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  MAY 21 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts  Many "American Idol" fans were upset when Melinda Doolittle was eliminated last week. My response to them is "Why didn't you vote for her?"
The 'Idol' elimination process is simple and direct: You call in and vote for the person you think should stay in the competition. Bottom line: Not enough people voted for Melinda. In my opinion, she didn't get enough votes because she didn't show America what Simon calls the "X Factor." She started off the season extremely strong but didn't take enough vocal risks in the past few weeks. America, it's your fault for not advancing the most talented person to the Top Two. Now we are left with Blake and Jordin in the finale. Did anyone expect them to be the Final Two? I sure didn't. At the beginning of the competition I wasn't entirely convinced by Jordin's voice. I thought she melded into the other female singers while LaKisha and Melinda were the standouts. But I think Jordin has improved tremendously, and she shows growing confidence and poise up on stage. I was fascinated by Blake from the beginning - his ability to beatbox blew me away, and I couldn't wait to hear what he would do next. I don't think he has a fantastic singing voice, but he has the whole package. Girls love him, guys want to be his friend, and he has become the meaning of the word "contemporary." However, I think ultimately Jordin will win because she has been very consistent in the past couple of weeks. Last week I declared that "Idol"s' ratings were down this season because this round of contestants lacked personality and versatility. I'm sticking to that belief. Yes, there were many talented contestants this year, but the show lacked individuality. The men evaporated into one type of style, and the girls' competition was lopsided. LaKisha, Melinda and Jordin seemed to always hold the top, while all the other girls remained nameless. I would like to see more spunk next year. Performing on "American Idol" was a blessing - an experience I will never forget. Because of the show, I've been able to sing at countless venues throughout the country. This season's contestants will soon realize this is just the beginning of a new chapter in their lives. And while they might be upset they lost, there will be many opportunities for them to chase their dreams. I look forward to seeing what's next for all these talented individuals. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MAY 14 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts In the early days of the "American Idol" competition, LaKisha Jones was the frontrunner. As weeks passed, she fell flat. I don't think she should have made it into the Top Four, but who else were people going to vote through - Sanjaya? I think LaKisha made two crucial mistakes during the competition. The first mistake was singing "I Believe," which was also sung by season three winner Fantasia Barrino. The second mistake was singing "Jesus Take the Wheel" by season four winner Carrie Underwood. It is never easy singing a song by an "Idol" winner. No matter how talented you are, people will always compare you to that artist. LaKisha did not perform those songs as well as the winners from the previous seasons. In season five, Lisa Tucker sang "Because of You" by Kelly Clarkson and was eliminated the next night. I think there is a lesson to be learned here: Don't sing a past "Idol"s' signature song. If I had to pick a song for each contestant to sing this week, I would have Blake Lewis sing "Roxanne" by the Police. This song has great potential for a reggae beat and would showcase Blake's smooth style. I would have Melinda Doolittle sing "Run To You" by Whitney Houston. Melinda has performed every song to the best of her ability each week, and I would like to see her sing a Houston song. Jordin Sparks should sing "When You Believe," the duet by Whitney Houston and Mariah Carey. This would suit Jordin's powerful and controlled voice. For the final showdown, I am looking forward to hearing Jordin and Blake sing. As much as I love Melinda's voice, I don't think she will make it into the Top Two. The majority of the individuals who vote are teenagers, and the people who are most marketable to teens are Jordin and Blake. According to reports, "American Idol"s' ratings are down approximately 20 percent compared to this time last year. Is this surprising to anyone, really? This year's contestants exhibit little variety or personality. All the girls sound similar, and the boys are just middle of the pack. The boys didn't stand out, except for Blake, and that's why he is the last male contestant. When talking to the general public about this year's "Idol," my sense is that few viewers are expressing positive feelings about the show and this year's contestants. Instead, many viewers comment the only reason they watch "Idol" is because they are "addicted." I am not surprised by these recent ratings. It is clear "Idol" must pick more diverse, entertaining and talented contestants next season. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MAY 08 By Ayla Brown/ Idol Thoughts  I think everyone was surprised when they heard Jordin's rendition of "Livin' on a Prayer" last week on "American Idol."
