10 Valuable Tips to Follow When Looking for An Agent

Finding an Agent is like finding a parent or guardian! They can help you get your career off the ground, help you make the right decisions, and represent you in the best way. Representing yourself can often appear as unprofessional. I've worked with tons of people who do not have any representation, they're are amazing actors, but to get to the next level, it's best that you have representation and professional guidance. It's a tough business out there, leave the management to someone else so you can perfect your craft.

Here's a List of great ideas that center around one thing. "It's who you know." If you don't know them, get to know them.

1: When you go to a show at a Theatre introduce yourself to performers and ask them about who represents them. Don't be shy. You'd be surprised how much fellow actors are willing to help you out if you just ask.

2: Photographers, Directors and Indie Filmmakers usually hire Models & Actors through agencies. Give them a call and simply ask them for a small list of people they work with. In turn you may have found someone to take your headshot anyway!

3. Here at AuditionPortal we're a saavy (and cute) little group of Actors, Singers, Dancers, Graphic Designers, Ad people, and even the geekiest of geeks. You'd be surprised how many people an ad agency can hook you up with. If you have a website, you've probably worked with creative people, right? Well, call them. Ask if they know someone, who knows someone who knows an Agent. I'm sure they do.

4. Okay, here's a total no-brainer: Go to the SAG or AFTRA website. They have lists, and boy do they have lists! Call them and ask them to share a little love. Most of the Agencies there are franchised agencies and are totally legit. Here is a direct link to the Franchised Agency list at AFTRA http://www.aftra.com/member/agentlist.htm

If you feel like something's not right when you go to an audition call them and report them to either of these unions immediately. When on an audition, Casting Directors should never require nudity. If they do, and that's not cool with you, you should report them as well. See, a reputable agency will have you covered. They will make sure they find out all they can prior to an audition so they have your best interests in mind.

5.  Never meet an Agent for the first time (or even the second time) at an unfamiliar place or in a private place.

You may want to consider meeting at a Coffee shop, restaurant, wherever there are other people. Hey, we're not being too paranoid, but it's always better to be safe than sorry. We love our fellow talented people to stick around.

6. When you arrive at at Agent's office, remember YOU are the person interviewing Them. Ask them tons of question, ask to see who they represent, and ask if you can call that person....hey, it's a little pushy, but this is your career we're talking about! If they find excuses, then simply say "Oh I had my heart set on getting references, maybe it's best that I check back with you at a later time." Pack up and leave.

7: Make sure you've checked them out with SAG or AFTRA or any Union if they came as a referral from another actor. What may be good representation for them, may not work so well for you. Make sure they are busy and don't have lot's of free time. That's usually not a good sign. A busy Agent...that's a good sign.

8. If there are any red flags like, a slow office, no employees, just one person there, no lobby, a bottle of champaign on the table, just be polite and leave. It's a good idea to call the Better Business Bureau to see whether people have made complaints against them prior to your meeting as it will save you a trip.

9. If you can bring a friend (this applies to guys and girls) have them wait outside. We're not saying all agents are serial killers or sex offenders. They're not. There are amazing Agencies out there. If you don't feel right about something just know there are hundreds of others out there.

10. If you're taking acting classes or even short-term workshops at a school like HB (my alma mater), ask your coaches or teachers to refer an agent to you. They are bound to know someone, or may even recommend their own agent to you. P.S. If they do, that's a good sign.

Remember: It's your life. Your real life. You are not acting, nor are you on stage when you're picking someone to represent you. You must protect yourself and your interests, and be cognizant that there are some unscrupulous practices out there. They mess things up for the hard-working, legitimate actors like us and others in their field. If you're a singer or dancer, the same holds true for you as well. When finding a producer or manager to work the same   criterion should be followed. The mentality that old-school Reps, Agents & Scouts have is that they expect you to be beholden to them because we apparently NEED them. What a competitive marketplace of reputable and "A-Listed" Agents do is create competition, so that actors like us don't necessarily NEED them. We have choices.

We have the freedom to say "no thanks." There will be others, many others, who will want to work with us. Create your own opportunities. 

Author's note: Reputable agencies have signed on with Audition Portal. If you'd simply like to post a reel/video and profile, and have professional exposure to agencies online, just pre-register at www.auditonportal.com.

