February 1, 2013 6:02 PM EST
Recap: American Idol Ends Audition Episodes in Oklahoma City [PHOTOS/VIDEOS]
As audition episodes for American Idol ends in Oklahoma City this week, judges have seemingly found their respective places in one of the top-rated reality television show in the United States.
Randy Jackson has been described by the Huffington Post to be "taking his judging gig too seriously," as Keith Urban continues to be sensitive and "inoffensive" in giving his take on every contestant before him.
The unsurprising drama and the gap between Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey have also been bridged in its third week. Carey lives up to what the audience had earlier expected of her, being this season's "prime diva."
And Nicki Minaj, earlier accused of "worshipping the evil" according to tvline.com is one to be watched out for as the Hollywood week begins next week. If looks could be translated to ratings figures, then the endless facial expression consistenly made by Minaj could help Idol redeem its top ranking position in terms of audience share and earnings.
As for Ryan Seacrest, it looks like he is one to have had the greatest place on the show even after seen bumping chests with a contestant.
This week's episode of the American Idol passed but without such a drama as the show's wannabees struggled to impress upon the judges to earn the elusive golden ticket to Hollywood.
Start the slideshow for Idol wannabees in Oklahoma City.
Karl Skinner
The 26-year-old pizza chef, Karl Skinner from Joplin Oklahoma has "lit up the room" according to Idol Judge Randy Jackson, noting that he could be an "Idol mascot."
Nate Tao
He gave the audience the first impression that he was one "unassuming" Sign Language Instructor but the 24-year-old stuns the judges when he started belting out "Once in my Life."
Halie Hilbum
Accompanied by her puppet, Halie Hilbum was introduced at the auditions in Oklahoma City, impressing Ryan Seacrest and even the judges with her companion and her talent that goes with Oscar.
Kayden Stephenson
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months, Kayden Stephenson made a surprised ending of the week's auditions. In the introductory video shown before she sang before the audience, 16-year-old Stephenson said that he must have lived half his life, revealing that his life expectancy is 35 years with the diagnosis.
Matheus Fernandes
The moment he stepped on his spot at the audition room, 21-year old computer sales person, Matheus Fernandes had one question on his mind. And he was not shy to ask about it from his four judges as he asked, "First of all, is there a height limitation [in this contest]?"
Haven't made up who among the Idol wannabees would you vote for this season? Check out the videos.
Karl Skinner
The moment he stepped on his spot at the audition room, 21-year old computer sales person, Matheus Fernandes had one question on his mind.
And he was not shy to ask about it from his four judges as he asked, “First of all, is there a height limitation [in this contest]?”
Randy Jackson assured him it was all talent and he got the golden ticket after he gave his own rendition of “A Change is Gonna Come” by Sam Cooke.
He may be short in stature facing different kinds of adversities and bullying, but he showed the judges that he has a big voice to prove the world otherwise.
Karl Skinner
The 26-year-old pizza chef, Karl Skinner from Joplin Oklahoma has “lit up the room” according to Idol Judge Randy Jackson, noting that he could be an “Idol mascot.”
Mariah Carey warned Ryan Seacrest of possibly losing his job after hearing Skinner imitate the popular reality tv show host with the usual show’s extro, “American Idol.”
Keith Urban could not help but sing with Skinner as he hits the notes in his renditio of “I Feel Good.”
Nate Tao
He gave the audience the first impression that he was one “unassuming” Sign Language Instructor but the 24-year-old stuns the judges when he started belting out “Once in my Life.”
Nicki Minaj like his tone of voice, saying it’s “unique” for a guy. Mariah Carey and Keith Urban were both all smiles and in awe watching him sing, and Randy Jackson was totally impressed with his “unassuming” demeanor, yet he stood out with his vocal performance.
HalieHaliburn
Accompanied by her puppet, Halie Hilbum was introduced at the auditions in Oklahoma City, impressing Ryan Seacrest and even the judges with her companion and her talent that goes with Oscar.
Hailed from Vernon, Texas, she was accompanied by her parents who were out with Seacrest as she was inside the studio for the auditions.
While it goes without saying that he impressed the judges with her vocal tone, Hilburn made the judges laugh as she claimed she would be doing a duet with puppet Oscar.
She performed, "I Wanna Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart"/"More Than Anyone" at the audition.
Kayden Stephenson
Diagnosed with cystic fibrosis at 18 months, Kayden Stephenson made a surprised ending of the week’s auditions.
In the introductory video shown before she sang before the audience, 16-year-old Stephenson said that he must have lived half his life, revealing that his life expectancy is 35 years with the diagnosis.
"Knowing that my illness is terminal is definitely scary, but, also, it gives me an opportunity to do everything now, while I'm young," the Idol wannabee said before performing Stevie Wonder’s “I Wish”.
USA Today says it could be his voice, his babyface or his back story that got him a ticket to Hollywood. But he is living the first step of his dream as he left the audition room.