I was a little confused about the whole package. Jordin's hair was distracting, and the outfit was "out there." When it came time for Jordin to sing, she couldn't hit the lower notes of the song and screamed the rest of the Bon Jovi classic. Don�t get me wrong -- I think Jordin is one of the more talented singers in the competition. She strikes me as being a smart contestant, but "Livin' on a Prayer" was an awful song choice. At least she knew it, too. If I were in Jordin's situation, I would also apologize for such a bad song choice. She clearly said the right things and it worked, because America kept her for one more week. On the other hand, LaKisha picked "This Ain't a Love Song," the perfect song for her sultry voice, and even got a kiss from Simon! Overall, however, Blake took the cake with his performance of "You Give Love a Bad Name." I think Simon was wrong when he said half the audience would hate his rendition. It was clear everyone loved it, and it will go down in "American Idol" history. Does anyone really miss Sanjaya at this point in the competition? I couldn�t imagine what it would be like if he were in the Top 4. It was nice that America voted him into the Top 12, but I think everyone realizes now the competition is getting serious. Everyone needs to step up their game. LaKisha needs to stop kissing Simon and start worrying about this week's songs. Jordin needs to pick the right songs. Melinda needs to stop acting surprised when she receives compliments. Blake needs to continue using his beat-boxing skills to advance to the finals. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MAY 01 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts "Idol Gives Back" was a night of inspiration and hope for many people throughout the world. At times during the two-hour special, I thought they asked too often for us to donate, but the results were phenomenal - $60 million and still counting. According to Ryan Seacrest, more than 70 million votes were cast last Tuesday night, not only to help the Top Six get through to the next round, but to also raise millions of dollars for needy people in Africa and America. The second night was filled with powerhouse celebrities such as Celine Dion, Kelly Clarkson, Josh Groban, Ben Stiller and Carrie Underwood. As the night went on, I asked myself "Is this necessary? Do all these stars need to be featured or was 'Idol' just trying to prove a point?" "Idol" did have a point - to show America that music is powerful. The featured stars have made an impact on millions of people throughout the years. I don�t know anyone who doesn't love music, and when you add that passion to the idea of making a difference in the world, you get a very powerful night. "American Idol" was very smart! One of my favorite parts of the night, besides seeing Josh Groban perform with the African Children�s Choir, was hearing the stars lip-sync to "Stayin' Alive" by the Bee Gees. It might have been fun to hear them actually sing the song, but I'm almost glad they didn't put America through the torture. When Ryan Seacrest declared Wednesday night's show would hold the most shocking results ever, I was a little confused about what that meant. My roommate and I agreed either Blake or Jordin would be eliminated. Obviously we were caught off guard when Ryan kept all the contestants. Poor Jordin! I felt bad for the way they handled the "elimination," but it was a very interesting twist. I don�t think "Idol" should eliminate two contestants next week though. It's just not fair. "Idol" has never done something like this in the past, so why start now? Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 24 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts  Sanjaya out!
For many people in America, Wednesday night was one of surprise, joy and delight. Sanjaya Malakar was the most controversial finalist in "American Idol" history. No one has enjoyed more press or notoriety. Since Sanjaya's arrival on the show, he has been in the newspapers and talk shows. Everyone seems to have an opinion. Well, here's mine. From the day his audition aired, I understood why the judges sent him through to Hollywood. Sanjaya had a pleasant voice, a sweet smile and a genuineness that seemed hard to pass up. When he made it to the Top 24, however, I was a little confused. I thought he might get eliminated in the first couple of weeks of the competition. America proved me wrong. Each week, people became more fascinated with his persona. Howard Stern and votefortheworst.com encouraged viewers to vote for him because of how poorly he sang. I think America manipulated Sanjaya, and I truly wish he had been given a fair shot instead of people voting him through for the fun of it. Sanjaya is also known for dropping out of high school after his sophomore year. He has been quoted many times saying that he wants to come to Berklee and study music. My advice to him and to others who drop out is to finish high school first before trying to get into college. It is hard enough to earn a good high school GPA and to score well on the SATs to apply to college. Without these two things, it is difficult for many individuals to attend college - even if you are Sanjaya. I think vocal lessons and formal music training would help him pursue his music career. Almost all artists study music theory and take harmony classes to perfect their vocal skills. I have many friends and basketball competitors who attend Virginia Tech, and when I found out about the shootings, I was scared for all the students on campus. "American Idol" did the respectful thing by honoring all those who were affected by the tragedy. Yes, it was a serious topic to address on national television; however, this is nothing new for "Idol." The show has repeatedly referred to the Hurricane Katrina tragedy as it prepares for its "Idol Gives Back" specials, airing tonight and tomorrow at 8 p.m. on WFXT (Ch. 25). This week is going to be exciting. The Top 6 are competing and "American Idol" is raising money for great causes. I think at this point everyone needs to step up their game. No one is safe in this competition. