American Idol – Ba-Ba-Ba-Boring!

I had a night off from work last night and decided to catch the debut of Season 10 of American Idol on Fox TV. I had boycotted Season 9 after one of my favorite judges, Paula Abdul, left at the end of Season 8 after she was not given a fittingly respectfully and equitable pay raise to her counterpart, Simon Cowell. Edging Paula out in Season 8 was Kara DioGuardi, who awkwardly dominated as a fourth judge and left poor Simon no time to talk. Now that Kara had also left the show, I was willing to give American Idol another shot.

Sadly, judges Simon Cowell and Ellen DeGeneres have also left this year, so the judges bench has been restocked with two fresh new faces, amazing performer Steven Tyler of Aerosmith, and entertainer/entrepreneur Jennifer Lopez. Returning consistently each season has been judge Randy Jackson, former bassist for Journey and Grammy Award winning producer, manager, singer, and music industry executive.

Sadly, the new lineup of judges is appearing a bit lackluster and kind of um… boring.

American Idol Season 10 judges: Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler, and host Ryan Seacrest.

I can’t say I don’t like the judges. Actually, they are all quite likable, extremely knowledgeable, and with time, perhaps they will become just as entertaining as The Original 3: Randy, Paula, and Simon. What they lack is dynamics.

The problem lies in that Steven, J.Lo., and Randy are pretty much the same critic. They don’t seem to differ on opinions and always agree with each other. This can’t be possible – someone up there is afraid to say what they feel. They need to let go, say what they want, and accept that this will mean that some American Idol fans will love them, while some will beg for their firing. Excitement equals higher ratings. Higher ratings equals job security. It's ironic how that works.

What the new lineup lacks is a “Simon,” someone with that over-the-top, opinionated, gloves-off, naked criticism which makes you curse and swear when you don’t agree with him, then promptly grab your cell phone at the end of the show and call the number for that poor, abused contestant, pressing buttons until your fingers bleed.

Loopy, but smart, Paula was truly my favorite judge. I sometimes watched the show just to see what ridiculous thing she might say next, then spent the next day chatting with friends about it over coffee. Her on camera playful romantic chemistry with Simon was a fun soap-opera-esque side story to the show.

Randy was overshadowed by the two stronger personalities, but did not fail to add interest, introducing new vernacular to my vocabulary, such as “pitchy” to describe “singing off-key,” and sweetly telling contestants, “Yo, dawg! It was a’right,” implying that their performance was not so spectacular. Being the first in line to offer criticism, his colorful evaluations helped soften the blows of what was to come at the end of the judges row: Simon.

What was truly refreshing about The Original 3, was that they seldom agreed. When Paula didn’t like someone, they were really, really bad. When all three loved a contestant, you knew that singer was on their way to stardom. With the current 3 judges awarding praises like gold medals at grade school sports competitions, and offering only candy-coated criticisms, I must instead turn to my gut and my passel of friends for insights into what was right and what was wrong with each singer’s performance.

Hosting the show again for a 10th year is disc jockey Ryan Seacrest.

A welcome addition to this year’s Idol is longtime recording engineer, producer, and chairman of Interscope-Geffen-A&M, Jimmy Iovine, who works as sideline mentor and coach to the contestants. His thoughtful advice to the singers helps to set the stage and inform the audience about what characteristics they should look for in the performances.

MY PICKS

Who does TVgrrrrl pick to win Idol this Season? After seeing only one show (due to my hectic work schedule), my favorite is:

Casey Abrams – age 20 from Wilmette, IL – who rocked out on the Beatles’ “With a Little Help from My Friends” with intense energy and emotion. The boy has “star” written all over him.

However, I was also impressed with (in ABC order):

Naima Adedapo – age 26, from Milwaukee, WI – who is the complete package and thoroughly entertained us dancing and singing “Umbrella” alone with no backup vocalists (unlike many of the other singers)

James Durbin – age 22, from Santa Cruz, CA – who’s young voice was quite sweet on “Maybe I’m Amazed” and will no doubt become a force to be reckoned with as his voice ages;

Jacob Lusk – age 23, from Compton, CA – who moved me on “I Believe I Can Fly” with heartfelt emotion;

Thia Megia – age 16, from Hayward, CA – who’s silky sweet voice killed the ballad portion of “Smile,” then surprised us with a uniquely interesting dance jazz arrangement on the latter half of the song; and

Haley Reinhart – age 20, from Wheeling, IL – who exhibited wonderful vocal control on “Blue.”

