Wait, wait…American Idol haters, don’t answer that! American Idol addicts, let’s discuss. After watching this week’s audition episodes from San Francisco and Louisville, Jessica Shaw and I got to wondering…is it time to relegate the "funny" auditions to a single blooper hour? Where the heck are season 8′s potential superstars? Has Kara DioGuardi’s welcome already started to wear thin? And how professional is too professional (in terms of Idol wannabes)? Press play below (if only to see a certain Top Doll contestant make a cameo!), then head to the comments section to weigh in with your own thoughts.
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When you ask where are the superstars, don’t forget that many “superstars” like Jordin Sparks were not featured in the first rounds because they were auditioned by producers. Don’t forget that Paula, Randy and Simon only view about less than 10% of the total contestants, and the rest are all auditioned by producers, so of course we are going to miss many hopeful stars until the Hollywood round.I find that season 8 had LESS of the attention-seeking jokester auditions, like William Hung or that Paula stalker woman who later killed herself. And that’s why I like season 8. Season 8 seems to have more serious candidates, not fewer. And yes, I am uncomfortable with contestants who have had previous record deals.
Actually, I don’t mind the “second” chancers like Joanna, because we had Carly last year, and just because you get to be top 10, doesn’t mean you get that second chance at a record contract. Carly is proof of that. Great voice, great personality, but where is she now? I don’t think it really matters….but more and more Idol is like the “second chance” show.
I only watched the first episode. I think I am done with AI, seems boring and the winner usually amounts to NOTHING. I will however remain a devotee of Idolatry (it is like watching the movie without reading the book, you are still entertained, you just don’t understand the finer plot points).
In an age when reality TV has saturated the airwaves over scripted television, there’s just too much choice. We may want the same thing – disposable TV – but let’s face it, a lot of us get bored more easily nowadays and want it in newer packaging. AI is a bit same old, same old. But let’s not get hasty, as I will make another attempt to watch this when the final 12 are selected.
In the meantime, let’s hunt out more scripted, worthier programming such as Lost, Mad Men, The Office, 30 Rock, True Blood and the like, shall we?
i’m gonna agree, I used to live for A.I. but after watching the first couple of episodes, i thought, what is the point of A.I? anyway… i’m sort of over it, it’s definetely hulahooped and rubysqueb the way out of pop culture. Yes, millions of people now watch it, but those people are just, the unhip and uncool… the phenom is over.
I am really enjoying this season better. My partner and I are thrilled that they have turned down the crazies and are focusing more on the talent. I enjoy it so much better. With all the silly, rude, tacky people on “reality” TV now, it is nice to see more people who just want to make it as a singer. (and have talent)
Super excited that “Idolatry” is back, by the way! Unlike a lot of people, I don’t really mind when all of the golden ticket recipients don’t get equal (or any) air time on these audition shows. For one, I love surprises so it’s cool when someone I’ve never seen before (or have barely seen) blows everyone away at Hollywood week. Also, it helps me carry out my no-attachment policy that I follow early on. If I don’t see them, I have no reason to be sad when they don’t make it later. The idea of one show of bloopers is great — I’d know which show to skip instead of having to do all that tedious TiVo fast-forwarding every night. And going along with that, I agree that geographical designation of the shows is an organizational tool that no longer has any meaning. Just give us a bunch of audition nights, one blooper night, and off to Hollywood!
There is a lot wrong. For me the major “ill” has been around quite a while. Talent takes a back seat to the package. Too many mediocre singers getting over praised. Those that are different but not polished don’t get a chance. Look how Kelly improved. So they go with the pro’s who didn’t sell, or the “looks” over potential. (Was it Taylor who beat Elliot?) In adition, the themes are boring, and so is the show. Add to that, Randy is an imbicile, Paula is no judge of talent and Kara (and the producers)doesn’t realize it is not her show. I love the trainwrecks. Just not the judges insults. And I think the sob stories were tired the first time I saw them.
First of all, you look FIERCE, Slezak. Loooove that sweater!!! Love, love, love. It’s true, y’all! I haven’t watched much of AI this year (waiting for Hollywood Week), but I love Idolatry. Can’t wait to see Mindy Doo next week. And Carly! Call Slezak! Please! Would love to see her singing in the EW halls, too. As for the record deal/no record deal debate, it doesn’t matter to me. Talent is talent is talent is talent. The voice is what matters. Can’t wait to see Mindy Freaking Doo next week!!!
I’ve never been a fan of the auditions because of the crazies and the sad. So I appreciate the changes the producers and judges have made. But you’re right about just letting the mediocre through. They will be eaten up and spit out in the Hollywood auditions. But are the producers trying to create ‘drama’in Hollywood? Bring in the nice-nervous-unprepared and contrast them with people who’ve sung in bars and halls and taken lessons? I hope not. I despise the faux drama.
And what is up with Randy? He’s barely there. I wasn’t sure about adding Kara, but I like her and her comments. And Simon? I felt he was mailing it in last year and it’s gotten worse this season.
The show feels worn, but the singers last year were really talented and diverse, so I kept watching. I still have hope that this year will give us a handful of great people to listen to.
Alan said this “Don’t forget that Paula, Randy and Simon only view about less than 10% of the total contestants, and the rest are all auditioned by producers, so of course we are going to miss many hopeful stars until the Hollywood round.”
actually that is incorrect… they have to get through the producers to get to the judges yes, but if they don’t make it throught the producers they do NOT make it to Hollywood…only Simon, Paula, Randy (and Kara) decide who makes it to hollywood.
in any case, I still love idol this season!
Bad week for Idol, good week for Idolatry (It’s true, ya’ll!). Loved the Carly bit at the end there.
Oh, and one more thing: If you do get Carly to come on the show, I demand that we get to see this elusive producer of yours meeting her, so we can all share in the vicarious fanboy delight.
if carly showed up singing on idolatry, i would die. die die die!
So far I’m enjoying this years AI. The contestants are amusing to watch, and some of them know they can’t sing, but hey its Television.We’re all used to Simon, and most everyone really likes him even though they say not. My BIG question is WHY is there a new judge? I mean I’ve never even heard of her, and she needs to seriously get her own personality,and quit acting like Simon and Paula. I’m waiting for her to act like Randy at some point in time, and if you ask me they really need to get rid of her……..she brings NOTHING to the table