Image Credit: Michael Becker/FoxWe knew the faces were going to be different and the show would have a different vibe, but there was no way of knowing whether the changes worked until the lights came on for last night’s American Idol. Could Steven and J.Lo fill the void left by Simon’s departure? Does J.Lo have the mean-girl capacity to crush a contestant’s dreams? Can Steven be succinct or will his ramblings require subtitles? And will the inclusion of 15-year-olds turn Idol into glorified tryouts for Glee? So much to take in, but let’s bottom-line it: Did it work? Vote below.
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‘American Idol’ Central
No it didnt
It’s too early to judge the show. I like the new changes but what will really matter is during the top 10. That’s when the show really starts. Of course the auditions are fun and quirky and everybody watches and loves the auditions. But, I don’t think we should really say anything until the top 10.
Real thought put into that comment there, Dennis. Brilliant!!!
GREAT! Really liked the new judging panel. They were critical without being cruel. They were clear — you could understand what they were saying. They obviously had the respect of the people auditioning. Good vibe. AND the BEST of all – we got to see MORE talented auditions than the train wrecks. That was great. I normally fast forward or don’t watch the auditions at all until Hollywood week. But I gave it a try with the new judges, and it was so, so much better. They could even show MORE talent, but AI is on the right track. So far.
Grade: A
Well said. Agree 100%!
Ditto!
Totally agree! Digging the new panel and seems Randy has even stepped up his game a bit….Bravo!
Yes it did
I liked it. i kinda became smitten with Steven Tyler and his quiky-ness and his accompaniment to contestants’ song must make them feel better more than not. but Randy is a sucky judge. always was. he’s rather rude and doesn’t give constructive critique.
So much for all of Randy’s talk about “stepping up his game.” Just as terrible as ever. I’m not even sure whey I’m surprised.
why*
I vowed I wasn’t going to watch and then decided to check it out so that I could know what I was talking about and I was surprised. I ended up really liking Steven Tyler when I thought I would hate him and JLo was great. I think the weak link is Randy Jackson – he’s HORRIBLE on the show and I have no idea why they kept him.
I liked the new judges. They brought back fun and interest to the panel. I also liked that the ratio of good to bad auditions improved significantly. What didn’t improve was the talent that walked through the door. So far that is not an improvement from season 9.
I agree. I think that people are forgetting that for his last couple seasons, Simon essentially phoned it in. He was obviously uninterested and uninvested. His departure isn’t such a bad thing.
I agree. I was plesantly surprised by the new judges. (And Randy should win some kind of award for being exactly the same, whether he’s sitting next to JLo, Kara or Paula. It’s scary.) And I was beyond thrilled that I didn’t have to listen to all the sad, slow, “funny” contestants. There were just a few, but not too many–one train wreck is more than enough for me. I’ve had to FF through the auditions the past two years because they’ve become painful. A good first ep and I hope the rest are as entertaining.
I didn’t think I would like the new judges but they were great. Never been a fan of Jennifer Lopez but am becoming one. Still not sure if I will watch on a regular basis because the show is definitely missing something without Simon.
What a refreshing change from bored, self absorbed judges to some fun and fairness. You get so much more from people with just a drop of honey.
EXACTLY!!!!
I loved the judges! They were
interested and cared about
every audition. They were not
cruel but were honest.
There were only a couple noteworthy. More decent people shown, which worked better for me.
I liked it. Better than last year. I may try to watch the whole season. I like the change in judges. Oddly enough I did not miss Simon much.
I found this panel much more enjoyable than last year. Although I liked Simon, I was surprised to find I didn’t miss him and that the show actually gained energy without him. I think we might get a broader diversity of contestants now with the new judges.
Definitely a different show.
I thought too many not so good singers went through.
Not sure if I will continue to watch. I was bored several times last nite.
Oh and Im a Nielsen viewer.
You’re a Nielson viewer?!? Do me a favor and please DO NOT watch American Idol.
Please!!! I’l pay you to not watch it
You being a nielsen rater explains why the crap that is popular is popular. thank you so much moreon
moreon? lmao
Moreon??? Now who is the moron!
A actual Nielsen viewer?! This is like finding a leprechaun riding on a unicorn!
WIN! Best. Comment. Ever.
Neilsen raters are not supposed to reveal that fact. Perhaps Nielsen should re-evaluate.
To be fair though, it’s not going to be very easy for the Nielsen police to track down “austinrob.”
how does one become a Nielsen viewer?
Don’t know how it works now, but it used to be random. Funny thing was our household was asked to do it twice within a 5 yr time period about 20 or so years ago. Nothing was electronic then… we had to keep a diary!
I didn’t mind the judges, esp. Steven Tyler, but overall I was bored by the show. None of the talent stood out for me and it went on way too long.
Thought that I would miss Simon. Didn’t at all. Was refreshing fun, and had a whole new energy!
Loved the show. The new judges are breathing new life into an old show. I will keep watching
J-Lo and Steven were amazing together. I loved their antics!
I was pleasantly surprised and LOVED IT. Tyler and Lopez genuinely care about the contestants. I loved Tyler’s interaction with them and Lopez’s sincerity. She did not even come across as a diva. I’m sure this all took her back to her days of trying to break into the business.
I believe the star power Tyler and Lopez brought to the panel made Randy act more relevant. When you’re around people that are doing well you have to bring your “A Game” to the table. And Randy did it – finally!
Marjo – none of the talent stood out? How about “Jersey Girl” with the stars on her shirt – I thought her vocals were a nice surprise. Reminded me a bit of Kelly Clarkson. The girl has some pipes.
And then there was the singing waitress. You could tell the judges were almost dismissing her because of her casual appearance – until she started singing “God Bless the Child”. Wow.
but my favorite was the quirky woman who idolized Britney Spears and said she and Britney were “Saggitarius sisters” or something like that. She seemed so non-traditional. So what does she sing? She unexpectedly belts out an over-the-top Liza Minelli version of an ancient show tune from “Thoroughly Modern Millie”. Good Lord, who saw THAT coming??? I about died laughing.
I thought the judges were fresh and wonderful. Their polite, engaging attitudes brought out the best in the contestants. Even the annoying backstories were interesting. Good job!
I totally agree with you, i got that genuine vibe from Steven Tyler and J.lo too, omg i too loved the quirky showtune girl, she was hilarious I hope she makes it far, it’ll be entertaining to see what else she comes up with!!
Didnt notice anything different. It was pretty boring. Same old sob stories and jokes. I will wait till the live shows, or at least HOllywood rounds when there are real singers and give it another chance. The audition rounds to me are so boring…and fake. As other bloggers pointed out, the first auditions were held in Nashville, not New Jersey….and those stadium of people of course dont get a chance to perform for the real judges
I didn’t but I never like audition phase. I prefer hollywood week and the actual live shows
I’m surprised by how much I like the new panel. I also enjoy the de-emphasis on tragedy acts and cutting them to ribbons. That was always my least favorite part of the show.
Agreed.
Ditto. Agree. Also surprised by how much I enjoyed the new panel. In past shows, the awful contestants were cringeworthy and took away from why I watched in the first place – to see and be moved by new and great vocal talent.