Despite his memorable performance, Ellis Banks who sings 'Born This Way' in a bedazzled underwear and headpiece doesn't have what the judges are looking for.
- January 14, 2016
AceShowbiz -
The "American Idol" final season auditions moved to Philadelphia in the Wednesday, January 13 episode. It opened with Gianna Isabella's audition during which she sang "House of the Rising Sun". The 15-year-old girl is the daughter of former singer Brenda Starr, who knew Jennifer Lopez from her music career in the past. Gianna nailed the song and got a golden ticket, while J.Lo had a reunion with Brenda.
Clay Aiken was the guest star in the episode and he hung out with several contestants. Next, Derek Huffman went into the audition room with a boombox. He sang Shaggy's "Angel", but while the judges thought it was fun, he didn't advance.
Isaac Cole, 15, brought a country vibe to the audition room with his rendition of "Crazy" by Lee Brice. Harry Connick Jr. felt his twang wasn't genuine, but all three judges agreed to send him to Hollywood anyway.
Sara Sturm, 17, sang Meghan Trainor's "Lips Are Movin' " and got a golden ticket. Up next was Ellis Banks, 25, who showed up in bejeweled underwear and a headdress which he dubbed a "Jesus hairpiece." His performance of Lady GaGa's "Born This Way", however, wasn't good enough to earn him a golden ticket.
Jenn Blosil, on the other hand, wowed the judges with her rendition of Imagine Dragons' "Radioactive". The 23-year-old from Brooklyn was sent to Hollywood and so was a self-proclaimed ladies' man Harrison Cohen.
John Arthur Greene was the last to audition that night. He shared his tragic story of losing his brother when they played an innocent game of cops and robbers. He sang Keith Urban's song "Somebody Like You" and despite Harry's reluctant to give him a yes, the other two judges gave him a chance to sing in Hollywood.
