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Is the hiring of Ellen DeGeneres as a new judge a genius move or the death knell? (AP)
Now starting its ninth season of music, dreams and entertainment at the expense of deluded wannabe superstars, American Idol has proved to have more lives than a kennel of bionic cats, despite (hopeful?) predictions of its demise.
But being bionic doesn’t mean you can’t pop a sprocket now and then, and the new season of Fox’s pop culture juggernaut, kicking off Tuesday, just might betray a couple of loose springs.
First off, few shows don’t start getting old after nine seasons. Then there’s the loss of original judge Paula “I Love Your Special Specialness” Abdul and her replacement with non-musical comedian Ellen DeGeneres, which is either a brilliant idea or the show’s official running leap over the proverbial shark.
Add those rumors that co-producer and arguable voice of sanity Simon Cowell is abandoning the judge’s table after this year, and we’re left to wonder whether this truly is the beginning of the end.
Then again, what makes American Idol both delicious and painful to watch is that each season rests on the strength and weakness of the talent, and how the judges and audience react to that talent.
Of course, the wisdom of the outcomes is subjective (Yes, Adam Lambert fans. We know you still think his loss was a conspiracy involving Kris Allen, the phone company and the state of Arkansas). But because of the rotating cast of singers, mentors and new Randy Jackson-created assaults to the English language, we never quite know what’s gonna happen, even when we’re sure we do (Again, sorry, Adam Lambert fans).
Here are just a few of the scheduled highlights for Season 9 so far, and how I think they might shape up:
AUDITIONS, JAN. 12- FEB. 2: These episodes, set in Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Orlando, Dallas, Los Angeles and Denver, are among the most popular every season. That’s mostly because of those who have no interest in following the show but who are quite interested in mocking costumed fame whores, irate singers trying to out-curse the bleep, and a few sad people with possible mental or emotional problems which the show features to humiliate them. I am not one of those people: I refer to those episodes collectively as “American Idol: Escape To Clown Town,” because while I’m interested in seeing the singers that the show thinks are going to be front-runners, I hate the foolishness. I plan to, whenever possible, fast forward the clowns and just focus on …
THE GUEST JUDGES: You might remember that the auditions for this season started between Paula Abdul’s departure and the announcement about Ellen, and since American Idol and stupid people dressed like chickens wait for no judge, the show offered up a series of celebrities to hold down the fourth spot. I’m excited about Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth and Neil Patrick Harris, three singers with talent and personality who might actually say something besides “Well, wasn’t that nice?” Shania Twain and Joe Jonas are toss-ups (Nick’s the one with the writing chops), Victoria Beckham is a great interview and a horrible singer, and Katy Perry makes my teeth itch.
HOLLYWOOD WEEK: Here’s where we’ll see Ellen DeGeneres’ debut as a judge and figure out how that experiment’s going to play … out. These episodes are drama, even without the new judge: The singers who got the go-ahead during the initial rounds are asked to form a group with other competitors which usually contain at least one control freaky diva, one frustrated peacemaker and somebody who just stands in the back and waits for the crazy people to cancel each other out. But it’s also the point where talent starts to rise. Remember how the producers were all excited about those blowhard Brittenum twins, while it was eventual almost-winner (and my favorite contestant ever) Elliott Yamin, who’d gotten no air time up till then, who stood out? If the producers and editors can stop themselves from ignoring obvious talent in favor of cringey freak shows like last season’s Bikini Girl and Tatiana Del Toro, we might get closer to the true contenders. Especially because …
THERE’S NO WILD CARD ROUND THIS YEAR: And I’m thrilled about it. Ostensibly, it’s a tool for bringing back singers that one or two judges championed and really think deserved another chance. But all too often, it becomes a chance for the show to shove ratings-grabbing time sucks in our faces (like Tatiana Del Toro). Way to look desperate, Show. We know you want us to notice you. We’re here. You don’t have to try so hard.
