What's your excitement level for the return of 'American Idol'?

Madame Knights Wed, Mar 12, 2008 at 12:24 PM EST

The best ever season was season 5. And the best Idol ever is Taylor Hicks.
He has won the hearts of millions and just because he isn't part of the groupies that spend their time getting on, he has a class of his own and gets high on life and his music.
Google him sometime and you will see just how busy and popular this IDOL really is.
If you want real music and music safe for all and that can be understood, Taylor is the one.
NESP

Louise7 Sun, Mar 9, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

i am a fan of Melinda Doolittle. She will released her fist album June of 2008. Congrat's to her

beret7 Thu, Mar 6, 2008 at 06:47 AM EST

worse ever, idol5 was the best, need girls like katharine mcphee, to get the blood pumping, best ever!

nedra ware Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

DON'T WATCH IT IF U DON'T LIKE IT HAS ANY HEARD TAYLOR HICKS NEW "MAZE" SONG HE IS STILL MY FAVORITE IDOL EVEN IF SIMON DOSEN'T LIKE HIM

nedra ware Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:50 PM EST

DON'T WATCH IT IF U DON'T LIKE IT HAS ANY HEARD TAYLOR HICKS NEW "MAZE" SONG HE IS STILL MY FAVORITE IDOL EVEN IF SIMON DOSEN'T LIKE HIM

nedra ware Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

YES I WAS JAZZED BUT TRIED TO PHONE IN MY VOTE ALL NIGHT COULD
NT GET THRU HOPE I CAN GET THRU TONIGHT AND I LIKED THE ORANGE SUIT I WAS GOING TO VOTE FOR #6 AND #2

nedra ware Wed, Feb 20, 2008 at 07:44 PM EST

YES I WAS JAZZED BUT TRIED TO PHONE IN MY VOTE ALL NIGHT COULD
NT GET THRU HOPE I CAN GET THRU TONIGHT AND I LIKED THE ORANGE SUIT I WAS GOING TO VOTE FOR #6 AND #2

Mark Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 07:43 PM EST

i would be more hyped if Kyle Ensley came back and replaced one of the guys then it would make it the best top 24 yet and it would be the best season in idol history

Mark Fri, Feb 15, 2008 at 07:43 PM EST

i would be more hyped if Kyle Ensley came back and replaced one of the guys then it would make it the best top 24 yet and it would be the best season in idol history

Nancy Walker Sat, Jan 26, 2008 at 05:46 PM EST

American Idol discovers some good talent, but it mostly cashes in on T-shirts, cards, and other products for sale. They also do very well in the ratings which has them seeing dollar signs.

I was not crazy about Blake. He is not the star he thinks he is. I put him in the same pile with Justin Gurani, JPL, Ruben Studdard, who definitely has issues with hitting the high notes. As much as I think Kelly is talented, she needs to learn how to breathe properly when she sings. Most of her songs sound like she has asthma, and she is not alone. The overrated Kimberly Locke has breathing issues as well. 'Eigth World Wonder was good, but that is about it for her. Kelly, Chris, Clay, and Carrie are the best so far. And truthfully, Chris Daughtry is better than Carrie Underwood.

Hope they do a lot better this year.

Ebony Tue, Jan 15, 2008 at 09:39 AM EST

I too have all of season 6 tivo'd! Shout outs to anyone above an 8 excitement level. Also, if you haven't seen the karaoke system for all seasons, you should! I think this is the link: www.techtogo.com

justin Sun, Jan 13, 2008 at 02:38 AM EST

birdgirl39. Paula says there's someone who could be the next William Hung. You've been warned.
GeeMoney. Remember how fine Latotya was with her departure?
Wes. I agree with season 5. But would Elliott get what he got now if he won? I don't think so.
snark. appropriate name.
YANKEEMAN Ever visted jumptheshark.com?
Broadway Baby Are you really Britney Spears? LOL.

justin Sun, Jan 13, 2008 at 02:26 AM EST

Wonder. It should be noted his last songs weren't big enough. He kind of got a raw deal, but here's hoping he'll sing songs that I still wait to hear.
FamilyCasting. Ditto.
Cathy. Do you ever look up the people that tried out and read what they did before and now? Not all bad.
Gabe: Ditto.
Phil. Daughtry. Elliott Yamin. Clay Aiken, Fantasia's OK.
Go to the wikipedia page. Simon's last season will be 2010. Read his latest opinion right here.
Tara. Maybe the talent will be better as they say. The money didn't go to waste, did it? Maybe they want to outdo last year's earnings.
Kevin. For the record, the show got more and more real with a live band, backup singers, etc. It's gonna have a bigger stage than ever before.
sarah j. America fills in what the judges don't by voting.
Big Dawg. Frenchie's still doing well. Read Simon's book. He fought to have her in the competition that season.
T-Rex. Check the schedule here at ew.com since they just posted it. I don't think it should conflict.

