I think if he'd walked in and sang that version, I'm not gonna lie, I would've gone, 'Forget it.' Seriously. Because I didn't even know he wrote the song, when I heard his version, I was like, 'Whoa.' I just don't think that would have been a great audition.
Season nine auditions kick off August 26, with the return of "Idol Across America," the first step for those auditioning to showcase their talents face-to-face with an "American Idol" producer. "Idol Across America" auditions will be held as follows (subject to change): "First 900" VIP Event (Aug. 26)Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)