American Idol 2020 Episode 5 Recap: Auditions from Rosalyn Carter, Jahzan, Justin Oliver & More
This is it! The last round of American Idol auditions, the last chance for contestants to make it to Hollywood Week. Just like Weeks 1-4, Week 5 has its fair share of great voices, amazing stories, and unique characters including Rosalyn Carter, Franklin Boone, Demi Rae, Gilberto Rivera, and Aliana Jester. We even get to see a first -- Phredley Brown judging!
As always, judges Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan, host Ryan Seacrest, and mentor Bobby Bones are on hand to guide constants and viewers alike through the process.
Robert Taylor - 27, Donaldsonville, LA
Robert was very nervous and took a deep breath before he sat down to play piano and sing "Bruises" by Lewis Capaldi. Everyone is impressed from the first note and Katy says he should never be nervous to sound like that. After his audition, Robert shared that his dad passed in January and Idol was one of the things his father wanted him to do. He wanted Robert to be himself. The encouragement meant a lot as Robert was disowned by a lot of his family when he came out but his father accepted him wholly. Luke says all the judges are all about building him up. He gets three yeses and he's going to Hollywood.
Jafar Hurambi - 27, Chicago Heights, IL
Jafer is, as the kids say, serving a look. He's got small black wings on and these sort of sparkly claws. He does a very energetic version of "When I Grow Up" by the Pussycat Dolls, complete with several death drops. Katy says if his singing was a good as his dancing, he'd really have something but it was a no today.
Grace Leer - 27, Nashville, TN
Grace had appeared on American Juniors back in the day when she was 11 years old (she didn't win). She talked about it with Ryan and caught up with him, as he also hosted that series. At 14, she decided to have a "normal" kid experience and stopped actively pursuing her singer career. She's in Nashville now and in a band. Grace performs "Crowded Table" by The Highwomen as well as "Crazy" by Patsy Cline a cappella wheb Katy asks to hear a sad Country song. Lionel says she's very clear on who she is as an artist and is great dealing with being on the spot. Luke says she doesn't sound forced and is easy to listen to. She receives an unanimous Golden Ticket.
Franklin Boone - 27, Durham, NC
A School of Rock instructor, Franklin is here providing a great example for his students on how to audition and go after your dreams. Which is probably part of why he chose "Dreams" by Fleetwood Mac to sing. Luke is pleased he came in strong on the first note and said he sees recording artist and artistry in him. Katy says if he wants to win, he has a good chance. Lionel loves his style and is a big yes, setting off a domino of yeses and garnering him a Golden Ticket.
Luke Stafford - 25, Anderson, IN
The is, perhaps, the sax-iest audtion in Idol history. Luke is performing an original called "Not To Me" which features a tenor sax solo, which he also provides. Lionel says yes as a horn player but a no as a singer. All three pass this time but tell him to keep playing the sax.
Roselyn "Rozzo" Carter - 26, Watts, CA
Roselyn is auditioning on behalf of her family and the people in Watts. Music has always filled a void for her and the Golden Ticket means validation and setting an example for the world. She performs "Mother Bowed" by The Pilgrim Travelers and the judges are into it. Katy requests another song, saying she liked that she took them to church and Luke adds he wants to be taken to the Staples Center. Roselyn does "So High" by John Legend. Lionel is knocked out by her interpretation and calls her style "moving". Katy says she embodies what Idol stands for. They confer and do a cheer and Rozzo gets her Golden Ticket.
Megan Knight - 21, Willamtown, NJ
The judges decide randomly to hold some auditions on a yacht and grab Megan on the way. It's the first audition on a boat. She sings "When Your Mind's Made Up" by Glen Hansard. Luke thinks she's got a great voice but needs a bit of coaching on her vibrato. Katy wants her to listen to how hard she playing so it doesn't drown out her voice. They all boat vote yes, sending Megan to Hollywood.
Gilberto Rivera - 23, Orlando, FL
As he's following the boat vote, Gilberto comes in to an empty room. Luke is the first to arrive and invites him to sit in one of the judges' chairs (Lionel's). When Lionel enters, he does a mock audition and starts singing "Hello", which Gilberto picks up and is actually good and knows all the words (to Lionel's surprse). Gilberto chooses "Proud Mary" by Tina Turner as his audtion song. His energetic performance gets all the judges up and moving. Lionel says they're in a business of uniqueness and he's clearly unique. When Lionel wonders if he's more theatrical, Gil reassures them that his presentation is due to his subway performing and the need to grab attention. He's willing to strip it all away to just his voice. Katy says he needs to take himself more seriously because he's got a great voice and votes yes. Lionel doesn't know if his lane is Idol and says no. Luke says his voice was unexpected and, after a moment, votes yes sending him to Hollywood.