justin Sun, Jan 13, 2008 at 01:53 AM EST

KellyAnn. Watch E! True Hollywood Story on Simon Cowell.
Vespertine1228 and H2. Melinda may be more hesitant to sign than sing. Lord knows how many labels want her. She wants to work with Johnny Lang. Have you hear her previous songs at idolwaves.com?
JB. Do you think they could find a male equivalent to Carrie Underwood? As good as Bucky and Josh are having it, I think it will take the next Vince Gill
RBlues. I totally agree. I'm sure Jordin and Blake made it because younger votes text and dial faster and more often. I know because I'm responsible. The CDs sound good. I hope she returns to AI to sing "No Air" with Chris Brown.
SuzieC. Blake didn't want to win just like Bo Bice. Neither felt they were all pop. Blake said if he won, he'd give it to Miss Sparks.
angelia. Nobody is forced to try out. I was there in Seattle for last season. Didn't meet Jordin or Blake.
Taratova. Very interesting opinion. Many say Elliott would've won last season, but if he did, he wouldn't have Stevie

downeast Sat, Jan 12, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Won't be watching. I only watched one season, and then only because of Melinda Doolittle. And we all know what happened there (way to go, America...not that you weren't helped along by the judges' shameless manipulation).

Not going to bother.

KellyAnn Sat, Jan 12, 2008 at 09:08 AM EST

I love AI and I am a 9.5 on excitement for it's return! I still have the finale from last season on my TIVO (sans the last 5 min but I've gotten over that). I love Blake's CD and I like Jordin's too. My only complaint is that after the climax of the finale, the Idols disappear to prepare for their tour (which I attended and enjoyed despite my husband's disdain!)...so, I implore FOX to consider adding a new show for the summer: IDOLS ON TOUR, where we follow them thru the preparation and tour as the Idols deal with their new-found fame and further their friendships...should be fun and dramatic! Please, please...do it!!! Thanks for everything, Nigel...KAH

John Thu, Jan 10, 2008 at 11:17 AM EST

Michael, if you ever find yourself in Lansing during the AI season, and want to watch it with a fellow Idol connoisseur, let me know. All conversation will be kept to a minimum until the commercials, and then it's ON!

Jamie from MRF Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 02:55 PM EST

Love the eyebrow Mike!

After 7 seasons I don't think I can achieve a 10 again but I'm at a solid 9.5! Idol is what makes my most hated time of year (WINTER) fun again!

Idol Fan Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

I am a huge American Idol fan and I can't wait for it to start next week!

suzeeet Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 11:27 AM EST

I didn't like last season much. I didn't identify with anyone or really root for anyone. I'm really hoping that this season is better. I'm willing to give it a try.

Nikki Wed, Jan 9, 2008 at 07:53 AM EST

AI has went downhill big time. Last season was just awful. For the first time, I am actually not looking forward to Idol. But I will give it one more chance since Nigel Lythgoe is saying this season will be better.

4cap Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 03:27 PM EST

I'm excited too. And there's nothing to be ashamed of to go out and buy Blake's CD. It's much better than a typical AI production!

Vespertine1228 Tue, Jan 8, 2008 at 03:35 AM EST

How is it that Melinda Doolittle still doesn't have a record deal? Please find out the answer!

That said, I can't believe this is only a week away. At least there'll be something new and exciting to keep my interest now that the strike has dried up all the leftover episodes of scripted shows.

milliemay Mon, Jan 7, 2008 at 06:10 PM EST

Dag man, Do U have some green like pea soup spitting out of your mouth also? I thought I was bad. The auditions R my favorite. It's more fun for me to watch the bad singers than the good ones. Only because the good ones don't make me laugh. I'll be watching.

Stephanie T. Mon, Jan 7, 2008 at 01:18 PM EST

I'm hoping that some new and original theme nights are added in, ie: ABBA night or modern jazz classics with Al Jarreau or Randy Crawford?

nykolus Mon, Jan 7, 2008 at 10:33 AM EST

D.R.E.A.D.

...the bf is probably going to make me sit on the couch and watch it with him.

