American Idol Judges' Showcase Week

Last night's Hollywood auditions looked more like a show for the American Idol judges. It appears that the producers are revamping the show and do not want the viewers to hear the voices of the contestants that make it through to the next round.


I will not recap the performances until the judges pick the finalists, because to do so I would have to go to the American Idol website to see the list. I only saw a few auditions last night, before the judges rushed the groups off the stage without hearing them sing.


In the last few seasons, I was able to pick my choice for the winner of American Idol from their first auditions. I think it will take months for me to pick a favorite this season.

 Ellen DeGeneres was entertaining and funny, as expected, but I am surprised that she is going to be part of the selection process. Although, I think that may be what they want us to think.


The judges are laying it on thick this year. They are making more comments, expressing more of their disappointment with the performances. This bothers me more this season than any other. The judges act surprised by the lack of talent, yet they are the ones who let them through to Hollywood. I believe this is a ploy as well, to give us a taste of what is ahead for this season. They do not need the ratings, so why change something if it is already working.


My criteria for a contestant to become a finalist differ from what the judges' want. Any contestant who forgets the lyrics to a Motown song should get the boot, in my opinion. Even though Motown music became popular long before these contestants were born, if they are trying to pass themselves off as serious singers or performers, how could they not know the words to Motown songs?

The next thing I look for in an Idol finalist is their humility. I never like the ones who announce that this is their chance, or that this is what they have been waiting for. If you are as good as you think you are then someone would have noticed before you auditioned for American Idol. Personally, I like the ones who are overwhelmed by the accolades they receive from the judges. Coincidentally, these are also the ones, in my humble opinion, who have the most talent.


I dislike the side remarks from the judges regarding the contestants' occupations, as in the case of the "waitress". Simon implied his surprise at the talent of someone who is only a waitress. I guess he never heard the stories about starlets discovered in soda shops. Kara definitely shows her dislike for many of the pretty girls who audition. Even if the contestant is a fabulous singer, she compliments her attitude or the way she dresses, and I keep waiting for her to add, "And you have a wonderful voice".

I think her comments are demeaning at times, and the one thing that Ellen will do for me is to counteract Kara.


I think last night's American Idol episode was for the audience to see more of the judges and a sneak peek into how the judging process will go this season. I cannot wait until they pick the finalists and let the audience start deciding, which is the original premise of American Idol in the first place. I want to get to know the contestants on American Idol, but that seems to be taking longer than it did in previous seasons.

After reading my review on last night's American Idol, you may ask yourself why I bother to watch at all. That one is easy to answer; I am addicted to American Idol, as all viewers are who watch.