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 17 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts I think the judges of "American Idol" have more power than we give them credit. We all know that Paula is the nice one, Simon is the mean British judge and Randy is the person who just "keeps it real." I truly believe that one of the reasons Haley Scarnato was eliminated last week was because of Simon's comment on her wardrobe during Latin Night. After Haley's performance of "Turn the Beat Around," he stated she had no chance of advancing based on her vocal ability and she should just show off her legs to make it further in the competition. His comments really caught America's attention. On the other hand, I believe the judges' comments have no effect on Sanjaya Malakar's future. Regardless of what they say, Sanjaya continues to advance further. Although I don't think he has the strongest voice in the competition, I believe he does something smart each week to capture the audience�s attention. For example, the "pony-hawk," dancing with Paula and singing in Spanish during Latin Night were all things that kept viewers captivated. I am not sure whether he is improving, but I will say he is one of the smarter contestants who has ever been on "Idol." I am uncertain though as to whether he will make it to the final three. I believe America will ultimately support Jordin Sparks, Melinda Doolittle and Blake Lewis. While the show is still America's highest-rated television program by a long shot, its ratings are down from last year. I think this season lacks personality and variety compared to past seasons. This year there is no "small-town girl" like Kellie Pickler, no rock superstar like Chris Daughtry and no gray-haired soul singer like Taylor Hicks. There was so much variety in Season Five, and I think people could relate to the contestants more. Who doesn't love Chicken Little! In our area, "Idol's" loss is our gain -- we got Nick Pedro. Since my basketball season ended, I have been able to catch up on my studies and participate in events throughout New England. Last weekend, I performed at a local "Idol" show with Nick at the Orpheum Theatre in Foxboro. It was a great concert, and Nick and I had a lot of fun meeting people. We told the audience about our "Idol" experiences, sang a variety of songs and signed autographs for all the true "Idol" fans. It is opportunities like these that make me and many of the former "Idols" grateful for our entire "American Idol" experiences. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 10 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts  In the last few weeks, Sanjaya Malakar has been the topic of every "American Idol" discussion I have had with my friends, fans or even family. I have learned that there are people who love him and people who hate him - no in-between.
For example, my roommate Dana loves his charisma and energy and declares that when he is voted off, she will refuse to watch the rest of the season. I have also encountered those individuals who say they have stopped watching the show because of him. "What is this guy doing to 'American Idol�'" they wonder. Never in the last six years has there been anyone similar to Sanjaya, and it seems as if he is a force who will never be brought down. Many people are disappointed that such favorites as Stephanie Edwards, Chris Sligh and Gina Glocksen were eliminated. Although I think all the contestants are doing a great job onstage, I feel as though there are a couple who need to step up their game if they want to shine in the competition. Based on voting alone, Haley Scarnato and Phil Stacey have been among the few who have been in the bottom two or three more than once. This can have a major impact on the contestants: They know they need to do much better the next week to impress the judges and America. Even though I say these two contestants are "struggling," I also think they are doing a great job in the competition and should be proud of how far they have made it. Glocksen was one of my favorite performers this season. Last year, when she tried out for the show, I was in Hollywood trying out at the same time. When I first saw Gina, I thought to myself, "Wow, this girl dresses crazy!" She auditioned in these large black ankle boots with a ripped T-shirt and black stockings with holes everywhere. Then I heard Gina sing and thought she had a voice like you wouldn't believe. When she didn't make it through then, I was shocked! I truly believed she deserved another chance. I was happy to see her go so far this year and she will continue to remain one of my favorites. She has a bright future in the upcoming months on tour and I hope she pursues her punk-rock style of music. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. APRIL 03 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts Last year on �American Idol,� there was controversy about Katharine McPhee�s yellow dress. This season, it�s all about Sanjaya Malakar's hairstyles. Sanjaya has become a cult figure on "Idol." It seems as though no matter what the judges say about his performances, Sanjaya is here to stay for a while. I think what America is talking about the most, however, is last week's "pony-hawk" - a cross between a Mohawk and a ponytail that left everyone confused. Unfortunately, I think America is fascinated by what hairstyle he is going to wear each week, and that�s why viewers are voting to keep him in the competition. Last week, Chris Sligh declared he was so stung by criticism that he almost quit.My advice for any contestant who hears criticism is to take it with a grain of salt. These people wouldn't have made it to the Top 12 if they didn't have talent. Not only does Chris have a nice voice, he also has a great sense of humor. If he had left the show, it would have reflected poorly on his character. On the other hand, it is very frustrating to hear bad things said about you, whether it is on the show, on the Internet or through word of mouth. It is never easy staying positive about criticism, but as I have learned, it will only make you stronger. This season, the judges' comments are more predictable than ever. The amusing banter between Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest brings the show to new heights, but it seems as though America can predict what the three judges are going to say about the contestants before they perform. LaKisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle continue to get praise, and Sanjaya's performances leave the judges speechless. With the Tony Bennett theme planned for tonight, I believe a lot of the contestants will shine more than any week thus far. He is a great inspiration, and I can't wait to hear the advice he offers. When a singing legend such as Bennett appears on "American Idol," he is bound to leave a lasting impression on the contestants. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 27 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts 
If you watched "American Idol" last week, you couldn't miss the adorable girl in the audience, sobbing her eyes out during Sanjaya's performance.
