Television January 15, 2009
'Idol' Hits Kansas City
"American Idol" took a trip to the hometown of current champ David Cook in hopes of finding more talent for season eight -- and the panel was impressed!
Judges Kara, Paula, Randy and Simon gave 27 hopeful singers the go-ahead to Hollywood, introducing viewers to some singers that are already fan favorites. Lil Rounds, a mother of three whose Memphis home was ruined by a tornado, impressed the judges with a soulful Stevie Wonder tune, leading Jackson to call her "a mixture of Fantasia and Mary J. Blige."
Michael Castro, the younger brother of season seven finalist Jason Castro, also made the cut. Michael had similar chops and a laid-back attitude, and despite making it through, received a warning from Cowell. "I'm never quite sure with you Castros whether you're really, really into this or not."
Meanwhile, DioGuardi stood by her criticism of Katrina Darrell aka "Bikini Girl," telling Ryan Seacrest on his radio show, "Of course, I want a pretty girl -- but I'm not just looking for a pretty girl; I'm looking for an incredible voice, great stage presence. I'm a big champion of women. I'm not the kind of woman who's going to drag a woman down."
She added, "It was probably a good call to wear the bikini at the end of the day, but we wouldn't be talking about the bikini if she killed the song."