The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

AMERICAN Idol headed to Hollywood last week. Contestants from across the United States shared one stage, competing for the top spots that will advance to the live show round of competition. The female and male contestants were judged in separated auditions by judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and American Idol Veteran Randy Jackson.

Last week, the male hopefuls went head to head in the competition. The men had to first prove to the judges they deserved to stay in the competition by singing solos. Then came the group rounds where contestants either forgot the words to their chosen songs, or simply just crumbled in nervousness, right in front of the judges.

Some of the most memorable acts of both Wednesday and

Thursday night’s episodes were Papa Peachez, Gurpreet Singh Sarin, Matheus Fernandes and Frankie Ford. Frankie spent most of his airtime in tears. The battle was really on for Frankie after he fell apart in the middle of his group performance of Estelle’s “American Boy.”When the group was practicing for the audition Frankie was the odd man out. He refused to cooperate with anything the other members had to say, earning himself the title “diva”.

After the performance, Nicki said: “Frankie, you are someone that tugs on our heart strings and we all identify with your story. I have to say Frankie you fell apart for me today and you lost me. It’s crazy because I love you so much.”

Shortly after, Nicki told him it was the end of the road for him, which sent him outside on a crying spree, mad at the world.

“I learned a valuable lesson and I am coming back next year, I didn’t come here to lose,” he said.

As for Papa Peachez, who was also in Frankie’s group, he dismissed the following night after Nicki told him he had lost his way in the competition.

Viewers know him as the “soulful black woman trapped in a little white boy’s body,” and also a favourite of Nicki. She had the unfortunate responsibility of sending him packing.

“I’m disappointed. I don’t know why you choose that song. I can’t believe you allowed this competition to just suck that amazing quality out of you,” she told him.

Another fan favourite Matheus was also sent home. Nicki seemed to be the judge that delivered all of the bad news last week, as she told Matheus: “When you came out today, I felt like every time you performed you were making reference to your height. Things can go from being inspiring to becoming you wanting a pity party. You don’t have to milk that ever again.”

Not everyone was on Nicki’s bad side, there were contestants like Jonny Keyser, Burnell Taylor, Marvin Calderon, Nick Boddington, JDA and Bahamian Mathenee Treco, who all advanced to the next round in the competition.

Tonight the girls will have their chance to prove themselves, beginning at 8pm on FOX Network.