'American Idol' Recap: Auditions Wrap Up In Nebraska With Standouts Tyler Marshall And Paula Hunt

by UInterviewJanuary 31, 2014, 12:00 amNews >

American Idol finished the audition rounds with a last stop in Omaha, Neb., where judges Keith Urban, Harry Connick, Jr., and Jennifer Lopez found stars in Tyler Marshall and Paula Hunt.

Quaid Edwards, 21, was the first to find himself in front of the judges. He and Keith had a bit of a history – his mother opened for Keith way back when with her country band Jolene and the Wanted. Quaid got some negative feedback for his excessive use of runs, and he promised to work on it. “Well, you’ve got raw talent, and that’s part of the journey,” Keith said, and the other judges agreed giving him three yeses. But the best part of the audition was Quaid’s exit from the audition room. He was immediately pounced upon by his giant entourage, all wearing matching “Q Crew” t-shirts, and Ryan Seacrest had to dive to get out of the way.

Madisen Walker was the next hopeful sent through to Hollywood, though she too failed to nail her audition. Her rendition of AI alum Carrie Underwood’s “Before He Cheats” was a good first attempt, but not incredibly memorable. Still, the 15-year-old impressed the judges with her potential, and J. Lo decided she wanted to see how Madisen could improve before Hollywood. Keith agreed, and Madisen ran out of the room waving that special golden ticket. Harry was skeptical about J. Lo and Keith voting her through, and after she left the room, he told his fellow judges that he worried her inevitable failure on national television would break her more than help her improve.

Madisen wasn’t the only one who got a no from Harry. Alyssa Siebken, 20, took a chance with an acoustic take on Waka Flocka Flame’s “No Hands.” Before her audition, Alyssa won over audiences with her victory request for Ryan Seacrest: a victory selfie. Harry said he didn’t think her voice was “strong enough,” but J. Lo and Keith gave her the ticket to Hollywood.

Similar to Madisen and Alyssa, Tyler Gurwicz, an Adele-loving guy who tried out with “Set Fire to the Rain” had a more than awkward moment when the judges asked him to sing another song and he didn’t have one prepared. Eventually, his voice won over the judges, who cautioned him for his angry facial expressions.

Tyler Marshall definitely came out as a front-runner with his audition. Tyler tackled “Proud Mary” with energy and happiness and had the vocals to back it up. The judges didn’t even vote. Harry simply told him he was great and sent him on his way with a golden ticket to Hollywood.

CJ Jones, 20, invited Harry up on stage with him and encouraged him to sway with him as he sang “Stand by Me.” CJ sailed through, never laughing or losing the smooth tone of his voice even as Harry interrupted his singing.

Paula Hunt, 20, also delivered a stand out audition with an Etta James cover that blew the judges away. Hunt also had a backstory that is sure to win her fans – her mother, Yolanda, was all set to be a recording artist until she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. “I can’t sing anymore – my children sing for me,” Yolanda said after Paula left the audition with her ticket to Hollywood.

DaJontae Lenear grabbed the judges’ attention with his bright salmon colored outfit and performance of “Nothing Can Change This Love.” Next, Andrina Brogden, 18, lets her voice get away from her due to nerves. J. Lo encouraged her to become a fearless singer, and Keith agreed. Harry said he thought she was an “above average singer,” and doubted her ability to be a great singer, but his vote was overruled and Andrina’s heading to Hollywood.

Casey McQuillen, 21, won over the judges with her cover of Demi Lovato’s “Skyscraper.” Keith was immediately won over, giggling like an excited schoolgirl every time she hit a note and showed off her runs. J. Lo and Harry were equally impressed with her voice, and she received a unanimous golden ticket.

Tessa Kate, 25, lit up the screen with her cute style and sweet personality. J. Lo was skeptical of her high-pitched voice, but Harry and Keith agreed that there was something there, and gave her a ticket to Hollywood.

And, there you have it. Auditions are official over for season 13 of American Idol, next week catch the first episode of Hollywood Week on Wednesday, Feb. 5 at 8 p.m. on FOX.

– Olivia Truffaut-Wong

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