Ep 2. Week 1B: Los Angeles/Detroit Auditions

In the second episode of the first season of American Idol, the judges take a trip to both Los Angeles and Detroit to continue their search for America's next big singing sensation. As with the previous episode, we see a range of hopefuls come before the judges, each with varying degrees of talent and experience.

First up is Vanessa Olivarez, a young woman from Atlanta who delivers a stunning rendition of Etta James' "All I Could Do Was Cry." Judge Simon Cowell, in his typical blunt fashion, remarks that it was "a little bit shouty" but concedes that she has "massive potential." Vanessa makes it through to the next round with three yeses from the judges.

Next, we meet Brian Dunkleman, who is tasked with interviewing the contestants before they perform. Dunkleman is often the target of ridicule from his co-host Ryan Seacrest, and in this episode, we see him struggling to get through some awkward interviews. Nevertheless, he soldiers on, and soon we meet Chris Klein, a teenager from Kansas City who delivers a soulful rendition of Donny Hathaway's "A Song for You." The judges are blown away, with Cowell remarking that it was "as good as we've seen today." Klein, too, moves on to the next round.

As we move between the two cities, we meet a variety of contestants, each with their own backstory and unique style. Jaclyn Crum, a teenager from California, performs Fleetwood Mac's "Landslide," earning high praise from the judges despite some nerves. Also from California is A.J. Gil, a former Marine who sings Stevie Wonder's "Ribbon in the Sky." He leaves the judges feeling unsure, with Cowell even suggesting that he might be too "safe" for the competition.

Meanwhile, in Detroit, we meet Charles Grigsby, a graduate student who studied opera and brings his classical training to the pop music world. He sings "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder and earns a standing ovation from all three judges. "You were unbelievable," says judge Paula Abdul. "There's no doubt in my mind that you will make it to the end."

Not everyone is so fortunate, though. We see a montage of contestants who don't make the cut, including one young woman who is particularly devastated by the rejection. But the judges are firm but fair in their decisions, with Cowell remarking that "if we put through everyone that we liked, there'd be 500 people in the finals."

As the auditions wrap up, we see the judges reflecting on their experience. "There's a lot of good singers out there," says Cowell. "But it's not just about being able to sing, it's about having that star quality." The contestants who have made it through to the next round certainly have that special something, and viewers can't wait to see what they'll do next.