The moment the cameras focused on her, I couldn't take my eyes away from the TV. I absolutely know what it is like to admire someone while growing up. For me, it was Christina Aguilera, and I can tell you, if I were a little younger, I'd be crying, too, if she came down from the stage and gave me a hug on national television. That crying girl added an extra spark to last week's show, and the producers probably never saw it coming. Still, I don't think it had any impact on Sanjaya making it to the next round. He showed emotion and energy last week, and I was pleasantly surprised to see him do so well. I'm looking forward to seeing his next performance tonight. One thing that makes the Top 12 so difficult is that contestants are asked to sing songs from the decades before they were born. For many (not all) contestants, learning a new song in less than a week is difficult, especially if it is from a genre they don�t know. On the other hand, I do believe the different song categories is the best aspect of the show, because everyone can sit in their living rooms and listen to musical classics as a family. I love how the stars mentor the contestants. This would have been my favorite part of the competition if I had made it into the Top 12. Their advice is credible and will stay with the contestants for as long as they perform. Lulu and Peter Noone did a fantastic job last week, but I am even more excited to see such upcoming mentors as Jennifer Lopez and Gwen Stefani to help with more contemporary songs. If I could pick a theme night for the contestants to sing, it would be songs of the '90s. It would be great to hear the Spice Girls, old-school Britney Spears, Aguilera, 'N Sync, Backstreet Boys and Mandy Moore. These are the artists I grew up admiring, and I would love to hear these classics on "American Idol." Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 20 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts Unfortunately, I never had the opportunity to sing on �Idol�s� big stage after making it to the Top 12 because I was eliminated shortly before. For those contestants who've made it this season, so many emotions must be going through their heads. Last week, for instance, three people forgot their words and one contestant began to cry after her performance. Forgetting words is not something to be proud of. I remember during the Hollywood audition rounds Simon warned, "I guarantee you right now that if anyone forgets their words they will be leaving this competition." America must agree with him, because Brandon Rogers - who forgot the words to "You Can't Hurry Love" - was eliminated last week. I think the experience will teach the contestants they can't ever let themselves get into that kind of situation. Contestants also get eliminated because vocally they just don't stack up to the rest of the bunch. I still don�t think Sanjaya has the right voice for this contest; I think he's survived the voting so far for a different reason. In my experience, the people who cast the most votes for "American Idol" are young teenage girls. I suspect they enjoy seeing a boy their age on stage - and it's a plus that Sanjaya has incredible hair! I wasn't aware of the "vote for the worst" movement until I returned home from California last year. When I heard about it, I was shocked and disappointed people would cast millions of votes for someone they didn�t believe had talent in the first place. I�m not aware of what my 'Idol' friends thought of this movement, but I was - and still am - disgusted by it. Two people who will never be part of the "vote for the worst" movement are Lakisha Jones and Melinda Doolittle. In fact, many people have complained these two women are so far ahead of the rest that this year's competition isn't very interesting. It's true, they are incredibly talented - they have poise, stage presence, good background stories and the "likability factor" - but I still believe there are more surprises to come later in the competition. Think of 17-year-old Jordin Sparks, who gave one of the best performances last Tuesday when she sang "If We Hold on Together." Don�t give up, America. People�s true characters come out as the weeks go on and they�re forced to step out of their comfort zones. Don�t worry - just like past years, there will be surprises in this competition. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 13 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts  Sometimes America just gets it wrong.