Written By Paul Brighton

Producer, Director, Actor, Co-Founder, Blogger

American Idol Loses 2 More Contestants

Well, after last night's rather lackluster show, tonight's great "disco revival" did all it could to bring back a little much-needed energy.

And, as the staff of Audition Portal had predicted, Lil Rounds and Anoop Desai did indeed go home tonight. We will certainly miss them both.

After weeks and weeks of sharing the bottom three position, it was basically "game-over" for the two contestants as a record breaking 45 million votes were called in.

Interlaced into the show were great performances by Thelma Houston, who sang a powerful version of "Dont' Leave Me this Way," KC from KC And The Sunshine Band singing "Get Down Tonight" and a previous Idol contestant David Archuletta sang "Touch My Hand."

So, it's all down to the 5 finalists. Adam Lambert is now, and will always be out front as the predicted winner, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen on the next level, with Allison Iraheta possibly nudging Danny out. And, Matt Giraud hanging on by mere piano strings.

The staff at AuditionPortal.com predicts the final three will be Adam, Danny and Allison. And, depending on the latter two's performances during the last three weeks, we may just see Allison and Adam as the final two.

Let's see if Danny can bring it the forthcoming final weeks.

Paul Brighton

AuditionPortal.com

American Idol's "Dance Classics Night" Leaves Feet Cold.

It seems that the past few weeks have gone by so quickly, and the show, even more hurriedly.

Last night felt like a fast-forward race, with judges and Ryan speaking in quick tongue just to get through to the next artist.

No more guest muse or backstories–just the singing and judges commets. Even the Disco theme was more like a 

cheesy wedding circa 1980, when Disco was dying, than a blazing Studio 54 Saturday, in all its glory.

Last night's performances seemed to be good all across the board, with major faults keeping intensity levels capped.

Lil Rounds started the night off a bit shaky with her version of "Chaka Khan's "I'm Every Woman."  Lil was treading unstable ground between pitchy, and trying too hard.

These are the types of performances that simply cannot happen at this point.

Lil even defended herself saying "I didn't think that was karaoke," yet none of the judges used that word this week. It's seemed as if Lil's defensive stance lingered from the judges confusing and disappointing comments from previous weeks. Lil Rounds has a great voice, but it's evident she may be leaving tonight, despite what we're seeing in some of the polls. After so many weeks of loyal "Idoling," it would be great if they were all winners on some level. But, we all know we can only have one. 

The best performance of the night was indeed Adam Lambert's. Just when you think you're going to get sick of him, he does something that takes everyone for a joyous vocal ride. While the version was almost too much of a departure for my own disco-loving taste, Adam understands music and entertainment, temper, and timing and emotion like no other on that stage, and it's obvious to many he's already won. His version of "If I Can't Have You" was original, and we cant deny that whether we love it or not. Many here at the Audition Portal offices have been rooting for Adam and Danny since day one.

But where is Danny been the last 2 weeks? Are we feeling the same level of enthusiasm we all had in the early stages of the competition?The consensus here is that Danny's magic has worn off, and his general appeal, including his clumsy dancing, has taken a slight derailment off the path to second place. Our group of opinionated actors and singers that work here have pegged Allison as the second place contestant for the last 2 weeks. Who can nudge her?

It's quite possible Danny can regain footing. It's also possible Kris could slip in there if he keeps up his consistently good performances, and heartthrob appeal.

Kris Allen's stripped down, and Santana-ish version of Donna Summer's "She Works Hard for the Money" was more like a Jack Johnson channeling session with his own mark of of acoustic swagger. If you paid close attention to the band, sitting up there with Kris, they were genuinely in love with that arrangement and really grooving with alongside Kris, as if they'd been playing together for a lifetime– especially, the musician playing the cardboard box. Nice to see Kris holding his own for the last several weeks. 

Overall, disco night was a hurried trip down memory lane with very little to rememebr. In fact we struggled for minutes trying to remember who did what song. And, was there a disco ball somewhere on that stage? See, we don't remember, and that's not good.

Now we all had to remember last night set list strictly from memory, no Googling was allowed. That was a rule!

These were the most memorable songs in order and according to our illustrious java-amped staff at Audition Portal's New York office.

1. Adam: "If I Can't Have You"

2. Kris: "She Works Hard for the Money"

3. Allison: "Hot Stuff"

4. Danny: We actually forgot for ten minutes, and then someone remembered! "September" it was simply okay. Strong vocals but again something missing.

