Idol Chit Chat: 5 Things "American Idol" Must Do Next Season

Quick, name this year's winner of  "American Idol." How about last year's?  The year before?

Okay, Scotty McCreery was pretty easy because he won just last week.

Last year?  A little tougher...oh yeah, Lee DeWyze.

But tell me, what does good old Lee look like?  Can't remember?  I wouldn't be surprised. 

First a little congrats to Scotty McCreery.  He seems like a nice kid and he'll sell a whole bunch of country records, so I wish him well.

I'll never listen to another thing he sings because that style of pure country just ain't my thing, but the kid's talented and good on him for winning.

Having said that, from this viewer's standpoint, this year's "Idol" was a big disappointment.  After starting out promising enough and coming up with a talented group of contenders, for some reason the show squeezed all that talent right out of them as soon as they became finalists.

During the auditions and Hollywood week, they took chances and they created memorable performances.  Once they hit the big stage, almost all of them became cookie cutter, ballad singing, nervous wrecks. 

Naima Adedapo took the most risks and was an excellent performer but her fusion of Elton John and reggae did her in.  Jacob Lusk had a fabulous, pure gospel voice, but his overtly gay mannerisms probably did him in.  James Durbin and Casey Abrams were the most entertaining performers, but Casey's evil beard and James' mix of metal and tears weren't what this year's voting public wanted.

Then there was the judging.  Or lack thereof.  Steven Tyler was a waste of time with his effusive compliments no matter how mediocre a performer was and though Randy tried to bring some honest critique to the table, too often he also got caught up in the lovefest.

The highlight of the season?  Jennifer Lopez.  She did herself and her career a whole lot of good by getting this gig, and with just a bit more honesty, will turn into a terrific judge.  Being treated to hubby Marc Anthony performing on the show was an added bonus.

But back to business.  Here are five things Nigel Lythgoe and his producing cohorts need to consider for next year to make this viewer happier:

1. Give the judges a good talking to.  Remind them that if they're going to say that everyone is wonderful, there's no reason for them to exist after the auditions and they'll be fired as soon as the final twelve are picked.
2. Limit the number of ballads.  I don't care if they have to have up-tempo nights or something, but they gotta get these kids off that ballad bandwagon and make them perform.  You listening Pia Toscano?
3. In the same vein, have a couple of "judges choice" nights where the judges choose songs for the performers. The only limitation being that the songs have to be of similar tempo or style.
4. Bring back more guest mentors.  Yeah, that producer guy who was mentor all season was supposed to be the "music industry expert," but viewers didn't care who he was and he added nothing to the proceedings.  On the other hand, Lady Gaga showing James Durbin how to shake his hips?  That stuff was priceless, and we need more of it.
5. Limit text voting.  Yeah, I know I'm spitting into the wind on this one, but the bobbysoxer vote has run amok and it's time to balance the voting so that the few remaining adults viewers feel their votes will count as much as the fourteen year old Bieber-babies.

I've said my peace.  Nigel, ya' listening?

Images Courtesy FOX

Idol Chit Chat: Casey Cracks It Open!

Like it or not people, Casey Abrams is the most talented and versatile of the seven Idols left.

He cracked Maroon 5's "Harder to Breathe" right out of the Idol park and once again should be safe for at least another week.

And kissing Jennifer Lopez on the cheek won't hurt him one little bit.

I love me some Jacob Lusk but like country boy Scotty McCreery and rocker James Durbin, he's a one genre singer. 

Not that they aren't very good, they are. But if I was to vote for the best overall talent, the most interesting and surprising, that can do a bunch of genres, that would be Casey.

James Durbin was very cool doing "Uprising" but once again, he's a rocker and not much else.  And I for one could have done without the screechy high notes.

I can just here Simon Cowell now, "It was kind of screechy, screaming..."

Simon...sigh.

Oh and Haley and Lauren, interchangeable boredom.

Image:  Frank MIcelotta / FOX

Idol Chit Chat: The Best of the 12 Gals

The top gals had their chance to take the stage on "Ameican Idol" last night and just off the top of my head, the best guys were better than the best gals.  Having said that, some of the gals came to play.  Here they are.

 

Top Six Gals

 

Karen Rodriguez:  I got scared when I heard her singing Mariah, but doing "Hero" in English and Spanish was brilliant and she did it brilliantly.

Naima Adedapo:  I got scared when I heard her singing "Summertime" but felt better when I heard the up-tempo jazzy arrangement.  And she was smokin' in that yellow dress.  This wasn't a blowout performance but I like Naima a whole lot and I can't wait to see her blow the roof off.

 

Idol Chit Chat: The Best of the 12 Guys

"American Idol" has kicked off with a bang and the final 12 guys took the stage.  Based on last night's performances, here are my picks:

 

Top Six Guys

Jacob Lusk:  This guy's got tons of talent and I can't wait to see what he brings to the "Idol" stage the rest of the season

Casey Abrams:  Talk about expressing the emotion of a song!  He put a spell on me all right.  Love me some Casey.

James Durbin:  I didn't know what the heck he was singing, but I knew he was singing it damn good.  This kid could go deep.

Idol Chit Chat: Top 24 - NY's Finest and Poor Casey Abrams

 

American Idol’s Tenth Season Top 24 celebrate at an event presented by Motorola, AT&T, FremantleMedia and 19 Entertainment

 

Well here they are ladies and gents, your top 24 for "American Idol" season 10! 

Has it really been 10 years that we've been watching this blasted show!? 

No sooner are they announced than one of the front runners, poor Casey Abrams is rushed to the hospital with stomach pains.  But never fear, it seems he was released in time to do a taping for the show and let's hope he stays healthy.

