Audition passers in Miami (in order of appearance in the video posted here): Robbie Carrico, Ghaleb Emachah, Corliss Smith, Brittany Wescott, Suzanne Toon, Ramielle Malubay, Syesha Mercado, Natashia Blach, Ilsy Lorena Pinot.
Certainly, Miami auditions produced a lot of talents for the Hollywood part of the auditions.
Robbie Carrico is another rock singer-type of contestant. A competitor for David of Omaha Auditions? Maybe so. But I still kind of like David.
It’s quite a mystery how Ghaleb Emchah got in. Yes, he could sing, but Simon is right in saying that the thick Mexican accent is getting in the way.
It was fun watching best friends Corliss Smith and Brittany Wescott audition together. But, of the two, I liked Brittany Wescott better. Her voice seemed suited for contemporary songs more than that of Corliss’. Or maybe it’s just because of Corliss’ choice of song, as I’m not too familiar with it.
With looks and voice, Suzanne Toon would be a hot contestant if she gets into the Top 24. Even if Simon favors her, I still think Ramielle Malubay, a Filipino-American, did a better audition and will perform better in the Top 24. She’s got charm and confidence, even if she’s petite. I hope she’ll work on her stage performance as I want to see her do good in the Top 24, if she gets in. I think she’s even better than Jasmine Trias.
I’m not too crazy about Syesha Mercado. Sure, she could hit the high notes of the song, but there’s a screeching quality to it that I find it almost annoying to hear. When I Katharine McPhee sang that song, I didn’t hear that screeching and I think her version of the song was the best among those who got in AI.
Natashia Blach is quite interesting. I’d say her voice sounded so warm you’d want somebody to cuddle with when you listen to her sing. I’m just not sure though if I’ll still warm up to her when she’s performing or fall asleep. We’ll just have to see that in the Hollywood auditions.
Ilsy Lorena Pinot has got my attention. Beautiful and sultry, I think she’s the Melissa McGee of this AI Season, if she gets in the Top 24. She’s got a better voice, too. Great choice of song. And what a smile! I’m going to watch out for this girl.
And so, another week of AI auditions was over. Looking forward to more of my AI dose next week. There are rumors that the Top 24 had leaked to the Internet (and so the secret is no longer a secret). If you don’t want spoilers, then, obviously, don’t search for it. I’m not easily annoyed by spoilers, though. So maybe I’ll go look for it :-). Can’t wait to see which of my favorites got in the Top 24.
If I find it, do you want me to post it? 
February 14th, 2008 at 23:44
Just because someone is hispanic does not automatically make them Mexican. This just demonstrates right down ignorance. Ghaleb is from South America somewhere or one of the islands, definitely not Mexico. His place of origin was covered in one of the episodes.
February 14th, 2008 at 23:50
to Iris:
If he is indeed from South America, then I apologize, it’s just an honest mistake. But then, what’s wrong with being mistaken for a Mexican?
February 15th, 2008 at 0:48
Unfortunately, quite often it is used in negative terms. If we were to understand that not only are there Mexicans in the U.S., but that there are hispanics from other backgrounds as well, so much focus would not be placed on the immigration issue being a “Mexican” problem. Really, not everyone crossing the border is Mexican. At any rate, my explanation here is out of the scope of this column, but the underlying reason why I felt the need to state my case. Thank you.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:00
to Iris:
I understand your frustration at the situation but, truly, it can be clearly discerned that racial discrimination has got nothing to do with what is posted above.