THE SLOOOOOW PARADE OF THE SEMIFINALISTS, FEB. 23-MARCH 11: Boy, they love stretching this out, don’t they? The Top 24 singers, split into groups of 12 by gender, show us what they’ve got, or what they wish they had, or what the producers thought they had back in Boston or Los Angeles and are trying to shove down our throats before we notice it tastes of sadness and desperation. I hate the auditions, but I love the semifinals, because even with all of the manipulation and show-biz fakery, we’re getting to see these singers, with the full production, sing for a chance at stardom, and you get these “Wow! Where’s he been for the last month?” moments. Four singers are eliminated each week, until we get our Top 10 finalists on March 11. That is, unless somebody does something illegal and has to be replaced. Because y’all know that’s happened. It’s all a lead-up to …
THE FIRST OFFICIAL DAY OF TOP 12 PERFORMANCES: And this is where the fun begins. You already know who the judge’s special pets are (like last year’s Danny Gokey pushing), but you still might not have discovered somebody who was solid but just laying back, biding his or her time, like Kris Allen. We might also see Ellen hitting her stride as a judge, and figure out whether Kara DioGuardi, who started strong but was such a disappointment last year, was worth it. Even if this turns out to be the beginning of the end, it should at least be fun to watch. I hope.
‘American Idol’: 8 p.m. Tuesday, Fox
leslie
your recap is great. right on the button….especially your comments on elliott yamin. who, by the way, was, and still is, my fav alltime idol. only, this year, i’ve decided not to tune in anymore. i really despise the crazies at the beginning, and cringe at the favoritism so openly shown by the judges.
Sadly, this program’s winners has produced the current music scene. If you like that, keep watching. Especially if someone’s paying you. If you like real music, pull out the CDs and get busy listening to the time-tested stuff. AI singers won’t last past their commercial impact because that is not real music or real rock stars. Just something commercial that lots of people get paid to plug. Maybe this is the year we stop … pretending (it’s about musical talent and skills)?
ps. Do you think the queer jokes will be down with Ellen on the scene? Or do you think they’ll just increase — I’m guessing the latter as AI is for the kids, and the gayness as rebellion thing seemed to go over so well with the kids (and their moms!) last year on the show. If Adam Lambert is edgy — or sexy, do people still find that gal sexxy? — because of his sexuality, well you’re pretty much in the right demographic for this show.
This show makes me crazy with the blatant favoritism of certain contestants, but I love it when people are good or unexpected, like my Elliott and Kris.
What irks me is when judges push who they think should be competing for the finals. Like how they pimped Danny with praises “that’s vocal masterclass” when his rendition of You Are So Beautiful was anything but meh. I don’t mind high praises if duly warranted but should not be at the expense of backfiring at the deserving contestant. Judges should just comment but refrain from saying who should be at the finals because it simply backfires. I hate it that America does not vote for the deserving but for the underdog or the one with the back up story. America should stick that it IS a singing contest.
excuse me, there are 12 FINALISTS and not 10 FINALISTS. look at this article: http://news-briefs.ew.com/2009/12/22/american-idol-season-9-dates-details/
who is your source anyway? fact check please!
Wow. Thanks for the rundown, Leslie!
Until last year I was just a casual viewer and had never voted. I just don’t see anything topping the Adam Lambert show last year.
Each year they keep doing silly things to keep the show “fresh” and they get further and further away from the actual singing. I loath the guest performances (really just adds for people they have under contract and has beens), the stupid ford commercials and the repetative judge comments (if you don’t have something original to say…just pass).
If they want to improve it…more singing time, less judge and commercial time, more contestant interview/behind the scenes stuff…and limit the votes per caller!!
Going to miss Paula. I liked her goofy comments and when she stood up to Simon.
Totally agree with Twin Sister Lynne – I love the unexpected talent that is found on Idol. Elliott Yamin totally rocked my world (and still does) with his talent and ability. I will miss Paula on the show as well…she recognized Talent in Elliott and Kelly Clarkson when others were on the fence. I will still watch this season or DVR is and cut out the unwanted c**p, so either way I’m excited about the upcoming season. You never know what’s in store!
What is the deal with your fixation on a third runner-up from several years ago, who has faded into obscurity? Of all the stand-out talents who have been on Idol (fantasia, Mandisa, Clay, Kelly, Carrie, Daughtry, etc…) what the heck was so special about Elliot Yamin, except for that he was such a schlub who could sing?
You cant argue with success. Idol took a dive in credibility that season with Elliot and Daughtry, and they have never recovered. Anyone with a non-biased eye and ear for talent could tell clearly that Chris Daughtry was head and shoulders above the competition as far as star potential. (proven today by his success)
Instead, he was supplanted by the gray haired cheesy guy, the hot chick, and the nerdy guy. Today, Chris Daughtry gets regular airplay on hit radio stations, while Katherin Mcfee sings at shopping malls, Elliot performs at bar Mitzvas, and cheesy Taylor Hicks is opening a theatre in Branson, MO featuring the Singing Grannies, who make up Taylor’s fan base.
