I have watched American Idol off an on since it began. Some seasons, I watched it faithfully, never missing an episode. Other seasons, I tuned in for episodes when I could, but didn't have much passion for it one way or another. I didn't watch Season 7 at all because I was sick of the whole process. However, I moved to London shortly after America Idol Season 8 started. Watching it from over here was like having a little piece of America brought to me as I was adjusting to my new surroundings. Plus, there seemed to be so much talent last year, and I couldn't wait to see what Adam Lambert was going to do next.
After enjoying Idol again last year, I was really looking forward to this season. I even watched the audition episodes, which I hadn't done in years. Of course, after watching them I was reminded of why I had skipped them in the past. Watching people who cannot sing make fools out of themselves is funny for about a minute, but much more than that is just annoying. And, even more annoying is when they tell heart-warming stories about people and get me to root for them, only to cut them later. Don't mess with my emotions like that.
Having watched all of the audition and Hollywood week episodes, I had some favorites in the Top 24. Lilly Scott was high on my list. I love her voice, love her look, and couldn't wait to see more of her. I was shocked, absolutely shocked when she was cut. I really do hope she can still make it in the music business. Another of my favorites was Lacey Brown. Again, I love her look and love her voice and hope she can have a successful music career.
The show didn't play up Ashley Rodriguez in the Hollywood episodes, so I didn't know much about her going into the Top 24. But, I liked her. She's gorgeous and had some pipes. I think the lack of pre-publicity for her must have hurt her. I don't know why she was cut so early.
This week, another one of my favorites, Didi Benami, was eliminated. I'll admit that her performance wasn't that great this week, but she has been great in other weeks. She's a bit of a crybaby, with tears seeming to flow on every episode, so maybe that annoyed viewers. I can't judge her for that though, because I know I'd be a hot mess if I went through the American Idol process.
So far, several of my favorites have already been sent packing. Of course, I was glad to see some people go. I found Haeley Vaughn to be extremely annoying and generally fast-forwarded through her performances. I wanted to like Paige Miles, but her performances were just so bad. Every time I saw Alex Lambert, I wanted to chop off his mullet. Seriously, who let that kid go on TV with that haircut?
I still have a few that I am rooting for. I like Crystal Bowersox a lot. I am with Simon though and hope she stays true to herself and doesn't wear stilettos anymore. I dig the hippy chick vibe she has. I adore Siobhan Magnus. The girl can sing, and I love her quirkiness and personality. I do think she needs to change it up a bit and not do the screaming note at the end of every song. I wasn't hooked on Lee Dewyze until this week's performance. Now, I am starting to dig him. I go back and forth with Michael Lynche. I liked this week's performance. Plus, I really like his story (new dad, sweet husband, etc). I like Casey James too. He is hunky, can sing and can play the guitar! Whoop!
The remaining four contestants (Katie Stevens, Aaron Kelly, Andrew Garcia, and Tim Urban) are kind of a mixed bag. Katie is cute, but really should have waited another year or two before trying out for Idol. Her voice could be good, but isn't quite there yet and she seems very young to me. Aaron is a great singer, but he looks like he is 12 years old. I can see him being a big star in a few years, but not so much now. I am glad Andrew seemed to get back on track this week. I like him. I don't think he has the voice to win it, but I like him. Tim Urban, where do I start with him? Well, he is adorable and his smile is quite contagious. On one of the episodes, one of the judges said they thought he belonged on Glee or in High School Musical. Yep, I can see that. He's not the strongest singer. But he sure is cute!
I don't know who I think will win. It should be interesting to see how it plays out. I have been disappointed this year with many of the performances. I have also been really disappointed with the voting. I am still crushed about Lacey and Lilly being eliminated so early. But, I still have some contestants to cheer for, so I'll stick with it for the time being. I record all of the shows, so I can fast-forward through all the stupid stuff like the judges bantering back and forth and Ryan Seacrest filling up air time. I also fast-forward through bad performances and those horrible group songs.
One final thought about the judges this year. I am so glad stupid Paula Abdul is off the show. She was unbearable to watch. What a ding-dong! I love the addition of Ellen, although sometimes I think she tries a bit too hard. Kara is one of my favorite judges. I feel like Randy is offering some good advice this year. It'll be interesting to see what the show is like next year without Simon on it. He's mean, but he is mostly right in what he says. (Although I totally disagree with him that Katie should do country.)
I'll post again about American Idol as the season goes on. It can be frustrating, but it is fun to watch.
