American Idol Season 11: Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Auditions

     American Idol Season 11 went to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  This was the first time American Idol held auditions in The City Of Champions, and apparently they were missing out on a huge reserve of talented singers.  Pittsburgh was so full of talent the judges were handing out golden tickets like they had just knocked over Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.  Normally the show would focus on some crazy rejects, but this show was a bit different.  Pretty much every audition that made it on camera was a seriously talented person that had a legitimate chance of winning.  There were a few standouts as always. So lets recap some of the shows highlights.

     Herjun Han kicked off the Season 11 auditions, at first glance this young man looked like he was seriously about to lose his lunch, judging by the way the show focused on him you got the impression this was going to be a really bad audition, but as soon as Herjun started singing you knew he was the real deal. Despite a bit of a Korean accent Herjun gave his rendition of Michael Bolton’s “How Am I supposed To live With Out You” and completely nailed the song.  The judges were pleasantly surprised and put him through to Hollywood.

     Next standout performer was Travis Orlando.  Travis auditioned for American Idol in Season 10, but was not chosen to go on to Hollywood.  The judges felt like he needed to grow his talent more.  This year Travis was determined to make it through, and when it looked like the judges were going to send him home again the show began to tell Travis’ heart breaking story.  Travis was a 17 year old highschool drop out, after he didn’t make the auditions last year his mother walked out on the family.  Travis, his twin brother, and his sickly father were forced to move into a homeless shelter.  Travis broke down in tears in front of the judges and told them this was an all or nothing deal for him.  His father was not able to be there at the audition because he was receiving dialysis treatments, and Travis was only able to make the audition due to a favor from a Friend.  The judges could see the passion this young man had, and finally decided to let him through.

     Travis wasn’t the only contestant with a sad story this day.  Hallie Day was the last contestant to audition in Pittsburgh, and her story was just as heartbreaking.  Hallie moved out of her parents house to chase her dream of becoming a singer.  She was singing in a local girl group, but soon hard luck forced her to move back in with her parents  Hallie was so depressed at the way her life was going that she tried to commit suicide by swallowing a bottle of pills.  Fortunately her family was able to get her to the hospital in time to save her life .  This 26 year old woman was an amazing find for American Idol.  Her powerful voice wowed the judges, and impressed them so much that they were predicting she could win the whole show.

     Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania turned out to be a gold mine for American Idol, and added many more singers to the Hollywood auditions.  Next stop for American Idol Season 11 is San Diego, California. This round of auditions will be aired Sunday January 22, 2012.  Stay tuned for more show highlights.

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