Of course, that’s just one show and over the many years of watching Idol, I’ve learned that while some performers seem to become invigorated by all the constant work and attention, excelling to unimaginable levels (such as Clay Aiken), others fall apart. One thing is for certain: This year’s Idol contestants do not disappoint. America seems to have a bottomless resource of quality vocal talent and I’m sure some hit makers will come out of this year’s bunch.

Boycott Idol, if Paula doesn’t get a raise!

On Wednesday, several news sources reported the details of why host Paula Abdul has decided to quit the hit FOX television marvel, American Idol. At first, it seemed that her demands for more money seemed unreasonable. However, it’s only fair that she be paid at least a decent percentage of what her male cohort, Simon Cowell, is paid. If Paula doesn't get offered a decent raise, I for one, plan to boycott the show when it airs next January.

Here's the salary breakdown:

Simon Cowell - $36 million per year
(according to the New York Post, Oct. 13, 2008 article)

Ryan Seacrest - $10 million per year,

plus a $15 million upfront bonus for licensing usage over the next 3 years, for $45 million total over 3 years.

(according to the New York Times, July 13, 2009 article)

Paula Abdul – formerly $2 million per year,
(plus $1.5 for show related expenses, such as hair, makeup, clothes, stylist, transportation, and security, which I don't feel can be counted as salary).
Offered $5 million per year (according to the New York Times, August 5, 2009 article).
Asked for $20 million (according to radaronline.com, July 20, 2009 article).

Randy Jackson – estimated at $2 million per year.

(popdirt.com stated on August 22, 2003 that he and cohost Paula Abdul were both vying for a raise to $1.5 million each that year. Since Paula is now making $2 million, I have to assume Randy is making the same).

Kara DioGuardi – estimated at $2 million per year.

There are only two people on Idol who cannot be replaced: Paula and Simon. The two offer a colorful Yin and Yang of critiquing Idol hopefuls -- one spiritually positive, one sarcastically negative.

I can take or leave Ryan and Randy. Though both are talented and likable, I could easily imagine either being replaced.

Kara makes a miserable host – she talks far too much and leaves no time for Simon. Plus, she repeatedly echoes the ugly truths about the music industry that we don't really want to hear: that producers prefer the young, charming, pretty people, who are the "complete package." Who cares about looks when you’re listening to music?

Will Good Orlando Magic Juju Wear Off on Idol Contestants?

FOX television’s American Idol is holding their 9th season auditions in Orlando this year at Amway Arena, the home of the NBA Basketball team, the Orlando Magic. Over the next two days, hopeful Idol contestants can register for a chance to audition in front of the show’s producers on Thursday, July 9. Of those, a few will be chosen to perform later this summer in front of Idol’s Fabulous Four: judges Simon Cowell (sigh!), Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Kara DioGuardi McCuddy (recently married, Kara McCuddy has a nice ring to it and is easier to spell).

In a city built up by Disney, “where dreams really do come true,” and where the Cinderella team, the Orlando Magic surprised many critics by making it all the way to the NBA finals this year, could Orlando, maybe even Amway Arena itself, actually be truly “magical?”

Although talent is the first requirement, luck does play a part in getting to audition live in front of the famous Idol judges. You have to stand out – have a magnetic personality, be cute or gorgeous, dress outrageously, or sing phenomenally for the producers as they survey the crowd.

Sadly, TVgrrrrl is too old to audition this year (over 28). Boo hoo! I wouldn’t make the cut, anyway (As Simon says, I’m “too ordinary”). But, it would be fun to just “be there” amidst all the excitement at Amway Arena.

If you are planning to stand in line for a ticket, there’s no magic which will protect you from the sun and the heat – bring your sunscreen, lots of bottled water (no coolers allowed within a certain area), a hat, a folding chair, a fold-up poncho to stay dry during our wacky 10 minute rain storms; or even better -- a close friend or family member to put up an awning over the sidewalk and watch your cooler and stuff when it’s your turn to go inside. Don’t forget to read the FAQ’s, rules and release form online before showing up.