Sabrina Sloan was eliminated last week after an almost flawless performance of "Don't Let Go (Love)." I believe her talent is irreplaceable, and it is shocking she didn't make it into the Top 12. Sabrina had charisma, vocal range and the star quality to advance in the competition, but America did not vote her through. My advice to viewers who are voting: support someone who has pure talent. Personality is also important, but "American Idol" is a singing competition. There are Web sites that encourage people to vote for the worst singer, and sometimes those are the contestants who make it through. Sabrina was one of the most talented singers, and if it weren't for those demeaning sites and the lack of votes for real talent, she would still be on the show. Some individuals have claimed that this year�s crop of singers lacks the sparkle of previous seasons. I disagree. This season has some of the most-talented contestants in all the six years "American Idol" has been on-air. As I look through the top six girls, I believe five have a shot at winning the whole competition. On the male side, such singers as Chris Sligh, Chris Richardson and Blake Lewis also have a shot of pulling out a victory. Within every group of singers, there are people who exceed expectations and those who have trouble keeping up with the pack. LaKisha Jones has stuck out in my mind every week since the beginning of the competition. She's been vocally consistent, and she brings a different energy than anyone else in the competition. I predict she will go extremely far. Sanjaya Malakar, on the other hand, does not produce quality performances. I don't see him standing in the competition much longer. "American Idol" last week announced that the show would raise money for charities in Africa and America during the final six performances. This is a generous gesture that should not go unnoticed. The show generates an incredible amount of money, and I admire the idea of donating some to a worthy cause. I also loved the video clip they showed on Thursday night's show because it showed Simon's soft side. I knew Simon had it in him! Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. MARCH 06 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts The boys did a great job on "American Idol" last week, unlike their performances during the previous round. Chris Richardson, the Justin Timberlake look-alike, was impressive singing "Geek in the Pink" by Jason Mraz. He looked the part and sounded contemporary. He is someone to watch in this competition. Before the contestants perform, they all wait in what is called the "Red Room," which is a sponsored waiting area. The room, if you look at it closely, resembles the top of a soda bottle. Red couches surround the room, and in the middle of the glass table there is a black tire. This room is located above the actual stage, and contestants can look over to watch their competitors sing. When the cameras are not on, all the contestants sit nervously on the couches, waiting for the commercial breaks to finish. Deborah Byrd, "Idol"'s talented vocal coach, hands out throat coaters, which are similar to cough drops, to contestants who are worried about losing their voices during the four-minute break. During commercials, a comedian warms up the crowd by dancing with the band, and most of the contestants have fun as well. It sure relieves the pressure. I think the elimination process is the hardest thing to endure. In a matter of seconds, Ryan Seacrest says, "And tonight this is the end of the road for you," and your dream of becoming the next pop star is stripped from you. Nick Pedro, the talented singer from Taunton, was eliminated after what I thought was a great performance of "Fever." My advice to Nick is to keep on singing because many opportunities will come his way. And Nick, if you read this, I remember you well from Hollywood, and I don't think you should have been eliminated this early. Congratulations on making it this far! One thing I admire about Nick is that he did not talk back to the judges when they criticized him. I�ve noticed that many contestants feel comfortable speaking out to the judges, and I find that disrespectful. When Chris Sligh made fun of Simon about his production of "Teletubbies" and his group, Il Divo, my eyebrows raised immediately. I thought to myself, "No one has ever put Simon down like that." I don't think Chris' comments were appropriate for the show, and I'm glad he apologized the next night. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. FEBRUARY 27 By Ayla Brown/ Idol Thoughts  Last Tuesday night I couldn't wait to turn on the television and watch the Top 12 boys perform. For the whole two hours, I sat on my bed with my roommate, watching each contestant -- but when the performances concluded, I couldn't remember a single contestant I enjoyed watching.
