American Idol Gets Caught in a "Bad Romance"

"Ooh la la" it wasn't as the New Orleans additions got underway

By Natalie Finn Jan 21, 2011 3:05 AMTags

The only real difference between American Idol season one and American Idol season ten? Would-be song butchers have way more options to choose from now!

Take Mick Jagger/Steven Tyler look-alike Gabriel Franks, who unexpectedly went the Lady Gaga route and belted out "Bad Romance." Actually, the opening chant wasn't so bad, but he didn't do the chorus any justice. (At least he went quietly when he was denied a ticket to Hollywood.)

All in all, the New Orleans round was more of the usual—the good, the bad and the deluded. As always, though, there were a few aspiring stars to get excited about...

MORE: American Idol returns with spirit of Paula Abdul alive and well in Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez

Though she doesn't think she's Steven Tyler's daughter, Sarah Sellers' plump pout made Randy Jackson wonder. Regardless, she sang a lovely rendition of Bob Dylan's "To Make You Feel My Love" and her pipes got her to Hollywood, where one day she could earn plenty of dough for a paternity test.

Also tickling the judges' fancy was curly mop-top Brett Loewenstern, 16, whose pre-audition tale about being picked on in school and persevering through hard times just made you pray that he had a voice to back it up. And yay, he did, demonstrating his talent with "Bohemian Rhapsody" no less.

But in the battle of endearing teens, Brett is up against 15-year-old Jacee Badeaux, who looks 12 and sings like he's ageless. He ignored the skeptical looks on the judges' faces and dove right into "Sittin' on the Dock of the Bay," wasting no one's time.

Other names to watch from tonight's show include Jacquelyn Dupree, Jordan Dorsey and Jovany Barreto. The audition round continues next Wednesday in Milwaukee.