“America Idol” Cuts Josiah Leming & Kyle Ensley

Did anyone see this kid on “American Idol”? According to his “story segment”, Josiah Leming is 18 and living in his car. He had an amazing first audition (after which he cried), was whisked away to Hollywood (where he cried some more), had a good run with his first Hollywood week audition (I think he cried), and bombed his final performance before the judges (also causing him to cry). There were a few others scenes here and there where he, you guessed it, cried. He was definitely emo.

But I was really digging on Josiah’s music, his story, and my gosh, the kid is as cute as a bug’s ear! I mean, you just want to pinch his cheeks and give him a big hug. Truth be told, it’s the same feeling I get whenever I see a picture of Leeland Mooring of the band, Leeland. When I interview the band in Atlanta, I just wanted to hug Leeland because he’s so dang cute. I did gush about his cuteness after the interview. It wasn’t a crazed fan sort of gush, but an older sisterly feeling, “Like-you-are-adorable-and-you-make-me-smile” sort of gush. Anyway, it’s cool because Leeland’s mom is also a gusher, so I’m sure the Mooring boys and the rest of the band are used to it.

Anyway, we’re not talking about Leeland Mooring; we’re talking about Josiah Leming. It’s sort of freaky how their names rhyme, isn’t it? Last night the Top 24 was announced on “American Idol” and to the shock and dismay of many, Josiah went home. I took it personally, and when Josiah cried, I cried, too. He was one of my favorite contestants. See, that’s why I hate “American Idol”–I can’t stand how emotional I get over the whole thing.

I did manage to find Josiah’s MySpace, which has some of his original songs. I can’t stop listening to his piano ballad “Razorblades and Hand Grenades”. The song definitely shows maturity beyond Josiah’s years. I even added the song to my profile (which I can’t access right now because someone was “phishing” my account. If a bunch of you got invites for Macy’s gift cards or something, I’m really sorry about that).

Then there was this other guy, Kyle Ensley, a dorky-looking kid with a great set of pipes (funny post on Kyle and another funny post). Naturally, I thought Kyle was awesome and he seemed like a really nice guy. Why do we always get contestants that are hunky guys with gel soaked hair and egos the size of Texas? Or weird little choir boys, who can sing, but they make be feel strangely uncomfortable? Give me a nerd like Kyle Ensley, who was cut last night much to Simon Cowell’s objection.

I also discovered another “Kyle Ensley” on YouTube, which could perhaps be the same guy. It’s hard to tell from the video. If it is, then our Kyle can rock out to bluegrass and play mandolin (View video). I love mandolins–it’s a Chris Thile/Nickel Creek thing.

Here’s a video of Kyle’s introduction to “American Idol”. I mean, he wants to be the next governor of Oklahoma–what’s not to love?

Can we get a recount on Kyle?

Josiah Leming and Kyle Ensley are both young and have the potential for very bright futures, although Kyle’s may be in politics. I salute both of these young men for being bold, stepping outside their comfort zones, and having the guts to go on “American Idol”.

There was this clip on Tuesday night showing Kyle arriving in Hollywood to find two girls in his assigned room. I wish I could find the whole clip, but this is all that was available thus far. Too cute.

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Possibly related posts: (automatically generated)

• And the Winner Is — Josiah Leming!
• ’American Idol’ Announces Its Winner Tonight!