5. Anoop: Again, hands in the air, minds twisting, faces contorting, we couldn't remember between 6 of us. We knew it was good, but we just couldn't remember the song!

6. Oh Matt. Yes, Matt. Good vocal performance of "Stayin Alive," and quite prophetic, but the Timberland hat and the overdone, falsetto trills are not the Matt we fell in love with at the beginning.

Let's see what tonight bring us on American Idol. Check back with us here tomorrow for our original, not "scraped" Blog follow-up story! 

Paul Brighton

www.auditionportal.com

Amazing Young Shaheen Jafargholi Steals Spotlight from Susan Boyle

Barely a week week after Susan Boyle, the quiet, very un-showbusiness-y Scottish woman became a worldwide sensation following her stunning audition on the British TV program "Britain's Got Talent," a 12-year-old Welch boy named Shaheen Jafargholi's has been praised for his "life-changing" performance on the show after Simon Cowell gave him a standing ovation.

Things were not looking good for Shaheen when Cowell stopped the audition after one verse of “Valerie” (by the Zutons, covered by Amy Winehouse).

"You've got this really wrong," said Cowell. "What do you sing apart from that?"

Young Shaheen then performed "Who's Loving You," a Smokey Robinson song performed by The Jackson Five, bringing the audience to its feet as he delivered a rendition that brought Simon Cowell and fellow judges Piers Morgan and Amanda Holden to their feet.

"This is how one song can change your life," Cowell said to Shaheen. "This may be the start of something special for you young man.

Morgan wrote in his blog that Shaheen had been the stand-out act of the show and suggested him as a possible challenger to Susan Boyle for the show’s prize. Last week's amazing performance by 47-year old amateur singer Boyle brought worldwide attention to herself with her version of the Les Miserables' tune "I Dreamed a Dream". Shaheen still has a way to go to match Boyles metioric popularity.

AuditonPortal's Paul Brighton added "I still think Susan Boyle was more of a surprise and her story had a little more depth. Susan's story resonated with me because people were mocking her prior to the performance, she had a story that tugged at the world's heartstrings and a wonderful singing voice to match. Shaheen is an amazing singer as well and I believe he will fare well in the competition no matter what, but Susan Boyle was an inspiration. Can't wait to see where this all ends up."

Morgan wrote "Once Simon got him to sing the right kind of song for his voice, he was sensational. Like a young Stevie Wonder."

Shaheen has been singing since he was two years old. "When I was a bit older my mum got me some singing lessons and my voice just got bigger and bigger," he said. "Hopefully this is going to be my big break."

We certainly hope so! Good luck Shaheen.

American Idol Concert Dates

Even though we're down to 7, with 2 more to go home next week, all 10 finalists are touring this summer!. American Idols will be Live on stage and the tour will take Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Anoop Desai, Danny Gokey, Kris Allen, Lil Rounds, Matt Giraud, Megan Joy, Michael Sarver and Scott MacIntyre to over 50 cities. The tour begins on July 5 in Portland, Oregon, and extended through a final September 15 show in Manchester, New Hampshire. Tickets for the whole run go on sale May 9.

Follow us here on this blog to be reminded!

Brought to you by  Audition Portal

American Idols Live! tour dates, according to the official site:

