Keia Johnson, 26, Memphis

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Audition: Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” in Atlanta.

Judges’ feedback: Four emphatic yeses and special props from Simon and Mary J. Blige.

Arkansas connection: She was Miss ASU ’04 on a platform of “You Can Achieve What Your Heart Believes.” Sang back-up on local saxophonist J. White’s latest album.

Likely producers’ angle: She’s nice? Can sing well? She could be screwed.

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Dave Pittman, 27, Gassville (but he just says Mountain Home most of the time)

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Audition: Sam Cooke’s “Bring It On Home to Me,” in Dallas.

Judges’ feedback: Four big yeses. Guest judge Neil Patrick Harris complimented his “really cool look” and called him “crazy brave.” And Simon said “I think people are going to like you.”

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Likely producers’ angle: He has Tourette Syndrome! But not when singing! (All exclamation points since that’s how the story lines will come across.)

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Jim Ranger, 27, Bakersfield, Calif.

Audition: An original song, “Drive,” in LA.

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Judges’ feedback: Yes from Simon. No from Avril Lavigne in a devil-horned hoodie. And then off-camera yeses from Randy and Kara.

Arkansas connection: Born here. Moved to Cali, then came back for a spell and, like Kris Allen, was a worship leader at New Life Church.

Producers’ angle: Cute kids? Probably not that the Lord has divined that only worship leaders associated with New Life will win “Idol” from here on out.


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Charity Vance, 16, Little Rock

Audition: “Summertime,” in Chicago.

Judges’ feedback: “On a record, you’d sound great,” Simon said. Big yeses from everyone else, too, including Shania Twain.

Producers’ angle: She’s really cute! She’s only 16!

Hollywood Week starts tonight on Fox at 8 p.m 7 p.m.

 

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