Lara Mon, Jan 7, 2008 at 12:12 AM EST

you're enjoying the blake lewis cd because it's a great pop record. c'mon slezak, since when are you embarrassed to admit you're loving a sweet slice of pop??

as for the show, i am getting excited. i can't help it. but i do wish we could skip straight to Hollywood Week.

Christine Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 10:31 PM EST

I love Idolatry!!! It was the only good thing about season 6. Well, that and Melinda. I'm hoping this season will be better. (Hard to top season 5!) The Wire and Idol are back on. Woo hoo!

RD Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 03:17 PM EST

This show gives me hives.

namar Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

Hated It... =]

namar Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 02:44 PM EST

Hated It...

Danielle Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 01:59 PM EST

When Sanjaya returns to American Idol, I will watch. I stopped watching when Sanjaya got kicked off.

chippy Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 12:05 PM EST

I never watch it...tried once for a few mins...found it too boring...and that Cowell,or whatever his name is gets on my nerves.

JB Sun, Jan 6, 2008 at 12:04 PM EST

A lot of people's expectations are WAY to high now. AI isn't going to find a Chris Daughtry or Kelly Clarkson every year. They will never find another Carrie Underwood.

Laura2 Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 10:41 PM EST

I'm at level 3 right now. After it gets to the Top 24, I'll probably be at level 8. I loved Season 5 best of all. Season 6 was the worst in AI history, IMO.

RBlues Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 10:23 PM EST

Although I do still watch, I no longer vote. Until they change the voting procedure (One phone, one vote), this show will never be fair. I will continue to watch because how can you deny a show that brought us Elliott? (So proud of him)!

Jen Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 09:14 PM EST

Boycott Frantlemedia. Their treatment of the underpaid writers is nearly slave conditions. (yes, the Price is Right and Idol has writers, you think Snarky Seacrest comes up with his own stuff? Yeah right)

Joe C Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 09:11 PM EST

I won't say that I'm excited for AI's return the way I am for 'Lost' but once the show goes to Hollywood, I'll be there. I guess, Michael, this qualifies my excitement level on AI's return as a 5.

Lene Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 07:18 PM EST

Excitement level for:
Idolatry return - 10
American Idol - 0

Unfortunately, the former isn't as much fun without the latter, but dear god, I simply cannot waste that much time of my life on something so excrutiatingly dull again. Last season just about finished me and although I may cave eventually, right now, I'm determined not to watch. Which naturally will mean this will be the best season ever. Which makes me want to reconsider. Sigh...

SuzieC Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 06:29 PM EST

I'm currently a level 5 for the auditions and a level 2 for the rest of the season.
For some reason I just don't want to watch this season. The order people get booted off in never sits right with me on this show anymore.
I honestly think the judges should have more of a say in who goes, at least until we get the top 10.
And as for last year's runner up Blake.....I like. Why didn't he win?

sjdrj Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 06:16 PM EST

I couldn't care less about this upcoming season. So sad.

Jessica Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 05:43 PM EST

I am also digging Blake's album. Well, the fun dance-y songs anyway. I'm at about a 4, but it should shoot up to an 8 by Hollywood Week. Hoping for some great talent!

H2 Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 05:41 PM EST

I'm looking forward to when the real bit of the competition starts - I don't watch until they get to the final 12.

Is it true that Melinda didn't get any sort of contract and has been thrown on the scrap heap?

angelia Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 04:28 PM EST

I cannot believe all these negative comments about American from people who say they do not watch the show. Why are they reading an article about the show if it is beneath their notice. I don't care for the auditions of the hopelessly untalented and mentally challenged. I feel like these folks are being taken advantage of. After they get to the Hollywood level, then my interest jumps to a 10. Last year was very boring but I watched it to the end (hoping that something would happen to pep it up). Season 5 was my favorite and I think that the whole top 10 showed a tremendous amount of talent. I hope that for Season 7 that there will be a couple of cinderellas and cinderfellas that will come shining through amid all the professionals Idol has touted.

Taratova Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 02:38 PM EST

I have lost interest to a degree for American Idol.I will still watch but not as a voter or judge.After Elliott Yamin was called an underdog of which he is to me, the best of all the seasons as a unique vocalist.As I see it they would probably say Stevie Wonder is an underdog too if Stevie tried out when he was younger.. I just don't like the favoritism early on and the critiques that are unfair and the masses are programmed to an extent ( shallow surface thinkers and gullible) believe the far off comments..Plus the competition never ends . This is the negative side . The positive side , many would be unknown today if it wasn't for AI.