» 7/5 - Portland, OR @ Rose Garden
» 7/7 - Tacoma, WA @ Tacoma Dome
» 7/8 - Vancouver, BC @ General Motors Place
» 7/10 - Sacramento, CA @ ARCO Arena
» 7/11 - Oakland, CA @ Oracle Arena
» 7/12 - San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion at San Jose
» 7/14 - West Valley City, UT @ The E Center
» 7/16 - Los Angeles @ Staples Center
» 7/17 - Ontario, CA @ Citizens Business Bank Arena
» 7/18 - San Diego @ San Diego Sports Arena
» 7/20 - Glendale, AZ @ Jobing.com Arena
» 7/23 - Dallas @ American Airlines Center
» 7/24 - Tulsa, OK @ BOK Center
» 7/25 - N. Little Rock, AR @ Alltel Arena
» 7/26 - Memphis, TN @ FedExForum
» 7/28 - Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
» 7/29 - Sunrise, FL @ BankAtlantic Center
» 7/31 - Duluth, GA @ Arena at Gwinnett Center
» 8/1 - Charlotte, NC @ Time Warner Cable Arena
» 8/2 - Greensboro, NC @ Greensboro Coliseum
» 8/4 - Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
» 8/5 - Baltimore @ 1st Mariner Arena
» 8/7 - Atlantic City, NJ @ Boardwalk Hall
» 8/8 - Newark, NJ @ Prudential Center
» 8/11 - Long Island, NY @ Nassau Coliseum
» 8/14 - Hamilton, ON @ Copps Coliseum
» 8/15 - Rochester, NY @ Blue Cross Arena
» 8/16 - Hartford, CT @ XL Center
» 8/18 - Boston @ TD Banknorth Garden
» 8/19 - Albany, NY @ Times Union Center
» 8/20 - Philadelphia @ Wachovia Center
» 8/22 - Pittsburgh @ Mellon Arena
» 8/23 - Cleveland @ Wolstein Center
» 8/25 - Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
» 8/26 - Auburn Hills, MI @ Palace at Auburn Hills
» 8/28 - Milwaukee @ Bradley Center
» 8/29 - St. Louis @ Scottrade Center
» 8/30 - Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
» 9/1 - Minneapolis @ Target Center
» 9/2 - Rosemont, IL @ Allstate Arena
» 9/4 - Madison, WI @ Alliant Energy Center
» 9/5 - Indianapolis @ Conseco Fieldhouse
» 9/6 - Grand Rapids, MI @ Van Andel Arena
» 9/8 - Reading, PA @ Sovereign Center
» 9/9 - Wilkes-Barre, PA @ Wachovia Arena
» 9/10 - Bridgeport, CT @ Arena at Harbor Yard
» 9/12 - Portland, ME @ Cumberland County Civic Center
» 9/13 - Providence, RI @ Dunkin' Donuts Center
» 9/14 - Syracuse, NY @ War Memorial at Oncenter
» 9/15 - Manchester, NH @ Verizon Wireless Arena

Adam Lambert is Born to be an Idol!

Despite Simon's lackluster review of singer Adam Lambert's "Born To Be Wild" performance on American Idol last night, Adam just blew the minds and the roof off FOX studios like never before. I truly believe he raised the level of intensity tenfold, and blew away almost everyone in the room when his voice just about soared out of sight.

The song's arrangement was unique and original, and as usual, we were all delighted and surprised at every aspect of his performance - from style, to image, to band arrangement. But some people had the opposite reaction to last night’s performance in "Twitterverse," because it was, well, a little showy and over-the-top. I say who else can compare to Adam's level of showmanship and entertainment? Certainly, no one else did last night.

I think all the other performances fell short in entertainment value alone. Sure, some of the vocal performances were great, especially Allsion Iraheta's version of "I don't Want to Miss a Thing." She brewed quite a hot and spicy "special sauce" last night for sure. But I think all the other performers had one issue or another.

Anoop Desai actually stunned me tonight. I love that he's come along so far and has won over the judges to the level that he has. Anoop has a very sensitive, sweet and endearing quality in his voice that is best displayed when he does ballads. Perhaps we will one day see him do an album of ballad covers? I think Anoop will have quite the career, no matter what.

As for Danny Gokey, his heartfelt version of "Endless Love" wasn't as good as Anoop's. Cowell said he missed originality in the arrangement. Overall Danny's performance didn't strike me the way Adam's did, and I think Danny has to bump up next week’s performance or the showdown could end up being between Allison and Adam. Wouldn't that just be a kick in the ass.

As for Matt Giraud and Kris Allen, both performances were annoyingly pitchy to me. When a song is sung in the low register and you combine that with nerves, I think it makes for a lethal combination. Why doesn't someone tell the both of these vocal artists to stay away from low notes! Let me at 'em!

Finally, my dearest Lil Rounds closed the show with "The Rose." I felt that Simon was also way off base when he commented that it was "unoriginal." Lil did indeed try to bring R&B into the song, and week after week the judges have asked her to do just that. Then, contradictorily, Simon commented that she did not interject herself into the song and added "I feel we've lost who we think you were." I felt he was a little harsh, but this is the difficult and sometimes arduous selection process on American Idol. It gets tighter and tighter towards the end and every little nuance is under the microscope for intense scrutiny.

