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"American Idol" took their auditions to San Diego in a special Sunday night installment and had a brush with Hollywood royalty.
Jim Carrey's daughter Jane tried out for "Idol." Judge Jennifer Lopez recalled meeting her as a little girl when both Lopez and Carrey were on " In Living Color" in the early '90s. Jane sang Bonnie Raitt's "Something to Talk About," and judge Randy Jackson heard potential in her voice. Lopez liked the feel of her voice, but encouraged her to try to connect with her audience.
Jane is going on to Hollywood, and she called her famous dad after the audition with the big news.
Lopez, Jackson and fellow judge Steven Tyler listened to the hopefuls aboard an aircraft carrier, which posed some sound challenges due to planes landing at an airport nearby. Here's what else the judges found in this noisy location:
Single mom Ashley works as an account manager and a DJ. Even though the judges usually say contestants should stay away from any Whitney Houston hit because of the vocal demands, Ashley scored singing Whitney's mega-hit "I Will Always Love You." In fact, she matched Whitney note-for-note on the song's big finish. Jackson said, "That's how you audition!" Tyler told Ashley she was going to be big. She's definitely going to Hollywood.
Jayrah wrote a song for Jennifer Lopez called "Shake You Moneymaker," but people have told him he should focus on singing. That's why he tried out for "Idol" with a very solid performance of Musiq Soulchild's song "Just Friends." Tyler loved it, and Jackson said Jayrah was "mad good" and "ready to make records." Lopez looks forward to seeing him singing songs with more melody, and Jayrah will get that chance in Hollywood.
Jennifer showed up in a red, white and blue outfit made up of a very skimpy bikini top and really short, shorts. Jackson wondered what she was wearing, and Tyler told her, "Don't you know it's against the law to look that cute?" Jennifer's voice fell flat when she auditioned with Jessica Simpson's "With You." Tyler said, "I think your voice lacks the fire your get up has." Jackson said Jennifer really should have a better voice if she's going to come in dressed like that. Jennifer tried to sing Mariah Carey's "Hero," but it was just as bad.
Aubree brought her parents and sister with her to the audition, but she messed up in the pre-interview saying she hoped to make it on "America's Next Top Model" instead of "American Idol." Aubrey auditioned with Michael Buble's version of "Feelin' Good." Lopez loved Aubree's vocal runs, and Jackson said she had natural talent. Tyler said he hadn't heard anyone sing with that kind of flavor in their voice. Aubree walked out of the audition with a golden ticket.
Ali once appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" after writing a song for DeGeneres. The comedian talk host then sent her as a special correspondent to the American Music Awards, where she actually kissed Usher. Alexa decided to rap Chris Brown's "Look at Me Now" for her audition, which drew giggles from Jackson. She then danced for the judges. Finally she sang Corinne Bailey Rae's "Like a Star," and got three yeses from the judges. We think her personality far outweighed her actual vocal talent though.
Kyle is a frat boy at UC Berkley, and he has a tendency to sing for every lady he sees on campus. He dedicated his performance of "Angel of Mine" by Monica to Lopez. Kyle is definitely a talented, smooth crooner. Tyler said it was the best male voice they'd heard so far, and Jackson said Kyle sounds nothing like his frat boy looks. Kyle is going to Hollywood, though the judges said he needed to rethink his sloppy fashion choices.
Jason goes by the name "Wolf" and works as a mechanic on a golf course. During his audition, Wolf played a guitar made by his father, who passed away in 2010. He thought his dad would be proud he was trying out for "Idol." Wolf sang "Midnight Special" by Credence Clearwater Revival for his audition, but Tyler said he needed to hear something else. Wolf then played a very impassioned version of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues" on his guitar, which went against the audition rules. All three judges gave Wolf the go ahead to Hollywood.
Fifty-three hopefuls got a golden ticket in San Diego. "American Idol" returns Wednesday night on Fox with auditions from Aspen, Colorado.
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