I started watching American Idol tonight--on dvr so I could race through the stuff I found dry, and there was plenty of it! I guess it is a given every year, and maybe one of the pleasures of watching the season as it goes along, but our top 13 seemed so raw and amateurish with one exception. Watch out for Caleb Johnson! He sang last, and it was a darn good thing. No one else even came close to the performance this young man (22) put out. I will be rooting for him for sure. (Think young Meatloaf, and you kind of have an idea what kind of singer he is). There were some more interesting young singers as well, we will see how the season develops, and how they grow. Some of them will be unrecognizable in a few weeks.
Randy Jackson as the mentor was....alright. It seems like his comments were drowned in crowd noise or chopped short, so it was hard to really tell what kind of contribution he really made.
Keith, J Lo, and Harry bring a warm golden glow to the judging table. Each is both complimentary and nicely critical of the contestants. I kind of miss the blunt remarks that we heard from Simon. And don't shoot me for this, I kind of miss Nikki Minaj--at least she told it like it was, despicable person though she is. These 3 are too wishy washy. There will be no drama at the judging table this year. Ryan has become a polished automaton flashing pearly smiles.
What are your thoughts on the new season? Or have you started watching it yet? It usually drags me in about this time every year, and I get hooked. I'll try to keep a little dialogue going here for those of you who watch it. Hopefully I won't be talking to myself!
