Maurice Townsend was one of 40 golden ticket recipients on Wedneday’s “American Idol” in Detroit.
After last week’s first two installments of the 2014 season, popular talent-search program “American Idol” focused its attention on the Motor City during Wednesday night’s Detroit Déjà Vu episode.
A whopping 40 golden tickets were handed out during the Detroit-centered auditions, which contributed to some of the program’s most talented performers so far this season. The judges panel, which consists of pop-star Jennifer Lopez, singer Harry Connick Jr and Australian country performer Keith Urban, were genuinely impressed with Motown’s pool of talent.
Notable Contestants/Highlights:
Maurice Townsend (26, Grand Rapids, MI)
Townsend, a church music director and father of four, confidently belted-out “So High” by John Legend during his audition. His undeniable vocal-control was immediately recognized by the judges panel, and his demeanor was just as appealing to audiences. (Not to mention he brought his adorable baby, which J-Lo held.)
Malaya Watson (15, Southfield, MI)
Malaya Watson, a brace-faced teen who plays tuba in her school’s marching band, impressed the judges panel with her rendition of a Motown classic – “Ain’t No Way” by Aretha Franklin. Watson’s soulful young voice stunned audiences and prompted relief from the weary judges panel. “Thank you for doing so well,” said Connick Jr.
Ryan Nisbett (24, Deckerville, MI)
Nisbett, a pomp-donning art student from Michigan’s “thumb,” wowed the judges panel with his high-pitched vocal control via Sarah Mclachlan’s “Angel.” Judge J-Lo even referred to his voice as, “one of a kind.” Immediately following the audition, Nisbett refused to shake judge Keith Urban’s hand – because he had coughed into it.
Jade Lathan (20, Monroe, MI)
Lathan, a flower-wearing young vocalist from Monroe, stomped her way through a powerful rendition of Amy Winehouse’s “You know I’m No Good.” Her stage presence, vocal strength and confidence contributed to her “sure-thing” treatment from the judges panel. “The whole package is right, it feels really good,” said Lopez.
Keri Lynn Roche (24, Detroit, MI)
Keri Lynn, a 24-year-old waitress at a Detroit-area coney island restaurant, played guitar and vocalized “Radioactive” by Imagine Dragons to receive the evening’s first golden ticket. After being prompted by judges to lose the guitar, Roche conjured an a capella version of “I’d Rather Go Blind” by Etta James. “I love your style,” said J-Lo. “It’s not typical.”
See more from the Detroit Déjà Vu episode of “American Idol” here.