Tonight the good folks here at Audition Portal are predicting that Matt Giraud is on his way home. "He's on his waaaaayyyy, he's on his waaaayyyyyy, home swee…” well, you get the picture! The Justin "Timberfake" hat is too self-aware and contrived, and the overdone vocals just give you more to pick at.

Dog, dog, less is more. Less is more.

Paul Brighton
www.AuditionPortal.com

American Idol's Scott MacIntyre Had Kidney Transplant

Singer Scott MacIntyre, the well-known blind contestant from American Idol, is grateful for his showing even after his elimination on April 8th.

"Out of that many people who tried out, to finish eighth is just incredible. I’m so excited to be walking away where I am," said Scott.

On Live! with Regis and Kelly, the singer revealed he had a kidney transplant.

"I didn’t want to raise my kidney transplant during American Idol. I couldn't hide my blindness, but didn't want my transplant to be an issue during the competition, since that was something I could avoid talking about,” said Scott. “Now that I’m off the show, people are just finding out."

Scott was on emergency dialysis for kidney failure for two years before he was lucky enough to receive a transplant. "How I was on American Idol is nothing like I used to be, when I didn't have the energy to stand up. I'm blessed."

Thanks to People via AP.

Singer Scott Leaves, and the World Grieves...Well Not Really

Another American Idol singer packs up his Microphone

Well, the nice guy goes home, and even though we're sad to see him go, this is after all a competitive talent show and there is just one winner, or is there?

Arizona native, Scott McKintyre, did a good job and inspired millions of people across the nation because he stood on the stage happy, smiling, and undaunted by his visual impairment. But, this competition was about singing and Scott was simply not the best. I think many viewers have felt this way for weeks, and according to the poll here on Audition Portal's blog, our readers had made that clear weeks ago. Scott, Anoop Desai, and Lil Rounds were on the stools this week and in the wake of Scott's performance on Tuesday, it was clear he was the one that would be going home. Scott was the viewers choice to be sent home and now with only minutes left, he had to sing for his life, one last time so the judges could decide whether he was worth the only save their allowed to use.

Last night's show was interlaced with a naughty performance by Flo Rida, and former Idol, Kelly Pickler, who's performance was about as pitchy as one could expect for a performer running around on stage, out of breath. Flo Rida's "Right Round" was unedited and most likely the least family-friendly performance American Idol has had on the show. The song, depending on how you decipher it, is either about oral sex or a stripper sliding down a pole. Either way, Mrs. Cleaver was rolling in her grave.

With the time running out, Cowell looked at the bottom three and said, "I don't think it mattered before, but I think this is the first week where it probably does matter," adding that the judges would consider saving one of the others in danger of getting the boot.

It's clear that Scott's infectious smile got him through most vote-offs when his performances were less than stellar. When it came time to announcing his fate, Scott continued his endearing smile and took it like a man. "I really, really like you, Scott," Cowell said. I'm looking over there, and I think there's a bunch of talented singers, so this decision isn't just based on you. It's whether I think somebody, or we think somebody, is more talented over there." This was probably one of Simon's most sensitive and well-phrased assessments, as barely a "boo" was heard while he spoke.

It was clear that the audience, while torn emotionally, felt the same exact way.

With seconds left in the show, Seacrest and ensemble gave MacIntyre a hug for his farewell, with Paula commenting, "You've been an inspiration to the entire world through your commitment, through your talent. And we all watch 'American Idol' so that we as an audience get to witness unique and gifted artists as you, Scott. ... You are one classy gentleman. God bless you, we love you."

While Scott technically goes home and is off the show, he does get to tour the country this summer with the final 10 contestants. Most likely, we'll still see Scott here and there, and don't be surprised if he lands a record deal. While there may be one "Idol" winner, there are many when you factor in the luminous exposure all of these kids have gotten.

Next week, get ready as Jennifer Hudson, the Oscar-winning powerhouse returns to the show.

Be sure to get your American Idol dose right here on Audition Portal's blog. Follow us, get news, updates, interviews and polls, as the competition get's more intense!

Jared Lifeson
www.auditionportal.com

Why Should it Matter if Adam Lambert is Gay?

"Gay" is such a contentious buzzword when it involves outing someone against their will, and it probably drew many of you here. Which of course is okay because our message is simple and positive. So, we're not ashamed to have lured you here.
You "Commie, Homo-Loving Sons of Guns!"

