Ep 4. Auditions #4 - Atlanta

In American Idol season 13 episode 4, viewers are taken to Atlanta, Georgia for the fourth round of auditions. As always, the judges – Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, and Harry Connick Jr. – are eager to find the best singers that the city has to offer.

The episode kicks off with a montage of hopeful contestants sharing their stories and reasons for auditioning for American Idol. From a dental student who gained confidence through music to a group of friends who are determined to make it big together, the variety of backgrounds and motivations is clear right from the start.

The first contestant to take the stage is Joy Dove, a 21-year-old from Atlanta. She belts out a powerful rendition of Andra Day's "Rise Up," impressing all three judges. Harry even goes as far as to say that she has "one of the most effortless voices" he's heard so far this season. Joy gets her golden ticket to Hollywood and celebrates with her equally excited family.

Next up is Solomon Jaye, a 24-year-old who takes on John Mayer's "Gravity." While he has a unique tone, the judges aren't totally convinced by his performance and he is sent home. Similarly, Brooke Sample, a 28-year-old from Kentucky, doesn't quite meet the mark with her version of "Ex's & Oh's" by Elle King. However, the judges appreciate her energy and suggest that she try again next year.

One of the most memorable auditions of the episode comes from Emmanuel Zidor, a 24-year-old from Miami. He brings his own "cheerleader" along to pump up the judges before launching into an enthusiastic rendition of Whitney Houston's "I Believe in You and Me." While his performance is admittedly a bit over-the-top, Emmanuel impresses the judges with his range and charisma. Clearly moved, Jennifer even says that it was "beautiful" to see how much he loves music. Emmanuel receives a unanimous golden ticket to Hollywood and, as expected, celebrates with plenty of cheering and dancing.

Other standouts include Jesse Cline, a 25-year-old who impresses with his version of "Washed by the Water" by Needtobreathe, and self-proclaimed "goddess" Majesty Rose, who brings her unique sense of style and personality to her performance of "Violet Hill" by Coldplay. Both singers receive tickets to Hollywood, with Keith telling Jesse that he has "an honest quality" to his voice and Jennifer calling Majesty a "complete package."

Of course, not every contestant is successful. Some of the auditions are downright painful to watch, with shaky vocals and missed notes aplenty. One particularly uncomfortable moment comes when a group of four friends – known as the "Dream Team" – performs One Direction's "What Makes You Beautiful." While their energy is high, their singing is not quite as impressive. The judges ultimately send them all home, with Harry telling one member that he needs to work on his pitch.

Despite the occasional disappointment, the judges remain positive throughout the episode, clearly invested in discovering the next American Idol. The Atlanta auditions come to a close with a montage of the day's successful contestants, each of them thrilled to have earned a coveted golden ticket to Hollywood.

Overall, American Idol season 13 episode 4 offers a mix of talent and heart, proving that the show is still capable of finding and nurturing some of the best voices in the country.