Michael Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 12:33 PM EST

Currently I'm at about an 8...but as soon as it starts I'll be up to a 10 as usual. And though I don't think last season has horrible (um hello, Melinda Doolittle everyone?), I really hope this year's overall talent is more like season 5, still my favorite.

FamilyCasting Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 10:46 AM EST

It's tough to watch talented kids be criticized so cruelly, even though it's part of the deal. I guess that's a reflection of our entertainment business and society in general. I'll watch the show as long as there's talent like Elliott and Kelly, but won't get caught up in the hype of the Sanjaya-like media crap.

Cathy Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 10:30 AM EST

My excitement level is probably around a 7 out of 10. I love this show but I'm skeptical this year because of the buzz about the top 50 -- it seems that so many are already "professional" at some level that it looks more and more like 19 is just using this show to build a fan base for their favored choices.
I don't expect to get emotionally engaged again as I did in Season 5
The urge to keep Elliott on as long as possible possessed me all season (and I'm thrilled he's doing so well without the 19 umbrella). But I haven't voted since then, and don't plan to!

diana Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 10:19 AM EST

My fervor for Idol was replaced in Season 6 with a fervor for Idolatry.

Gabe Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 06:19 AM EST

Ah, Michael Slezak, how I love you so. Even though I don't actually know you, you are one of the few people who I relate to with my American Idol passion (although some may call it obsession).

I love it all, from the crazy auditions to watching a star being born before my eyes, and voting to help them make it. So my level of excitement from 1-10 I'm about an 11. I'm already driving friends, family and random strangers crazy with stories about past American Idol seasons as well as the upcoming season.

And along with AI7 I'm also looking forward to your TV Watch columns and of course, Idolatory. Bring it on! Only 10 days to go! Yay!

P.S. I'm also enjoying Blake's CD

kugal Sat, Jan 5, 2008 at 04:05 AM EST

Well..I guess I'm with the few who can't stand the stupid freak audition
shows. I enjoy the singing and watching the contestants grow and polish their skills. It's entertainment and I'm not a news nut,or one who can watch the weather, the war and the political happenings day after day. So, I say cut the auditions completely and get on with the show!

SH Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 10:05 PM EST

AI is to me like life is to Amy Winehouse. "They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'"

SH Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

AI is to me is like life is Amy Winehouse. "They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'"

SH Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 10:04 PM EST

AI is to me like life is Amy Winehouse. "They tried to make me go to rehab but I said 'no, no, no'"

Henry Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 09:51 PM EST

I avoid the show like the Plague, after seeing the stupendous first season and off and on for the Carrie Underwood and Katharine McPhee seasons. Really, if DirecTV had a feature where you could delete the program from the menu, the first on the chopping block is American Idol (next are other pointless and crass "reality" shows).

Phil Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 08:32 PM EST

The show is so bad. Paula hopped up on whatever pill she finds on the floor. Simon being a prick. Randy milking the show for all its worth. Ryan trying to prove he is straight. And we have only gotten two hit artists out of it, Kelly and Carrie. I mean, Ruben was dropped by his label. Come on. How much longer do we have to endure this show?

Laura Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 08:31 PM EST

I've never been an American Idol fan. I've tuned in when somewhat desperate for something to watch, but excitement is definitely nonexistant. The only people to really profit from this show, besides the judges? Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood. It's obviously less of a huge deal than everyone makes of it.

Nathan Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 08:06 PM EST

Excitement level for American Idol is 0.00 but excitement that Warner just killed HD-DVD is 1000! GO BLU! The format war is over!

Lindsay Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 07:57 PM EST

Ok. To start off,season 6 wasn't that bad. Aside from the Sanjaya franchise. But Simon critized him, and people kept him there. Everytime Simon said something negative, it as lik BAM!!! They were gone the next night. Yes!I agree with people who say Sanjaya should have made it through Hollywood. But that wasn't our doing. Though keeping him there was. Yes, thing should have been different, but consider the people voting for the contestants. Oh yeah! I give Blakes CD like 4. It sounds like s ome kind of broken robot. He can acually sing well, but he chooses to cover it up

Derek Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 06:06 PM EST

I'm at about a 4

Big Bones Billy Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 06:05 PM EST

Kitty - so not caring about American Idol frees you up to come here and tell us about how you don't care about American Idol?

T-Rex Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 06:00 PM EST

:o), I really liked your comment. Maybe this ranking should be done like the threat level. Green through Lava-hot Red.