Bottom line: It shouldn't matter to anyone if Adam is gay or not, Right? I know, I know, little girls fantasize about being swept in his arms. They go to bed, hoping against hope, that he'll come flying through their window like a scene out of Twilight. So, what happens when the media outs someone before he gets a chance to be judged as a singer and not a "gay" singer?

The media is starting to flood Twitter and Blogs with questions about Adam's sexuality. While some people question why it matters, others want to know because it does matter. It matters to them because they're gay too, and it's a moment of pride to have someone so talented, as a role model. So, those of you who question why there's so much hoopla, it's because it's human nature. It may not necessarily be exploitative just because the word "gay" appears it the title.

Being gay in the music world has long been taboo. Since the early days of music, being gay has left managers, record labels and star-makers with a politically challenged marketing dilemma. How do we market a gay singer, when it's girls buying all the records?
Well kids, the world has changed and maybe it doesn't really matter anymore. For one thing, people are buying CD's less and less, and coming out of the closet more and more. Back in the day, I might have re-considered buying a Mika cd when my cool, leather-clad bud Rick, was at the cash register at the local Harvey Sound. With the advent of iTunes and the internet, most buyers are teenagers, and between males and females, they are both just about equal spenders.
They buy singles and don't judge.
At least I speak for most civilized people.

When I first joined the Audition Portal team, we started watching American Idol while we were all still at work at the L.A. office and I thought, wow, this is cool and these people are cool. We were gay people and straight people hanging out, laughing together, and interacting creatively and musically. Many of my peers are actors and singers, and we all fit right in. What resonated with me is how much of the entertainment industry is gay. Yet, many are still not so ready to divulge personal info when it could end in conservative-media controversy. It's not that people don't want to come out of the closet. It's just that they don't always care to be the subject of people's judgment. That's also why it matters whether someone is Gay or not–people use it as a weapon to "hurt" someone's career. Many of us actors, musicians, liberals are open to it, but not everyone's that progressive.

Maybe that's why Adam has been quiet. We really do not know his personal life. He could be Bi or asexual like Morrissey, right?

The reason why females bought more records in the 50's, 60's and part of the 70's, is that most acts were males purposely marketed for young female consumption. Our dear Elvis, whom many people are comparing our dear Adam Lambert to, paved the way for this hysteria. Then the Beatles arrived and lit light bulbs above greedy record executive's heads, and the stoking of the star-making machinery began. As the soot settled, testosterone-inducing bands of the ate 60's and 70's, like Led Zeppelin came to the forefront and both women and men started buying record more equally. 

These days, ambiguity works too. Emo, or whatever style that is, makes it cool for young males to dress androgynously and style their hair in a way that would have gotten their cute little keesters kicked by the hard rockers years ago. Take Judas Priest singer Rob Halford, for instance–yes, he could kick your but, and he was "Breaking The Law" and "Hell Bent for Leather" and errrr....very Gay. Yet, males still bought their records. I think 75% of them knew what was up and just ignored it. Now, everyone knew Freddie Mercury was gay right? I did. Well, okay I admit it, I just thought he was "theatrical" like this Adam kid.
But you know, it didn't matter to me or to my straight friends either. Music transcends judgment sometimes. If the singer has a God-given talent, if they've been blessed with a natural gift, it moves us and uplifts us. That's all that really matters when it comes to music and listening. Does it matter to us whether Adam is gay or not of course not. Does it matter to the media & the little little girls? Sure it does. So, in the end, it actually does matter, good or bad.

Adam Lambert may be gay or straight, as long as the little hairs on my arms keep doing the happy (or gay) dance when he sings, that's all that matters to me.

Jared Lifeson
www.auditionportal.com

American Idols Are Born From Stars

Tonight, one of the seven contestants on American Idol will be packing up and going home.

Last night's theme centered upon songs from the same year each contestant was born. At the show's start, we were treated to a corny, yet endearing baby picture show, and as a bonus, we discovered that Ryan Seacrest was a young redhead when he was a child. Oh, the things you find out about people when they show their baby pictures!

Danny started the night off with "Stand By Me," while long-time judge Paula Abdul did just that. The ever on-point Simon Cowell felt the beginning was good, the middle was lazy, and the ending was great, which added up to an overall "terrific" rating.

