Matt Farmer and his daughter, who joined him during his audition. Courtesy of Facebook
I'm presently waiting on Matt Farmer to email me.
Fab friend and former "Idol" reporter Cary Aspinwall alerted me during the show that Matt, who sang Sam Cook's "Change Is Gonna Come" on tonight's auditions episode, is from Tulsa.
Matt, who had one of the more inspirational stories of the evening, served in Iraq and was badly injured by an IED. But he recovered from his traumatic brain injury and, despite being told he would be sterile, has a gorgeous little 3-year-old daughter.
Moreover, he has a strong voice that earned him a golden ticket to Hollywood. Can't wait to see what happens with him.
Actually, the more I watch "Idol," the more I look forward to seeing what happens to all these people. Too much press is given to the judges, and some people think it's run its course. But the handful of really awesome singers with great stories make this show for me.
My fave moment of the night was 21-year-old Matheus, self-described as "just plain short" - and bullied because of it.
But his version of "Change Is Gonna Come" blew me away -- and, yes, made me cry like a little girl. Mariah said he "hit me in the heart." No surprise, he's going to Hollywood.
So is 16-year-old Briana, also bullied. Her cover of "Up to the Mountain" was "fantastic," to use Keith Urban's word. Nicki Minaj said "wow" six or seven times. And rightly so.
All these folks auditioned in Long Beach, which was my favorite half of the night. ""Chicken Fry" singer Micah was amazing, especially considering his speech impediment from a botched tonsillectomy didn't prevent him from delivering a great little performance.
Arkansas native Rachel, whose smile and sunny disposition was delightfully infectious, had a fabulous voice and sang "People Get Ready."
Also enjoyed Jesaiah, but that's partly because I'm a Kimbra fan. Jes's version of "Settle Down" was nice but sounded too much like the artist. Not that it's a bad thing, but other contestants on the show put their own spin on songs. But she was a real trouper to come back and continue her audition unglazed and uncluttered after the fire alarm went off.
An alarm should've gone off on that crazy hooker Stephanie who screamed the lyrics to Adele's "Set Fire to the Rain." Seems she did it as a pathetic dare from friends. Grow up already.
During the show's first hour, which showcased the San Antonio auditions, the big shining star was Adam, the 19-year-old who sang "I'd Rather Go Blind." Soulful, strong and able to hit those high notes -- good enough to garner a standing ovation. Look for him in Hollywood.
Ditto for Sanni, 16, who sang Michael Jackson's "Who's Loving You."
But I wasn't feeling Papa Peaches, who shares a nickname with me -- Peaches, not Papa. I'll tell y'all later. Anyway, Peaches is from my home state of Miss'ippi, and was quite theatrical (I can relate).
But Randy was right to say he needed some training -- most of the folks auditioning do, really. But Randy originally said no, as did Keith. Mariah said yes, surprisingly -- but it was Miss Minaj who was Peaches' most emphatic supporter. Randy was the night's official tie-breaker, and he changed his vote to yes. I'm really anxious to see what happens to this guy.
I'm also curious to know what will happen to those idiot brothers who sounded horrible -- but, even worse, we're mouthy to the judges.
David and Derek (were those their names) were rather politely reminded by Mariah that pitch and harmony were important when singing, to which they replied "we're not a choir." Really? You're not a brain trust either, fellas. I was hopeful Nicki would leap across the room and cut them, but they left. Maybe next time ...
Otherwise, the show delivered great singers in Vincent, Savannah, worship leader Cristabel, super-cute Ann from Arkansas and Victoria, the mariachi singer.
Tomorrow night is FINALLY the Oklahoma City night, and I can't wait to see what happens! Will you be watching?
Peace, love and "Change Is Gonna Come" ... XOXO
