American Idol Season 9 Boston Auditions Recap

It’s time to kick off season 9 of American Idol – with Boston auditions first up. Check out this recap from the American Idol Boston episode:

First up, we get a peek at the guest judges who are filling in for Paula Abdul and a little buzz about Ellen DeGeneres taking over the spot left by Paula.

9,000 people showed up for the Boston auditions, which included guest host Victoria Beckham.

Janet McNamara – Somerville, MA
She played the Wii Idol game – so that’s enough experience, right? NO

Maddy Curtis, 16 – Bluemont, VA
We get a little back story with Maddy, whose big family includes brothers with down’s syndrome. Maddy sang “Hallelujah” and was a yes through to Hollywood.

Pat Ford, 17 – Derry, New Hampshire
Sang “Womanizer” and oh boy. That’s a no from the judges.

Jennifer Hirsh – Manhattan, NY
Sang “Ding Dong the Wicked Witch is Dead” – odd choice, but a good job. Jennifer gets a yes to Hollywood.

Claire Fuller – Philadelphia, PA and Jess Wolfe get yes’s through to Hollywood as well.

Amadeo Diricco, 28 – Providence, RI
Wants to get his foot in the door; sang Hoochie Coochie Man and gets a yes all around from the judges.

Derek Hilton, 19 – Bellingham, Massachusetts
Derek’s a spiritual dude, sang “Sorry Seems to be the Hardest Word” and gets nowhere fast. That’s a no.

Mere Doyle, 24 – Walpole, MA
Mere loves anime and music, but her take on Janis Joplin was a no with the judges. She was devastated.

Luke Shafffer, 24 – New York, NY and Benjamin Bright, 25 – Rome, NY were two quick audition clips shown – both are through to Hollywood.

Andrew Fenlon, 25 – Boston, MA
Oh boy, this guy. Andrew was pissed about waiting around for his audition, and it came through in his crap attitude once he was in front of the judges. He sang “House of the Rising Sun,” but I don’t think even the best performance from this guy could get him through. He gets a no, although Simon claims he gives Andrew a yes.

Next, we see a couple of supposed music majors who stunk out:
Bill Bloom – Marlborough, MA
Michael Ryan – Braintree, MA

Ashley Rodriguez, 21 – Boston, MA
Ashley did an amazing take on an Alicia Keys song and looks to be a top contender for the competition. She gets a yes from all.

Tyler Grady, 19 – Nazareth, PA
Poor Tyler – shattered his wrists after falling out of a tree. He sang “Let’s Get it On” and the judges loved him. YES for Hollywood.

We then see a montage of yes to Hollywood… but no audition clip.

Lisa Olivero, 24 – Billerica, MA
She’s a waitress and says that singing is a spiritual experience for her. Sang “Vision of Love” – not well. The judges weren’t on board, so it’s a no.

Ryan Keane – Waterbury, CT
Sang “Ring of Fire” so badly. No.

A montage of audition folks that Simon doesn’t understand… fun.

Mike Davis, 18 – Boston, MA
Drives a boat in Boston called “Codzilla”… sang “Yesterday” and was pretty good, plus a likeable person. But the judges seemed split…. nail biter! He gets the yes to Hollywood!

Katie Stevens, 16 – Middlebury, CT
We get a glimpse of Katie’s close relationship to her grandma, who has alzheimers – she so wants to giver her good news about her American Idol audition. Sang “At Last” and is simply amazing. At just 16, folks. Katie gets yes’s all around.

Joshua Blaylock, 28 – New York, NY
This is Joshua’s last chance – he’s an old-timer! Simon found him pretty forgettable – aw, but such a nice guy! He wins the judges over and gets yes’s from all.

Montage of people freezing up and others that were total duds…

Justin Williams, 27 – Sandy, UT
His story is touching – a cancer survivor who says making it through to Hollywood would mean everything to him. Sang Michael Buble “Feeling Good” and nailed it. He’s through to Hollywood. And he’s cute.

Norberto Guerrero, 18 – Reading, PA
This is the guy with the crazy mullet-ish says he’s “kinda nervous” and tries again. It doesn’t work, however, and Simon crushes his dreams in an instant. It’s a no.

Bosa Mora, 22 – Columbus, OH
His parents are from Nigeria and we get a look at his big family. Ryan rips on Bosa’s mom’s hat. Nice. Simon thought he was boring and Posh wasn’t happy with Simon rolling his eyes. He gets his shot to Hollywood!

Leah Laurenti, 22 – Medford, NY
She had a strict upbringing, wants to prove to her parents that she can achieve her goal as a singer. Sang “Blue Skies”… and, wow, she’s spectacular. She’s through to Hollywood!!

32 people from Boston made it through to Hollywood.