Next came heartthrob Kris Allen with his version of the Don Henley hit, "All She Wants To Do is Dance" from 1985. He was surrounded by pre-selected audience members in "concert" style, but Kris’ performance didn't sound anything like the song, nor feel like a concert.

Paul Brighton of AuditionPortal.com commented, "I like re-makes that bear some structural resemblance to the original. You can make it your own, but don't depart so much that you can't recognize it. That's no fun for the audience."

Overall, Kris' Performance was pretty good. Kara hit it on the head when she said it was "jazz-funk and it lost its youth." But, Simon's reaction was more accurate when he described it was " indulgent, boring, forgettable, and a stupid song choice." You know Simon should try being more honest, wouldn't you say?

Next came Lil Round's rendition of "What's Love Got to do With It." I felt it was good, not stellar, but good. Something about that girl makes me love her more than I should. I'm guilty of liking her as a person when I should be liking her as an entertainer. Luckily, I felt the audience gave her the love she needed to really work the song, building up to a climax at the end. However, the judges felt that she still needs to prove that she knows who she is as an artist, and even likened her performance to karaoke. I didn't agree with that at all.

Surprisingly, Anoop Desai's tender version of Cindi Lauper's "True Colors" was wonderful and well-received all across the board. However, his "up & down" performances may get him in trouble as the competition gets tighter and tighter. Anoop has held his own of late and has also shown us at www.AuditionPortal.com that second chances can be worth the risk.

Learn more about auditioning at www.youtube.com/user/auditionportal

Powerhouse Allison Iraheta did it again this week with a brilliant performance of Bonnie Raitt's " I Can't Make You Love Me." All the judges loved it, including me, but Simon felt he doesn’t know her. Whatever that means!

Allison will get a deal no matter what. It's obvious she doesn't need American idol anymore. She could leave now and she will be a huge star. So I'm not worried about losing her at all.

Matt Giraud gets a unanimous "great" for singing Stevie Wonder's " Part Time Lover." I didn’t love his performance but I did think it was one of his best. I like Matt, but he needs to try to find himself as an artist and stop pretending to be Chris Martin or Justin Timberlake. At his age, he's still too star struck for his influences to not be obvious to us all. That's why he should contemplate sticking to his roots.

Okay now, Scott McKintyre steps out from behind his piano and up to the Mic with his guitar,which was a change of pace, but it really sounded terribly out-of-place. I simply don't understand why Scott is still there. In my opinion, he's not the best singer or artist and so many others were deserving of being on that stage. I just can't see him making it to the top 5, and this week may just be his last. 

Last, but certainly not least, the night's favorite and quite possibly the winner of Season 8, Adam Lambert. Adam's slow version of "Mad World" by Tears for Fears mesmerized all of us. Adam just has something special. You can't quite put your finger on it, but he just has star quality and a voice that collectively places him miles ahead of everyone on this show. Simon gave Adam a standing ovation … how often does that happen?

Jared Lifeson
AP News

Did Singer Megan Joy Give Up on American Idol?

(AP News)

It seems that way after last night’s American Idol. Singer Megan Joy, American Idol Contestant was ousted last night after a string of less-than-stellar performances. And, while it was emotional and sad for her, it seemed like there was a part of her that was relieved. From the start, the stunning Ms. Joy mad made it apparent that her friends and family ribbed her incessantly about getting American Idol, which she half-heartedly submitted to.

Out of all the contestants, Megan had been struggling to find her way during the last few performances. Paul Brighton, Audition Portal.com’s co-founder said, “Megan is the kind of singer that needs songs written around her. A pianist or guitarist writing the chords and working the tune to bring out the quirky, jazzy inflections would do her good in a studio environment. But, what happened here is she was trying to project herself into songs that she loved, unfortunately without reciprocity.”

What was truly amazing were the results of our American Idol Top Choice Singer poll, right here on auditionportal.blogspot.com. Our results matched the results of the American public to the tee, showing Megan Joy last, Anoop Desai a close second, and Danny Gokey and Adam Lambert head-to-head. “I guess all one had to do was read our blog to see the results of the show,” laughed Paul.

What happens next on American Idol remains to be seen. After taking a poll here at our offices in New York and Connecticut, it’s unanimous. Singer Adam Lambert seems to be on top right now. All we can do is wait until next week to see what Adam and Danny will do next.

Written By
Jared Lifeson
www.auditionportal.com