For the best juju, practice lots of “magic” songs, such as:
Abracadabra -- Steve Miller
A Kind of Magic – Queen
Black Magic Woman – Fleetwood Mac
Blue Magic – Jay-Z
Do You Believe in Magic -- The Lovin’ Spoonful
Every Little Thing She Does is Magic – The Police
It’s Magic -- The Fender’s
Magic Man – Heart
Magic Carpet Ride – Steppenwolf
Magic – The Cars
Magic – Pilot
Strange Magic -- ELO
That Old Black Magic – Johnny Mercer
This Magic Moment – The Drifters

When You Wish Upon a Star -- Jiminy Cricket

You Can Do Magic -- America

In your down time, you can also visit the American Idol Experience at Walt Disney World. If I were a betting girl, I’d go there when the judges visit later this summer – you never know, they might just show up for a TV promo!

Read the TV Guy column (no relation) online at Orlando Sentinel.com and see photos of competitors waiting outside, by Joe Burbank.

American Idol Recap

This week, we learned some extremely disappointing news. Simon Cowell confessed to Oprah Winfrey during the airing of her Monday show that this was indeed his last scheduled season as a judge on the Fox hit TV show, American Idol. However, after much prodding from Winfrey, he agreed to "leave the door open."

I would be extremely disappointed if Cowell were not on the show voicing his expert opinions each week. He is by far one of the most interesting judges, making articulate and fascinating comparisons of singing performances to horror movies, animal sounds, and every day living. (Paul Abdul is a close second with her colorful wit and interesting insights). To be honest, I could do without either Kara DioGuardi or Randy Jackson. Sometimes it seems they duplicate each other. Maybe one of them should go, instead.

But, back to tonight's competition...

Each performer was given two opportunities to sing. The first song was picked by a judge. The second was picked by the contestant.

01 — Danny Gokey — Dance Little Sister — 5 Stars

I was making dinner, so I didn't get to actually SEE Danny dance. Dioguardi and Cowell both said it was awkward. However, Abdul, who chose the song for him (originally performed by Terence Trent D'Arby), said she thought he did an excellent job with his choreography.

I could hear Gokey singing while I worked in the kitchen, and his vocal performance was so incredibly controlled and flawless, but super high energy, that I ran out to write down 5 stars for him. When I buy the CD, I want it to sound good. I could care less what the performers look like. If they do dance funny, that just makes the concert more interesting.

02 — Kris Allen — Too Late to Apologize — 3 stars

Jackson and Dioguardi chose this dark and moody Timbaland song for Kris Allen, one of my favorite songs of this century. Allen sat at the piano, his voice a bit shaky as he sang the slow beginning of the song. However, once he got into the more intense portions, it was great. I have to guess that the emotional quavering of his voice which has seemed to develop during the competition will soon be his trademark.

The only thing odd about this song was that this was the first time I've ever heard a judge judge a judge (what a tongue twister!). Dioguardi said she didn't like Allen's arrangement and choice of instrument, and Cowell slapped back at her that she was responsible for helping Allen put the song together. So much drama! What will we do without you, Cowell?

03 — Adam Lambert — One — 4 stars

Adam Lambert's voice was purely melodic as he launched into the emotional beginning of his rendition of One, by U2. However, the song was a bit rocky as he picked up the tempo and transitioned into his powerhouse vocals. Once Lambert belted out the lyrics, the performance was emotionally stirring.

04 — Danny Gokey — You Are So Beautiful — 5 stars

Billy Preston would have been proud to hear Danny Gokey's interesting minor key arrangement of "You Are So Beautiful," which added an unusual atmosphere to the song. Gokey has the ability to sing well at any tempo or intensity. The raspy tone of his voice melds with his perfect pitch. The overall result was romantic and powerful. Abdul said it best, "You left all of us breathless."

05 — Kris Allen — Heartless — 5 stars

Kris Allen chose to sing Kanye West's Heartless. As he pounded out the song on accoustic guitar, I was reminded of solo performances I've seen by Richard Thompson. Allen carried the song alone without additional accompaniment, the interesting nuances and tonal characters of his voice creating a moving rendition. I think he may go down in history as one of the most successful Idol finalists, after the show is over, once he has a chance to do what he wants to do. 

06 — Adam Lambert — Crying — 4 stars

For Adam Lambert's personal pick, he chose Crying by Aerosmith. During the quiet beginning of the song, his voice was so clear and melodic, that the tone was intensely beautiful. Once again, the transition in intensity from ballad to rock was a bit unbearable. (I assume it's due to lack of time to prepare). However, once he began to scream (and he can scream in tune and it even sounds good!), Lambert was able to rope in the crowd.

My biggest criticism: the background vocals were far, far too loud. This is a strategy used by many performers to help them compensate for their inability to always reach the high notes. However, Lambert doesn't need "bulking up." Since this was his arrangement, I have to call him on it.