American Idol 2012: First Thoughts

Posted on March 30, 2012 by Jennie

I think we are in for a treat this year. The competition among the remaining contestants is going to be fierce. I still love the dynamics of the judging team and we’ve already seen the star power that Idol is pulling in this year.

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The contestant that intrigues me the most is Jessica Sanchez. We see her in the candids and she’s a little girl. Her smile has teenager teeth that don’t quite fit her mouth and she shows her insecurity in the grateful response to praise that comes with being sixteen.

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Then Jessica steps in front of a microphone and she turns into another person. She’s bold, sensual, and mature. She’s amazing.

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SPOILER ALERT. Stop here if you don’t know who went home on Thursday, 3/29.

Watching the kids move into the Idol Mansion was kind of heart-wrenching, knowing that one of them would have to move out right away.

And now that Heejun has finally gone back to oblivion (or the comedy clubs) where he belongs, I can stop gritting my teeth over his awkward arrogance and Asian humility. It was an interesting combo, but I’m tired of it already. I’m ready to hear some more Colton, Phillip, Elise, Hollie, Joshua, and Jessica.

I can probably do without much more of DeAndre and Skylar; I feel that they both need some more seasoning and paying their dues in their local clubs. Skylar needs to take Jimmy’s advice and sing songs that show off her voice rather than choosing songs she likes. DeAndre needs to sing in his big boy voice; I’m done with his all-falsetto all-the-time thing.That being said, they are both very talented and could easily win it all. It all depends on how the votes fall.

It’s going to be an interesting season.

Why I … Still Watch American Idol

Posted on April 14, 2011 by Jennie

This post is linked up to the Why I… carnival at Vanderbilt Wife. After reading and commenting on my post, go visit the Wife and read what others have to say!

I have been watching American Idol religiously since the second season. I missed the Justin/Kelly drama, but I was there for Ruben v. Clay and Adam v. everyone. I groaned when Jennifer Hudson was voted off early and I applauded when Carrie Underwood went all the way. I really thought about going to the racetrack to see Lee DeWyze in his “coming home” concert. I’m a fan, and I’m proud to say it.

Most of my faithful Idol-watching friends have fallen off the Idol bandwagon. The lunchroom doesn’t vibrate with the next-day post mortem. I don’t get those emergency text messages expressing shock, amazement, or disgust about Idol performances and results. It’s all ho-hum. Or is it?

As a performing musician myself, I fully realize that there are a hundred equally good or better singers out there in the real world for every contestant on American Idol. That doesn’t take away from the outright miracle that is happening for THESE musicians. We should wish them our best and support their endeavors. They got their chance to make it big, and I don’t begrudge them a single minute on television or a single dollar they will earn. Every musician who makes a living performing live music because of his American Idol connection means that other musicians will continue to be employed, and we know that American Idol has given hundreds of musicians an opportunity that they would never have had without it. Even William Hung is still making money from American Idol.

American Idol has been charged with fixing results, and the cartoon character behavior in the judging booth over the last few seasons has diminished the credibility of the process. This season is different; the diversity of the contestants and their artistry is keeping it interesting. I have enjoyed the chemistry among Randy, Steven, and the luminous Jennifer Lopez. It’s pretty impressive when the singer with the current number one hit on the pop charts tells a performer that his or her song gave her chills. I don’t always agree with the judges, but I feel like there is balance and compassion. Ryan has grown with the franchise and is now a seasoned host who knows how to handle the talent effectively.

The first decade of American Idol has been worth watching and has been good for the music business. It seems impossible that there might be a second decade, but I’m likely to be there for that, too. It’s reality TV that is actually real; all of those contestants actually have to learn a new song every week and then perform it in front of millions of people knowing that immediately following, they are going to be critiqued. There’s not much on television that has real-life stakes as high as that.

All Roads Lead to American Idol

Posted on May 13, 2010 by Jennie

The funniest thing happened tonight. I got a local public service phone call telling me that many area roads will be closed on Friday night due to the party being held at Arlington Park Racetrack for Lee Dewyze. I guess I had better get home and do my laundry instead of going over to my friend’s bar across the street from the racetrack where there will also be a party.

Although I think he’s an interesting guy (and a darn sight better than Casey what’s-his-name with the bleating sheep vibrato), I’m still solidly in the Crystal Bowersox camp.

When I looked up her bio, I found that she went to Oak Harbor High School, where my friend Ken teaches music. She transferred to the Toledo School for the Arts, which doesn’t surprise me. She also moved to Chicago and performed locally in my old Lakeview neighborhood.

It’s a tough choice: Crystal from Ohio or Lee from Mount Prospect? Only time will tell, but it ain’t gonna be Casey.