Last night was the season premier of American Idol’s 10th season with new celebrity judges Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith frontman Steven Tyler (more on them later). A midst the talented, the talentless and the psuedos was a diamond in the rough – Travis Orlando. The 16 year old twin from the Bronx whose heartbreaking story of being homeless and living in shelters with his family for several years tugged at our hearts as we watched the last audition of the day (a la Fantasia) stroll into the audition room skinny jeans and all and make the same mistake many a hopeful have done before him, choose the wrong song. The song in question, “Eleanor Rigby” by The Beatles failed to showcase the kids angelic youthful voice. But when Steven Tyler asked him to pick another song (as Simon Cowell often would with raw talents), Travis proved what we all knew before a note was uttered by singing a beautiful rendition of Jason Mraz’s “I’m Yours”. The audition itself is not what brought Ryan Seacrest to tears and me to predict that Travis will win this years “Idol” but also his story and undeniable spirit that encompasses him. Oh and as far as the new judges…
Just call me ICE Gervais *wink*. - ICE
