Notes after the jump …
I have at least one major reservation about the current season of "Idol," in the ongoing promotion of Carly Smithson, whose professional background is both considerable and well documented.
[ADDENDUM, WEDNESDAY MORNING: My colleague and friend Alan Sepinwall has made a reasonable argument that "Idol" could put aside some of the concerns about too many professionals simply by disclosing their backgrounds on the air and in cast bios. After all, he notes, the ringers mean that we're going to hear a lot more good singers this year.
[Every now and then the show has acknowledged some pro connections, such as one contestant's boy-band past, but it still seems more comfortable with a pretense of amateurism. And I would be less uncomfortable if the show practiced full disclosure with the contestants. But the Smithson situation will bother me even if the show comes clean; I can't tell you exactly where the line is that I don't want "Idol" to cross, but she seems to be on the wrong side of it. Even if she is a very good singer. And now back to the earlier post.]
That said, the two-hour reduction of the cast — with the top 24 to be announced on Wednesday — was very well done, especially for a show notorious for padding.
No group sings. Almost no scenes of the wild overnight rehearsals. No bickering among singers. Instead, lots of vocals, judge comments and the occasional personal story. It kept me attentive throughout.
Making me even more optimistic about what is to come: Some of the people eliminated were good, or had compelling stories, and that didn't keep them around. Sure, there were others whose continued survival is a bit puzzling. But "Idol" seems genuinely intent on assembling an eclectic group of really good singers.
And Biker Nurse is still in it.
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"No group sings. Almost no scenes of the wild overnight rehearsals. No bickering among singers. "
All unnecessary fluff for sure, but it did serve to highlight their personalities. I have no emotional connection with any of them not even the ones where they have tried to manufacture an emotional connection. I hate being manipulated, also too much narrative by Ryan S.
It's taken me a long time to get on board the Idol train, and I'm sure I wouldn't be…if not for a few singers who really inspire a following.
The 16-year David kid has to be everyone's favorite to win. He seems to really have it all, including an awesome voice. The Miley Cyrus crowd will inundate the voting lines for him, and this time it's deserved (unlike Sanjaya). The guy who sang Bohemian Rhapsody is also a Top 5 finalist, for sure. And I hope the kid who lives in his car can pull it together, or at least make it beyond tonight. He's very likeable, but maybe not a top 24 talent.
Kristy Lee Cook going back to "Amazing Grace" during Hollywood Week means to me that maybe her former label knew something afterall.
But I *love* group sings, wild overnight rehearsals, and feuding contestants!! Letting contestants accompany themselves was a poor substitute.
I did notice that Ryan seemed to appear every five minutes to explain the new process. I was telling someone at work about this during lunch, and she said they are obviously afraid that it's too complex for their audience.
In closing: I don't see what's so great about David Archuletta. But maybe I'm just tired of hearing Bryan Adams songs. If it's not "Summer of '69," I'm not interested.