American Idol – Season 3, Night One

By: Dustin Bradley

“American Idol” is FINALLY back for its 3rd season! This season marks it’s third season on ABC and its 8th season overall. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan are back as our judges! With Ryan Secreast back as host and Bobby Bones returning as our in house mentor. 

We begin this premiere with a tribute to the star of last season, Alejandro Aranda – one of my absolute favorite contestants of all time on this show. He has not only made such a huge impression on the fans but he has also had a major impact on the show.  I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more original songs out of these contestants this year. His talent has set the bar for what this new terrain should be. 

Let’s meet our contestants!

Douglas Kiker – Age 27 from Mobile, AL. This garbage man has no performance experience and doesn’t even know what “warming up” means. Lionel sends him outside to get ready and when he returns he sings “Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts. This country boy impresses the judges with his enthusiasm, love for his daughter, willingness to adapt and after an impromptu duet with Luke on the song they let him know that he’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Camryn Leigh Smith – Age 16 from Acworth, GA. This teen has a similar background to Katy having grown up in the church and mostly singing gospel music. She is auditioning with “Big White Room” by Jessie J. Her voice is so smooth and her vocal runs are so crisp. The judges love her and she’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Francisco Martin – Age 18 from San Francisco, CA. He is ABSOLUTELY ADORABLE and a nervous wreck! He’s nervous that Lionel and Luke are concerned for his health. Singing “Alaska” by Maggie Rogers, he completely comes alive while singing and has a voice that is so incredible. He is such a talent! Katy just knows he writes his own songs and asks that he performs a snippet of one. So, he treats us to a little snippet that is so beautiful. All of the judges think he’s Top 5 material and he’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD! I can’t wait to see more of him!

Hunter Gibson “The Comeback”- Age 23 from Arcadia, CA. This rocker performs “Swing Swing” by The All-American Rejects. Katy loves the song, but all the judges do not think that it’s right for “American Idol.” He does not proceed on.

Nick Merico – Age 23 from Woodland Hills, CA. This contestant is returning from last season after getting a golden ticket but flaking on the competition. The judges all are very upset with him that he flaked out last year. After his performance of “You Say” by Lauren Daigle they like the song and his voice, but they have doubts that he’s ready to commit to the competition and wont let his own ego get in the way. I personally think they are being a little too hard on him. Let’s see how far he makes it because he’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!

Dibesh Pokharel “Arthur Gunn”- Age 21, originally from Nepal, Kathmandu but now resides in Wichita, Kansas. Singing “Girl from the North Country” by Bob Dylan. His voice is AMAZING – raspy, powerful and clean. Katy asks him to sing one more song and to just keep his eyes open and engage more with them. He serenades them with “Have You Ever Seen The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. So incredible! What a star. Of course, he’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD! Let’s see how far he goes!

Alisa – Age 28 from New York, NY. Born in Russia, this firecracker of a chick is such fun to watch! This actress was recently in Hustlers. Singing an original called “Say Goodbye.” Her voice is big and boisterous just like her personality. And after a little comedy routine, the judges decide she isn’t right for this show. 

Louis Knight – Age 19 originally from London, England and now resides in Philadelphia. He performs an original called “Change” that he wrote about a close friend who committed suicide. His story is so tragic and his song is incredible. His voice is reminiscent of Ed Sheeran and all of the judges loved his song. He’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD. 

Saveria- Age 22 from London, Ontario, Canada. Singing an original “Tell Me This Is Real.” Her voice is pretty darn great and her song is good. Lionel and Luke don’t think she’s very engaging. Katy is a yes but Luke and Lionel are a no. So, she’s not moving on. I fear they made a big mistake.

Meghan Fiton- Age 23 from Brooklyn, NY. Singing “Love Where You’re At” by Allen Stone. Her voice is strong and soulful, full of grit and beautiful soul. The judges have to call in a friend to tell this “The Bachelor” superfan that she’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD. So, Katy Facetimes with “The Bachelor” host Chris Harrison to give Meghan the good news.

Samantha Diaz “Just Sam”- Age 20 from Harlem, NY. This subway busker is the last to audition. Her backstory is wonderfully inspiring. She begins with singing “You Say” by Lauren Daigle and it becomes emotional immediately. She connects so much to the song and the powerful message and just is so shell shocked by this “American Idol” experience. Katy asks her to sing one other song and she gives them the full train experience. She then performs, “Rise Up” by Audra Day and absolutely crushes it! Her voice is so strong and beautiful and you can tell she loves singing and using her voice to spread positive messages. The judges love her and reassure her that she is safe with them and that they will be with her throughout this journey. After a quick prayer circle, they let her know that she’s GOING TO HOLLYWOOD!