Giltz 01:11 PM on 1/27/2010 Permalink | Share it
