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American Idol Audition
Local boy Michael gives us a mini-tour of New Orleans before we watch him sing. He seems very connected to his hometown. Standing at the corner connecting Bourbon and Toulouse streets he tells the touching story of how his singer mom quit her band and crossed over the street to ask for a job at the joint where his pop was playing piano.
If she hadn’t quit that day then Michael wouldn’t be on American Idol today!
In keeping with his love of the place, Michael auditions to a song with New Orleans in the title. It’s an unusual choice but it turns out to be a good one. He really wows Randy, Gene and Paula with his jazzy rendition of the Louis Armstrong number, which his grandmother taught him.
Gene thinks Michael is reminiscent of some of the female singers from the early 50s era. Strangely, although he really likes Michael he doesn’t vote for him to go through to the next stage.
Simon doesn’t seem to know what to make of Michael’s performance.
There is a big pow-wow between Simon and Paula because Simon tries to cut short her comments. Paula nearly drags Michael into it, but luckily he proves to have great tact and diplomacy talents too!
Fair play to Simon though; although he doesn’t seem to fully understand the genre, he gives the New Orleans crooner the thumbs up for Hollywood. “Let’s see what happens” he tells him.
Randy Jackson: Beautiful man! Beautiful.
Paula Abdul: Really nice.
Randy Jackson: I haven’t heard that song in a long time. Great! … Great, great, great. Simon what do you think man?
Simon Cowell: I honest to god er Randy, I don’t know what to say!
Paula Abdul: That’s… excellent!
Michael: Thank you very much. I appreciate the compliment.
Paula Abdul: Wow!
Gene Simmons: I have to say it reminds me more of the female singers from the early 50s… the Rosemary Clooneys…
Randy Jackson: Yeah, yea, yea, yea
Paula Abdul: Yah!
Randy Jackson: Yeah, that’s why I like it!
Gene Simmons: It’s a great kind of music that isn’t happening. It’s one of my favourite kinds of music.
Michael: It’s good hearted.
Simon Cowell: (sounds genuinely confused) But is this an act?
Randy Jackson: No but here’s the deal man! We all talk about ‘different and unique’, this guy is different and unique.
Paula Abdul: He is different and unique.
Simon Cowell: Randy, yes or no?
Randy Jackson: Dude, yes 100% for me man!
Michael: Thank you.
Simon Cowell: Gene?
Gene Simmons: I really like you… I, I have to say ‘no’.
Paula Abdul: Got to work on the image.
Michael: Okay.
Paula Abdul: You need to pack up some clothes and have fun… I think you’re truly unique and truly talented.
Simon Cowell: (Hurrying Paula) Ah… just he’s…okay that’s…
Paula Abdul: You want to… you know what? You take the joy out of me having fun showing love…
Simon Cowell: No, because… I’ve used this analogy before, it’s like antiques roadshow…
Paula Abdul: It’s not!…
Simon Cowell: …you know, when they’re describing the history of the piece…
Paula Abdul: (pleading) Shut up!
Simon Cowell: …All they’re thinking is ‘how much is it worth?’
Paula Abdul: (To Michael) Can I ask you a question?
Michael: Sure, go ahead.
Paula Abdul: Wouldn’t you rather hear my opinion of how joyful and how happy you’ve made me rather than him…
Simon Cowell: Or would you rather get straight to the ‘yes’? !
Michael: Well, it’s the honesty that I appreciate. So if you’re both honest I appreciate it equally.
Paula Abdul: Thank you!
Michael: Sure.
Simon Cowell: (To Michael) Look, I… If I’m honest with you Michael I’m more with Gene on this.
Michael: Okay.
Simon Cowell: Er, but… I’m gonna give you one more chance.
Michael: Well thank you very much.
Paula Abdul: Thank God!
Michael: (nodding) Thank you.
Simon Cowell: Let’s just see what happens.
Randy Jackson: Welcome to Hollywood baby!
Michael: I appreciate it.
Randy Jackson: Work it out! Work it out! (Michael leaves)
Paula Abdul: (remonstrates to Simon) You are so obnoxious today!
Randy Jackson: Hit him! Hit him Paula. Hit him!
Simon Cowell: No, only because they just want the ‘yes’!
Paula Abdul: You are so wrong!
Simon Cowell: They don’t want any advice, they just want yes or no.
(Screams stop them in their tracks. They are from outside and they are Michael’s!)
