We are in it now, you guys.
Second, as soon as I finish this recap Im searching for Katys Lionel Richie t-shirt.
So lets get to the singing.
AMERICAN IDOL – “203 (Auditions)” – “American Idol” travels to Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; New York, New York; Louisville, Kentucky; and Los Angeles, California, as the search for AmericaÕs next superstar continues on The ABC Television Network, SUNDAY, MARCH 10 (8:00 – 10:01 p.m. EDT), streaming and on demand. (ABC/Nicole Rivelli)JAKE PULITI.ABC/Nicole Rivelli
Its a welcome reprieve.
The teen country singer with the great rasp.
He fell short of the Top 24 last seasontoo many country boys and he seemed to lack confidence.
Josh Vertucci/ABC
But hes here to support his friend and play a little guitar accompaniment.
Ashton has a pleasant voice, but, as Luke points out, there are some pitch problems.
Still, the country sweetness cant be denied.
Josh Vertucci/ABC
You know what else cant be denied?
Hell take that golden ticket the judges offer him, c’mon and thank you.
Like so many teens I know, Austin Michael just will notenunciate.
Stop mumbling, teens!
It could almost cost you your trip to Hollywood.
Katys a solid no hereshe thinks Austin needs to let his voice mature a little.
Both the guys are in, as long as Austin does a little work before the next round.
And then he goes and lassos Katy and I dont even know what show this is anymore.
Just kiddingits always been bonkers.
It was sweet and pure and effortless.
Katy is right, he seems like he has joy inside him and it is contagious.
She still wants to see another gear but this is an easy yes for all three of our judges.
When Shawns mother and sister come in to celebrate Lionel starts crying, but honestly, whats new?
Nate Walker grew up singing with season 16s third-place contestant Gabby Barrett.
She can wail because Nates grandfather, who seems like a true delight, taught her.
Obviously, Nate has some real talent too.
The dude has runs for days.
Luke normally chides people for overusing runs, but they just work for Nate.
His control is insane and the judges barely have to discuss this.
When Lionel Richie calls you anointed, you know youve made it through to the next round.
Oh, Im excited about this one, you guys.
Who looks cool in a turtleneck?
The judges cant help themselves when she walks through the doors.
Luke tells her she has star quality and thats all she wrote, folks.
Cool, calm, easy-breezy.
Katy christens him the gentle ginger and shes not wrong.
Lionel doesnt call him easy like a Sunday morning but that will haunt him.
Oh yeah, this Drake character has TEN SIBLINGS (not a typo!
Definitely makes me nauseous!)
and he is doing this to help his SINGLE MOM.
I am scared every season).
Madison, though, the judges are very excited about.
They too, like the song title, are speechless.
I get it, Madison is good, but they call her the next Kelly Clarkson.
Like, slow your roll, judges.
He feels stuck; he feels alone.
But he has music.
And now he hasIdolbecause there was no way the judges were sending this singer-songwriter-piano man home.
What a time to be alive!
Katy Perry sums it up best: A janitor?!
This was a good crop of auditions, but is anyone else feeling the audition fatigue already?
I need finalists (some may very well be in this group!)
and I need them now.
