Oakland County teens face tough challenges to be next 'American Idol'
Oakland County "American Idol" hopefuls were surprised when they arrived for the next round in the musical competition.
A total of 212 young singers from across the country headed for Hollywood last month, each with a Golden Ticket in hand and a single vision to become the next Idol. Hopefuls from the Detroit audition included Malaya Watson of Southfield, Jena Irene Asciutto of Farmington Hills and Sarah Scherb of Birmingham.
To their surprise, the American Idol folks invented a new challenge for contestants called Hollywood or Home. Exhausted from their flight, they were taken to an airport hangar for what Host Ryan Seacrest described as "a shocking wake-up call." Without a break to rest from their flight, about half of the group was called to sing for the judges and fight for their place in Hollywood.
"We didn't know what was going on and were all freaking out," Ascuitto said. "We watched the judges walk in, and Jennifer Lopez said, 'the competition begins now.'"
The stress and tension was visible on the faces of the hopefuls in the latest episode, which aired last week on Fox. As they were called to perform so judges Lopez, Keith Urban and Harry Connick Jr. could again listen to contestants they believed may not be Idol material. After a very long day and night, two buses pulled up outside the hangar. Connick told the group that one bus would take the contestants moving forward to their hotel and the next round, called Hollywood Week. The other bus was headed to the airport, where passengers would board planes to go home, never having a chance to unpack their bags.
Asciutto, Watson and Scherb were not asked to perform at the hanger, but faced the judges the next day. Ascuitto performed "Video Games" by Lana Del Rey, accompanying herself on the piano.
"My heart was pounding," Asciutto, 17, said. "My piano is like my blanket. It makes me more comfortable, so once I started playing, it all fell in place. We were supposed to say our names and why we should be the next American Idol. I was told to make it short, so I said that it's my time and my Mom would be very proud of me."
Following Ascuitto's performance, Keith Urban whispered to the other judges, "I like that song. I don't know it, and I am going to download it."
Malaya Watson also accompanied herself on the piano, singing "Brand New Me" by Alicia Keys.
"I chose that song because it showed who I am. I can sing and play piano," said Watson, 16. "I decided to wear comfortable clothes because I didn't want to wear something outrageous or pajamas. When it was over I felt like I had a boulder off my shoulders — phew."
At the end of the day, contestants faced their fate in the form of two lines the singers moving forward in the competition and the ones going home.
"I watched the really talented people move to one line, but I was not called,"Ascuitto said. "I was giving up hope when Jennifer Lopez told me to step forward at the last moment. I think my heart stopped for a second."
But there was no time to relax and enjoy the moment. Contestants were handed another challenge that took them out of their comfort zones and sent them scrambling not only to
form small groups, select a song to perform and choreograph it, but also find a way to stand out.
form small groups, select a song to perform and choreograph it, but also find a way to stand out.
Drama erupted as the stressed, exhausted singers worked late into the night. Tears flowed and tempers flared as each group tried to find a way to work together. Ascuitto's group included a huge challenge in the form of Sikenya Thompson of Saginaw, who said she was sick and kept the others wondering until the last moment if they would have to perform without her.
Showing poise and professionalism fitting an American Idol, Ascuitto impressed the judges and earned her place in the next found of competition. Although Thompson struggled with her performance, she also was allowed to move forward.
Malaya Watson, with group members Olivia Diamond of Detroit and Queen Bulls of Ypsilanti turned in an entertaining performance of The Jackson 5's "I Want You Back." Jennifer Lopez told the group, "I want YOU back."
However, it was the end of the American Idol road for Sarah Scherb, whose performance was not aired. Scherb tweeted, "Unfortunately got cut in group round of Idol. I learned so much from my amazing experience, but it's definitely not over for me. Keep watching for me y'all."
The number of contestants now stands at 77.
• "American Idol" airs at 8 p.m. EST Wednesday and Thursday. http://www.americanidol.com/
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