Wednesday’s episode of Idol found the judges and Ryan Seacrest rolling into Kansas City, Mo., home state of reigning Idol David Cook. In fact, his parents walked by the camera at one point. The big jolt of recognition, though, was the reappearance of last season’s dreadlocked goofball Jason Castro (pictured left) — his 20-year-old brother, Michael, was trying out.
Well, Michael got that coveted golden ticket with a voice that sounded poppier than Jason’s, and a look that was punkier, but his speaking style had the same kind of shrugging slacker’s indifference. Said an amused if puzzled Simon: “I can never tell with you Castros whether you are really, really into this or not.” Probably no one can.
Some of the better voices that were chosen to go to Hollywood:
Danny Gokey, 28: Soulful — and sorrowful. His wife died a month before the audition. “I think you’re one of the best we’ve seen,” Randy told the music teacher.
Lil Rounds, 23: A mother of three with a touch of fire in her vocals. Another great personal story: She was inspired to try out after a tornado destroyed her home. “I think you’re absolutely fantastic,” Simon told her. “Got a hot one!” added Paula.
Jessica Furney, 20: Bluesy-folky, down-to-earthy. She lives with her hard-of-hearing 93-year-old grandmother. That’s sweet.
Casey Carlson, 20: Very cute-pretty, with a voice to match. “I see a package here,” Kara said.
Von Smith, 22: Theatrical and waaaay over the top, but the judges liked his raw talent.
The best of the worst: Andrew Lang, 19, who was introduced by his own pair of cheerleader groupies. They sobbed for him when he was rejected. The worst of the worst: A poor guy named Michael Nicewonder, 20, who seemed straight out of Waiting for Guffman. He sang songs he’d written for his mother and grandmother. He left sobbing too.
Tell us: Who did you like out of Kansas City? Which Castro brother is your favorite, Jason or Michael?
F Micelotta/American Idol 2008/Getty Images
Permalink | Comments (31)
