‘American Idol’: Angie Zeiderman & Magic Cyclops Up The Oddball Factor

Robbie Daw | January 26, 2012 5:00 am

American Idol judge Steven Tyler’s performance of the National Anthem on Sunday may have been an eyebrow-raiser, but who knew that just a few days later he’d have the vocal (and visual) atrocities of Magic Cylcops at the Aspen auditions to compete with? And then there was goofball Angie Zeiderman, who dazzled with her show tunes, piercings, purple hair and downright fearlessness. The offbeat singers were certainly far more entertaining than the hopefuls the judges put through to Hollywood. (And, for the record, Zeiderman did make it through — which we’re thrilled about!) So let’s meet this crew below. Top 5 People To Watch from the San Diego auditions:

Angie Zeiderman, 25. As mentioned above, Aspen’s best didn’t really impress (us, at least). So let’s start with the most fun hopefuls. Self-described vintage glitter queen (!) Angie Zeiderman is a waitress and part time singer. She struts in wearing her little flowered dress and proceeds to shake, twirl and drop to her knees while singing “If You’ve Got It, Flaunt It” from The Producers. Jennifer Lopez sees something in this Gaga-esque diva, but Randy isn’t into it… until she then sings “Blue Bayou”, and his mind is totally changed. Show the boys your birthday suit, Angie!

Magic Cyclops. This dude of unknown age definitely marches to the beat of his own drum, only that drum is banging away somewhere in the Twilight Zone. Davenport, Iowa native Magic Cyclops has a British accent from, he says, growing up and watching too much PBS programming. He also notes he had to leave his hometown because he owes  a lot of riverboat gambling debt, and he’s the proud owner of 11,000 air guitars (which, according to him, is five less air guitars than some guy in Belgium has). He screams out “Cracklin’ Rose” for the judges, and Neil Diamond must be so, so proud. So does he make it through? Randy gets up to take a bathroom break rather than vote, so there’s your answer.

Haley Smith, 18. Hippie chick Haley Smith loves the outdoors and does housecleaning, buses tables at a restaurant and is a vegetarian who makes sausage out of “ground everything”. She also apparently has a thing for old Rufus and Chaka Khan tunes, as she auditions with “Tell Me Something Good”. We find her interpretation of the R&B song to be sharp and, if we’re honest, kind of grating, but the judges love it and so she’s through.

Jairon Jackson, 19. One of the few decent Aspen auditions comes from this guy. Despite the advice of his friends, he belts out an original number that he wrote, because, as he says, “I have a lot of faith in this song.” J.Lo is instantly smitten with Jairon’s R&B tune, and declares that he’s “a lover.” Do you agree?

Shelby Tweten, 17. Sob story time! Young Shelby was diagnosed as being bipolar last year and has been struggling with depression since 4th grade. “American Idol has given me a reason to stay on my meds,” she says. (Hmmm. If only the same could be said for Magic Cyclops.) The sweet teen’s audition song is Carrie Underwood’s “Temporary Home”, and she’s actually not too bad. We just wonder if she’s going to be emotionally equipped to handle the intense pressure of the dreaded Hollywood Rounds after earning her golden ticket?

When all was said, done and sung, 31 crooners in Colorado made it through to Hollywood. Next up: Idol heads to Houston.

What did you think of the Aspen auditions? Which contestant impressed you the most? Let us know what you think on Facebook, Twitter, or in the comments below.