:o) Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 05:35 PM EST

I'm at a -10 meaning I am at the utmost level of dread for its return. Why oh why is it so popular?

Tara Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 05:11 PM EST

I'm glad to see it return ... there's nothing else on tv to watch. I just hope they improve over last season. I still don't understand how they did so great seasons 1-5 and messed up season 6 so badly. And why are they doing the Idol Gives Back thing again? That alone makes me skeptical that the Producers didn't really learn their lessons from S6.

Kitty Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 05:07 PM EST

-6

I save so much time not caring about nor watching American Idol.

daisyj Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 05:05 PM EST

I'm at about a 4 right now, but that's because I like to kind of ease in to the obsession. That and the audition rounds leave me cold. Rest assured, by the time my favorite talented-but-clearly-doomed contestant gets booted my excitement level will be high enough that if it were a sound, only dogs could hear it.

Pippi Longstocking Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 05:04 PM EST

OK Phil, we get it!! You're in love with Blake and you bought his CD....But you're going off topic, JUST A TAD! the subject at hand is will you be watching the next season of AI?

why??? Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:52 PM EST

I cannot stand this show. Yes these people can sing (well some of them) but none of them have an ounce of actual musical talent. Do they write their own songs?? I guess I can spend the next few months away from this site because EW is in LOVE with this show. Why??? Give some love to REAL musicians.

Phil Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:46 PM EST

Now I don't wanna sound disgruntled, but out of many of the performers, he was one of the few I had actually wanted to see, and I had been promoting how good his cd was on my daily blog on the station's website, before even knowing he was going to perform. So it was kind of a let down to see someone act so nonchalantly as someone too good to stop & say hello. We were both kinda taken aback by it, and I haven't said anything about it prior to this. So Blake, if you're reading this, I HOPE U KEEP NODDING YOUR HEAD. YOU LOST MY RESPECT & WHATEVER WEIGHT I COULDA PUT BEHIND HELPING YOU SELL SOME MORE DISCS! HAVE A GREAT 2008!

nunya Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:43 PM EST

meh...i just really CANNOT TAKE ANY MORE DAMN RYAN SEACREST!!!!

Phil Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:43 PM EST

I'm going to voice a personal opinion here and I hope too many don't throw stones. I LOVED the Blake Lewis cd, and I'm not a Idol-worshiper as many fans are, i see it for what it is, and I'll tune in when I want, but not EVERY night its on. Well I actually came to admire Blake over the few times I did tune in last season & I actually enjoy the over-all sound of his cd, "AudioDayDream", so it was with great sadness that when I actually encountered the beat-boxing boy a few weeks ago, he kinda let me down. He was a surprise performer at the Philadelphia Jingle Ball for the local Clear Channel affiliate which my friend works for. She didn't bring him out on stage or do the backstage interview, but she was outside smoking a cigarette when he was leaving. He walked by us & she called out to him & he just nodded & kept walking. She then called again, saying she worked for the station & he simply nodded yet AGAIN. I stopped her from saying anything further, but obviously we were both let down

Snarf Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:30 PM EST

Actually I'm more excited about the potential of Paula Abdul "what is she on?" post interview questions (assuming the PTB let her out to do them after last years fiasco)

Matt Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

Michael - Don't hide your love away! The Blake Lewis CD is fantastic and deserves cred it didn't get.

Valerie Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:20 PM EST

Ok... without the writer's strike, I would be at 4. With the strike, I'm at 6. But as always, I'll get sucked in and finished the audition rounds at a very pumped up 8 !! So bring it on !!! : )

Joslyn Hansen Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:07 PM EST

I'm around an 8, which is probably inflated a few spots due to the writers' strike. I do wish they would show more of Hollywood week and less (or NONE) of the horribly bad auditions, but once the top 24 are in place, I'm on board!

DalGal Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 04:03 PM EST

Never seen it, never will. Lamest. Show. Ever.

Kevin Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:48 PM EST

I hate this show with a fiery passion. With the exception of Kelly Clarkson (if you're into pop music, then I guess she's OK...but this is 2008, who the heck likes pop music?), the show has produced zero relevant talent (I don't count the one in Dreamgirls and Fantasia because neither one of them succeeded in the way the show intended...if it were called Broadway Idol, then I'd give them credit). The best part of it is watching these talentless hacks become nothing and seeing that 2 of them were dropped by their record labels yesterday fills me with joy. OK, enough ranting, I'm going to go listen to the new Radiohead album again...you know, REAL music.

sarah j Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:38 PM EST

I guess I'm about a 5. Every year I swear I'm done with it, but I can't help myself. I guess I'm addicted, no matter how tired the show has become. Ryan's ego is unbearable, and Paula and Randy should have been replaced 3 seasons ago. They do not contribute anything! I guess I'll watch because I don't really watch anything else, except Project Runway, The Office, and 30 Rock. No, I don't watch Lost, or Grey's Anatomy, or Survivor...I'm the oddball.
I'll watch with desperate hope that we'll find another Kelly or Fantasia.