Justin Oliver - 24, Tuscaloosa, AL
Phredley Brown, who you've seen accompanying most of the contestant auditioning thus far, co-wrote "Treasure" by Bruno Mars which is what Justin it auditioning with. He understands and appreciates what a big deal that is. Katy asked Phredley what he thought, which took him by surprise. Phredley says that Justin's voice is great but the energy could've been more (although he admits he's a tough critic given his very close relationship to the song). Luke says vocally it didn't get all the way there and Lionel agrees. They all vote no, but Katy adds the best form of success is proving them wrong.
Aliana Jester - 18, Ft Walton Beach, FL
Aliana brings her emotional support dog, Nova, in with her. She grew up with her mom but became estranged when her mom's new religion changed everything. She got in contact with her dad, who was in the service, and he got her out of the unhealthy situation. This was last year. Aliana does "Who's Loving You" by Jackson 5 a cappella. Katy says she has an incredible gift and advises to channel her feelings into her gift. Luke truly thinks she's a special singer and can be a bright light. Lionel says she's a star and that she reminds him of a young Whitney Huston. Aliana gets a Golden Ticket.
Jahzan - 18, Kingston, Jamaica
Jahzan brings her mom with her -- they're very close and busk in the city together since they moved to New York. They moved for safety first and foremost, for reasons Jahzan can't discuss, and came with nothing. They're currently homeless. Nobody knows at school because she doesn't want to be looked at with pity. Before Jahzan gets to her proper audition, Lionel asks to see their act. They perform "Rockabye" by Clean Bandit feat. Sean Paul & Annie-Marie. For her real audition piece, she does "Warrior" by Demi Lovato, but her mom comes out for a quick costume change first. Katy says Jahzan sounds like a combo of Toni Braxton, Cher, and Shakira but would like her to dial it from a 10 to a 8. Luke says she's really interesting, she just needs to be coached up. Lionel commends them for getting here and carrying more weight than they should and they're off to Hollywood with three yeses.
Jordan Moyes - 25, Provo, UT
Jordon impresses the judges by singing "I'm On Fire" by Bruce Springsteen. Luke whispers that he wants to sign him now to Katy and Lionel before he's even done. Katy is a big fan of his style of guitar playing, calling it very clean. He gets his unanimous Golden Ticket with very little (all complimentary) discussion.
Demi Rae - 26, San Jose, CA
Demi brought a book that she wrote when she was 9-years-old, stating that she wants to be a singer and be on American Idol when she was old enough. Her dad was in and out of jail when she was a kid, but he got clean and is now around and very supportive and present. She sings "Mad At You" by Noah Cyrus. Katy says she has such a great voice, adding that she is going to inspire a lot of girls in the future. Luke says she has the tools and all they need to do now is lift her up. Lionel says if this is how she sings when she's scared, he can't wait to see when she's got more confidence. Katy gives her her Golden Ticket on page 3 of her book.
Nash - 18, Newman Lake, WA
A welder.by profession, Nash possesses a most flowy mullet. He appears suddenly without a shirt while the judges are making giant s'mores, very nearly getting taken out by security when he approaches Luke for a hug out of nowhere. He sings "Should've Been A Cowboy" by Toby Keith. Luke joins in, adding some nice harmonies. Katy says it's super Country and it could work. Luke says he should tone down the nasal quality of his voice. It's a no for now but they all believe he has potential.
Makayla Brownlee - 17, Wellington, KS
Coming to this audition was Makayla's first time flying. She sings at a lot of wheat festivals at home and like to fish for snakes on the weekends (they are small snakes that she catches barehanded and then throws back). Makayla picks "Traveling Soldier" by Dixie Chicks for her audition piece. Katy admits she's not a Country aficionado but Makayla voice is something she'd be tuning into. Lionel likes the yodel quality in her voice and says it's her signature. Luke says it'll be a dogfight in Hollywood but he can't wait to see how she'll do. With that, she gets three yeses and a Golden Ticket.
Amber Fiedler - 23, Coeur D'Alene, ID
Amber comes in very pregnant -- 38 weeks, in fact. She's putting her daughter up for adoption. She was raised by her grandmother because her mom was a user. Getting pregnant caused her to become introspective and realized that she wasn't prepared to be a mom and the family she chose will provide her daughter with everything she needs. She's hoping she understands when she gets older. Her mom is clean now and they're rebuilding their relationship. Amber sings "Trust In Me" by Etta James. Luke says she has a timeless sound. Lionel praises her control. Katy says she has a big shot at going very far if she wants to. Katy notes that Hollywood Week is a week after her due date and Amber says she's trusting it'll work out the way it'll supposed to. Luke praises her discussing this and being open and inspiring other girls. She gets an unanimous Golden Ticket.
And that's a wrap on the Auditions! The first MONDAYepisode of American Idol Season 3 is upon us, kicking off Hollywood Week. Which of your favorites will make it through? Find out MONDAY at 8|7c and come back SUNDAY at 8|7c on ABC to find out!
Catch up on auditions past: Week 4 recap here and the full episode here; Week 3's recap here and the full episode here; Week 2's recap here and the full episode here; and see the Week 1 auditions here and check out the recap here.