AI has become a singing version of the Miss America pagent. Where the winners are determined by politically correct parameters so that each year the winner is of a different demographic. Today, one will never see a blond, waspy looking gal win two years in a row. If a blond wins one year, the next year you can bet will be a dark haired ethnic looking gal. Or a deaf gal. Or a breast cancer survivor.
Accordingly, Idol has followed suit. Daughtry was the best of his season, but he was another regular white guy, whereas Taylor looked old, Katherine was hot, and Elliot was frumpy and had an ethnic name. This most recent season, featured the gay guy in eye makeup. Woohoo! Hence, this coming season will see a black or hispanic winner. I guarantee.
chicago truth…..you have a serious problem. i can feel the hatred coming thru. not everyone loves a “short bald rocker with lots of black eye liner.” just kidding…..giving you a sample of what your reply sounded like.
I enjoy Ellen as a commedian, but really has no place in a venue like american idol
She ROCKS, He SUCKS!
The problem with American Idol is not the judges…The bias that they show may have something to do with seeking the best talent i.e favoring Adam and Danny God-for-bid. The problem actually is with the main voting block whom ends up choosing the winner based on whether the contestants are straight, cute, married and oh lets not forget christian. Its pathetic, and the only reason I watch this show now that Adam lost is that at least the judges try to do their best to point out the greatest talent when they see it even if the rest of America can’t get it! The judges, were just as horrified as the rest of us was when Adam lost…So If it is the beginning of the end its because sensible Americans understand that christian fundamentalists have destroyed any chance for a non-biased vote in this country. When this realization hit me it was a sad day indeed…
Definitely the beginning of the end. The only reason I watched it last season was because of Adam Lambert, apart from his amazing talent and charisma we see someone who’s outside the box, he’s so refreshing. I doubt I’ll watch it again this season. Melinda Doolittle should have won over Jordan Sparks, I was so dissapointed that season but doesn’t compare to the loss I felt when Adam didn’t win which really doesn’t matter any more as we all know he’s going to be a huge success, now if we could put the AMA,s behind us once and for all and hopefully ABC will do the same.
Joy,
Christian Fundamentalists?
Wow….leap to conclusions much?
Considering I’m an atheist and loved Allen and hated Lambert…
The “main voting block” is who the show is for, dear. And they are never “wrong”. It is a subjective choice. It’s a pure democracy. It’s a popularity contest…like any pop-star the public embraces. The “right” winner is the one who wins.
What you obviously mean to say is the majority of people don’t always agree with YOU.
Like me, for example. I thought Lambert was dreadful. Listening to him was only slightly less disgusting than watching him.
It’s a matter of taste, you see, not “TRUTH”.
It’s not attractive to show disdain for others just because they fail to see the world through your eyes.
Just because YOU think it, does not make it TRUE for everyone.
Hate is such a harsh word. Who is Elliot? I have watched on and off depending on the talent and if they kept me interested. I get disappointed when the most talented singer gets voted off. If AI is a singing contest then have them sing. Who cares if they play an instrument you are plugging this as a singing contest so I don’t want to see them play anything I want them to sing. Plus I agree with another blogger in that the main voting block in the end decides who wins. Last year was probably the most interesting season of AI. It literally became the show I had to watch, couldn’t miss, each and every Tuesday. I planned my schedule around it. In the end the upset was so great I didn’t watch any tv for weeks I was so mad. I felt there had to be better ballot counting and monitoring of the votes and FAIR VOTING practices. I can’t see how the AI will top last year and without Paula I think the show will be hard to top. I also think if Simon leaves that will kill the show as Simon Cowell is American Idol. I still have no idea what Kara brings to the table let her work behind the camera with the talent.
HOMOPHOBIA RULES and BLURS NARROW MINDS.
I LOVE YOU ADAM !
I stand by my respect and love for the talented Elliott Yamin…each person has a right to decide what they love in a contestant, and Elliott has not faded into obscurity to despite “Chicago Truth”‘s assertion. He is still out an touring and releasing music. Chris Daughtry is talented as well and had the “Idol” machine behind him getting his music heard, or course he is more well known. Duh??? Elliott did the independent route and has had to work 4 times as hard to get his music out there. So, I give props to both, but think your slur against Elliott “What is the deal with your fixation on a third runner-up from several years ago, who has faded into obscurity… a schlub who could sing?” was unjustified.