Alan Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:30 PM EST

I actually have NO excitement level at all regarding this season. It's getting really tired....and after seeing Jordin Sparks' new album completely tank, what's the point of this show anymore if it can't launch someone to fame? And it seems phony now. Did anyone see the new promos, with that black woman saying she wants to be "Maria Houston or Whitney Carey" and screaming at Simon? That was SO TOTALLY STAGED AND PHONY, I was embarrassed for Fox. This show has had it's day. And Paula Abdul's drunken theatrics are so annoying now. Goodbye.

not putting real name Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:29 PM EST

On a scale of 1 to 10 its an 8.
The last season was horrible, but If there's someone half as good as KELLY CLARKSON! you know it'll be great

Amber Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:24 PM EST

After last year's craptastic season my excitement level is lower than ever. I'm tempted to not even watch this season (GASP!).

Tamara Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:13 PM EST

Oh come on, Michael, shout it loud and proud! Blake's CD is kickass :)

mrclean Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 03:09 PM EST

it's like dinner at the Olive Garden... you know it's not great, but man, I do love those breadsticks!

Christa Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

In the immortal words of SpongeBob SquarePants: "I'M READY!"

Big Dawg Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:57 PM EST

American Idol lost me forever when they booted Frenchie Davis.

Lauren Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:46 PM EST

Not sure if I'm going to watch again this year, but then I said that last year and got TOTALLY suckered in.

And I heart Blake. He's adorable.

LP Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:37 PM EST

I'm somewhere around a 2. Every year I swear I'm not going to watch it anymore, and every year I get sucked in. Not even because it's that good, but because the pop culture part of my brain HAS to know what's happening.

T-Rex Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:36 PM EST

I kicked the AI habit after season 2. The writer's strike is the only thing that could make me watch AI again. Fortunately Lost is returning on Thursdays, are they going head to head?

Silv Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:33 PM EST

Eh.

birdgirl39 Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

Must....watch...train-wreck.
I love the beginnings, but if they allow another non-talent like "Sangina" to flourish, I will stop watching. One person, one vote.

Christina Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:32 PM EST

If it wasn't for the writters strike I would probably not be too excited for the return of AI. AI6 sucked so much that I went out and partied the night of the finale instead of watching it. I say I'm about an 8 on the level of excitment but if this season sucks as much as last one I'll be quick to tune it out

RightNextToMarsDotCom Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

Considering there's very little scripted programming to compete for my attention/devotion, my excitement level has jumped from a 6 to a 8.

peachmahoney Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:28 PM EST

Here's the thing- I hate Idol, I love Idol, but mostly I love love love making fun of Idol. So I guess I'm about an 8 out of 10.

Maureen Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

Do you know what I love even more than AI? Well, many things, actually, but EW's Idolatry is right up there. You made the show even more fun to watch. I look forward to your new season.

GeeMoney Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:20 PM EST

Idol sucks. I can't believe people still watch this show! I lost my faith back in season 3, when they voted off LaToya London. ARRRGGGGH!

Wes Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:04 PM EST

The past two seasons, I've skipped the last two episodes. In both cases, Third Place was the winner to me.

Fatima Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:03 PM EST

Hey Michael, I have a suggestion for you this year. Through Jan-May, you should actually try to talk about something other than Idol for once. I know it is big and deserves coverage, but 9/10 popwatch posts were Idol based last year and it got really lame. This website needs to calm down a tad over it.

John Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 02:00 PM EST

Slezak - I've been secretly enjoying the Blake Lewis CD as well! I'm at a 5 for the return of Idol, a 10 for the return of Idolatry!

junior Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 01:56 PM EST

does anyone watch this show anymore & if so, why? it's boring & predictable. even the first few episodes showing the horrible people is boring & predictable. randy will dawg everyone, paula will be the idiot we all know she is & simon will be honest to everyone & get booed. who needs it!? if you're still watching this show you're a moron who needs to get a life!

Penelope Fri, Jan 4, 2008 at 01:53 PM EST

Michael--I'm a 10 for Idolatry! I have to admit that I'm a little bit in love with you.