I know the boys have talent, because they would not have made it onto "American Idol" otherwise. But I really don�t think they showcased their skills with the songs they chose. The only contestants who selected appropriate songs for the night were Blake Lewis from Washington and Phil Stacey from Florida. The remaining guys didn't shock America, in my opinion, and I hope they come back with better songs this week. What really bothers me about the Top 24 performances is that America must eliminate two boys and two girls each week until the Final 12 are picked. I find it frustrating that a boy and a girl must leave just because the rules require an even number of men and women in the Top 12. [I think] a great alternate procedure would be to simply eliminate the bottom four each week until the Top 12 is formed. When the girls performed on Wednesday night, I was a little worried that they would fall under the same dark spell that the boys did the previous night. I was so excited when Stephanie Edwards set the tone by singing "How Come You Don't Call Me?" Her smooth, jazzy version showed the judges, the rest of the contestants, and America that she wants to win. Stephanie's stage presence and vocal talent made her stand out last week, but I think that other females will surprise America in upcoming weeks. The judges noted last week that the contestants must make the transition from "good singer" to "good performer." That means they have to take vocal and performance risks to set them apart from the remaining contestants. When last week's other female standout, Lakisha Jones, sang "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going," she showed everyone that taking a vocal risk is well worth it. The proof: Simon commented that Lakisha was in a different league than everyone else and told her 23 competitors they could book their tickets home. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. FEBRUARY 20 By Ayla Brown / Idol Thoughts There was nothing like the feeling of preparing for the first round of televised live performances in Hollywood. So many ideas flowed through my mind about song choice, what to wear, and how to sing each phrase of my song. Since my return from "American Idol" many people have asked, "Did you get to pick your own songs and outfits, or did someone help you?" The answer is contestants choose their own song and outfit with limited help from a vocal coach and stylist. For example, I wanted to wear a bright red shirt for the Top 24 performance when I sang, "Reflection," but the stylist at the last minute changed my outfit because she remembered Simon hated the color red. She claimed whenever someone on stage wore red, Simon looked away and didn't pay attention to the performance. I quickly changed my red shirt because everyone knows that Simon's opinion is the one that really matters. For song choice, however, contestants had complete control over the song they wanted to sing for the week. The vocal coaches were there to perfect our performances, but the singer had the ultimate say. My advice to those contestants who are competing in the Top 24 this week is to choose a song that makes you stand out from the rest of the competitors. When Paris Bennett, Top 12 finalist from season five, sang "Midnight Train to Georgia," Simon commented, "You just showed a ton of girls what you have to do in a competition like this, which is not play it safe. It's a performance everyone's going to remember." Paris took a chance by singing a well-known song, and I believe it made her stand out from the rest of the contestants. Because I'm not a contestant anymore, I feel less pressured when watching "Idol" on television. Instead of studying and critiquing my competitors, now I simply sit back and enjoy the show. At this point in the competition, many contestants who made the Top 24 have stood out. My favorite thus far is the talented beat-boxer, Blake Lewis. He is so unique and will bring versatility to "American Idol." But it's still early in the competition, so just sit back and enjoy -- there are many performers with the potential to surprise and entertain America. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. FEBRUARY 13 By Ayla Brown/ Idol Thoughts 
It's hard to imagine it was exactly a year ago that I was a part of the Hollywood rounds of "American Idol." There were so many great, exciting and nerve-wracking parts to that week. I met numerous nice, talented people who took my breath away when they sang. I remember listening to Chris Daughtry, a finalist last season, sing "The First Cut is the Deepest." Almost everyone's jaws dropped in awe. I also remember when I sat next to Katharine McPhee before the last day of auditions in Hollywood Week and asked her advice about my song choice.
What people may not know, however, was that rehearsing with a group of strangers was by far the most difficult part of Hollywood Week. Not only did we have to agree on a song, we had to add harmonies and choreography to stand out in front of the harsh judges. I was in a group with three other ladies, two who advanced to another round. Because we spent a long time rehearsing the night before, our performance stood out from the other performers who hadn't put as much time into it. Throughout the entire week, it was mentally strenuous realizing that my future rested in the hands of other people. Unfortunately, when it comes to the dreadful Hollywood Week, there is absolutely no way for a performer to prepare for the experience. As I sat in the Orpheum Theatre trying to think of the ways I could prepare, I realized having thick skin was half the battle. Despite all that, Hollywood Week is fun, too. Not everyone cries on television the way the show makes it seem. Because "American Idol" is one of the most popular shows on television, the public yearns to know who the finalists will be. Keep an eye out for these contestants during Hollywood Week. The camera tends to focus on the talent producers believe will make the Top 24. Also, look for the contestants who stand out vocally in the group auditions because those individuals usually go far. Read Ayla's column in its entirety at bostonherald.com. |
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