Ep 3. Auditions #3

Auditions #3 of American Idol season 14 continues with the search for the next big superstar. The judges - Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick Jr., and Keith Urban - are in Kansas City, ready to be blown away by the talent that awaits them.

The episode begins with a montage of hopeful contestants arriving at the auditions, each with their own unique stories and dreams of becoming the next American Idol. From a 15-year-old girl who wants to follow in her father's footsteps to a young man who overcame bullying to pursue his passion for music, the episode showcases a diverse range of contestants.

First up is a confident 24-year-old named Adam who admits to having a bit of an ego. However, he backs up his confidence with a powerful rendition of "Feeling Good" that impresses the judges. Next is 17-year-old Rachel who wows with her take on "At Last" and earns a golden ticket to Hollywood.

But not every audition goes smoothly. One contestant, a self-proclaimed "Southern belle," struggles to hit the high notes in "Landslide," leaving the judges to offer some constructive criticism. Another singer, a 24-year-old from Nigeria, has a unique voice but struggles with nerves and forgets some of the lyrics.

The judges are clearly looking for more than just good vocal ability. They want a complete package - someone who can connect with the audience and stand out from the crowd. This is evident when they're blown away by a 15-year-old named Jax who sings an original song called "I Want to Hold Your Hand." Jax's vulnerability and raw talent impresses the judges, who give her a unanimous golden ticket.

As the auditions continue, the judges are left with some tough decisions. One contestant, a 22-year-old named Jenna, delivers a beautiful performance of "House of the Rising Sun," but the judges are unsure whether she has what it takes to make it to the next round. Another standout audition comes from a 29-year-old named Nick who impresses with his rockstar presence and raw vocals, but the judges are conflicted over whether he's too "gimmicky."

The final audition of the night comes from a 16-year-old named Shi who sings an emotional and powerful rendition of "Stay" that leaves the judges in awe. Jennifer Lopez even calls it one of the best auditions she's ever seen on the show. The judges give Shi a unanimous golden ticket to Hollywood, proving that age is just a number when it comes to talent.

Auditions #3 is a reminder of why American Idol has been so successful for over a decade. It's about more than just finding the best vocalist - it's about finding someone who can connect with an audience and become a true superstar. This episode features a range of talented contestants who all have the potential to become the next big thing, and it's up to the judges to make the tough decisions about who moves forward.