80 Hawai'i residents survive first 'Idol' cut
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By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer
Sebastian Feary, 18, son of late singer-composer Mackey Feary, had family reputation at stake during the "American Idol" preliminary judging yesterday at Aloha Stadium.
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"I had a lot riding on this audition," said Feary, who made the cut and advances to the next round of scrutiny this morning at the Sheraton Waikiki.
Rosie Denisi gets a hug from friends Ian Carr, left, and Aaron Atkisson after she was selected to go to the next qualifying round of American Idol. Her friends did not make the cut.
"I was doing this for myself, my family and, of course, my dad," said Feary, of the former Kalapana member. "I sang 'Always and Forever,' belting it out, and hoping (Dad) was watching. I screamed super loud when they told me (I made it)."
He was one of about 140 contestants out of 2,000 to survive the first round of eliminations, said David Goffin, a supervising producer and a first-round judge for the show, who liked what he heard and saw. About 80 of those to go on to the next round were Hawai'i residents.
"I was impressed; there's a lot of talent here," said Goffin, who sits in on all the mass auditions.
"We wanted Hawai'i for the last city audition, to get the most benefit for Hawai'i," Goffin said. "Everyone wins: the contestants get a vacation, the state gets some business (hotels, airlines, car rentals, nearby merchants). It worked out for us, and even those who were turned down didn't mind, because they were able to go to the beach afterward."
The cattle call drew 2,000 dream chasers who braved the heat when the lineup began early Monday and continued through yesterday morning.
The party spirit became a little subdued when the contestants were shepherded inside the stadium for the first round of preliminary judging, with as many as 10 wannabe singing stars at a time facing judges in 10 separate tents. The candidates were told to keep cheering to a minimum so the judges could hear the voices, which were not amplified.
The selection process will continue today, one on one at the Sheraton Waikiki with the show's producers presiding. Saturday and Sunday, stardom-searchers get a chance to audition in front of "Idol" judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
Kulia Davis, 18, a Leeward Community College student, skipped classes to audition. "But it's worth it," she said, after earning the chance to move forward. "I sing a lot around the house, so I figured I could do it."
Jeff Widener • The Honolulu Advertiser
She knew she found the pot of gold when she sang "Over the Rainbow" and "the judge put his head down and smiled," she said.
David Goffin, a supervising producer and first-round judge, said he was impressed by the number of talented singers in Hawai'i.
Holly Young, 21, a nursing student at East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C., also advanced to the next round. "I'm really excited," she said. "It's been fun so far."
Young previously auditioned in Georgia, where she made it to the third round, and decided to try again — with happy results.
Her friend, Stephanie Bannick, 19, a Seattle native attending school in San Diego, didn't make the grade.
"Sure, I'm a little disappointed, but this was my first try," Bannick said. With her obligation gone, she'll have time for a reunion with an Island friend.
"My goal was to make it to the audition and I did," said Courteney New, 21, an LCC student who didn't make the cut. "I met a lot of cool people from all over the state. And now I can go back to my life — and finish my album, as an independent."
Julius Mina, 20, an LCC student who works for the city's Department of Parks and Recreation, said not winning was not a big deal. "I'm used to the audition process; there's a lot you have to sacrifice, but I'm glad I tried," he said.
Jonah Monanu, 21, a drama teacher who visits public and private schools, got the green light to return today. "I was pretty nervous," said Monanu, whose audition song was "Thank You" by Boyz II Men.
"In my case, I'd say thanks to Ruben (Studdard)," said Monanu about last spring's "Idol" winner. While his judge didn't make size an issue, Monanu had wondered if his girth would be a factor. "But now I have to prepare a second song," he said.
Next-round candidates are urged to "dress to impress" and will perform two tunes.
Monanu's pals kidded him about wearing a shirt emblazoned with 808, Hawai'i's area code (a spin-off of Studdard's 205 area code in Birmingham, Ala.) but his judge told him to "wear the same thing." He was clad in an oversized aloha shirt and cargo pants.
Goffin told auditioners before the competition began, "You're all winners ... there are no losers. We cut the wristbands off (all contestants earned a wristband to audition) whether you're a winner or a non-winner, so you have no souvenir to take away — except your memories."
Tony Villanueva, 42, a part-time stevedore, was last in line for the audition, even if he knew he'd be disqualified because of his age. The Fox talent search is restricted to those ages 16 to 24.
"But it's a lifetime chance to superstardom," said Villanueva, who was there to support his brother Frankie, 23, a Foodland trainee, who also competed.
Reach Wayne Harada at 525-8067, fax 525-8055 or wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.