Idol Chit Chat: Two Years in a Row, "Idol" Gets It Wrong

People, what is with you "Idol" voters!?  Once again it seems the teenyboppers took over, got suckered in by a cute smile and their own over active hormones.

How else can you explain Lee DeWyze's win over Crystal Bowersox for the American Idol crown?  Just like last year with the win of Kris Allen over Adam Lambert, American got it wrong.  The best singer certainly did not win. 

And yeah, yeah, I know you're saying, but Megan, it's not a singing competition!  It's a popularity contest!

But even as a popularity contest, how the heck did Lee win?  Not only is he not half the singer Crystal is, like most of the contestants this season, he's boring.

He stands up there with that guitar and barely keeps me from yawning.  And when it comes to his off and on voice, U2 should ask for their song back after DeWyze butchered "Beautiful Day" on the final night of competition.

Real Life Getting in the Way of Blogging

Hey guys, just a quick note.  I know you long time readers have been wondering, where the heck are Megan's "Damages" recaps!?  And what about "Idol" Chit Chat!?

Well the truth is life has been a bit complicated lately and I don't have as much control over my time as I used to.  Family issues and the fact that I'm going to graduate school have caused me to have to cut back on my Megan's Minute posting schedule.

Unfortunately that means no "Damages" recaps this season and no "Idol" Chit Chat either.  That doesn't mean I won't post about "Damages" or "American Idol," it just means I won't be able to do it as regularly as I was.

That's the bad news.  The good news is this is all temporary.

Thanks for understanding and for being so supportive.

TV 2009: Major Moments, Major Madness

It's that time of year again.  Time to reflect on favorite TV moments and madness of 2009.  I personally had a lot of favorite shows this year: "Lost," "24," "House," "Dexter," "True Blood," "Battlestar Galactica," "Mad Men" to name just a few.

"Flash Forward" had a cool concept and a few good episodes, but it needs to retool itself before coming back in March.  The same thing goes for "V," though at least "V" is a pretty basic good guy/bad alien show that's hard to mess up.  

We were up to our scrubs in TV nurses which caused me to ask the question, "What if Nurse "Hawthorne" Were White and "Nurse Jackie" Were Black?"

Here are some more of my 2009 boob tube thoughts:

Biggest Surprises:  Glee, The Good Wife and Drop Dead Diva.  All quality shows with charismatic stars--Matthew Morrison, Julianna Margulies, Brooke Elliott--and in the case of "Glee" some kick ass musical numbers.

Biggest Disappointment:  Dollhouse.  Joss, I love ya' but here's hoping your next one's more well thought out.

Sweetest New Character:  Arizona Robbins (Jessica Capshaw) on "Grey's Anatomy."  She's the freshest thing about "Grey's" since McSteamy showed up and I love her to death.  The episode "Invest in Love" when she loses her young patient and does the sweet dreams speech with his mother at the end had me sobbing like a baby.

Did Adam Lambert Go Too Far on the AMAs? Nah! (Video)

Dear Adam,

It's me, Megan.  You know, I write those "Idol Chit Chats."  We met briefly in New York right after you lost the American Idol title to that other guy, Allen what's his name.  You were so nice and sweet. 

But you weren't showing off that sweet side the other night on the American Music Awards, were you?  Simulated man on man oral sex!  Man on man open mouthed kissing!  Right there on the live ABC stage!

Oh the humanity!

Now, just between us, I still love you.  I thought the performance was actually pretty cool.  Even though I've had to defend you all over the place the last couple of days.  After all it was at the end of the show.  Any kiddies should have long since been in bed. 

And honestly, the worst part about the simulated oral sex was it was bad choreography.  There is nothing about simulated sex on stage that's actually well, sexy.  Didn't anybody learn that from Madonna and the wedding dress masturbation act?

By the way, did those 1500 people who called ABC to complain about you miss Janet Jackson's crotch grabbing during her opening number?  Little Sis took a page out of poor Michael's book but the effect was the same.  Not. Sexy.

Now that kiss with the keyboard guy?  Absolutely sexy!  Ever since "Brokeback Mountain," this heterosexual lady has come to appreciate sexy guy on guy action.  And that kiss?  Hotty, McHot!

Also, are you okay?  I saw you fall on the stage and do that little tumble and roll to cover it up.  Hoping you're not sore today.  If you are, put some ice on it.

"Idol" Chit Chat: Ellen DeGeneres Replaces Paula

On her daytime talk show, she's known for her dancing, but come January, comedienne Ellen DeGeneres will be a very influential figure in the singing world.  That's because it was announced by Fox that DeGeneres will take over the judge slot vacated several weeks ago by Paula Abdul on "American Idol."

From the Fox press release,

“I’m thrilled to be the new judge on AMERICAN IDOL,” said DeGeneres. ”I’ve watched since the beginning, and I’ve always been a huge fan. So getting this job is a dream come true, and think of all the money I’ll save from not having to text in my vote.”

“I could not be more excited to have Ellen join the AMERICAN IDOL family,” said creator and executive producer Simon Fuller. “Ellen has been a fan of the show for many years, and her love of music and understanding of the American public will bring a unique human touch to our judging panel. I can’t wait for this next season to begin.”

What do I think?

I think it's an interesting choice.  With Ellen, "Idol" gets back as many, if not more viewers than they might have lost with Paula leaving.  Ellen also brings the "nice" factor that so many "Idol" viewers liked about Paula.  Hopefully without Paula's truly off the wall wackiness.

And let's face it, Ellen will be entertaining because she's funny, but at the same time as long as that fourth judge is still there, the one who shall remain nameless, Ellen won't have much time to talk.

The other down side, as far as I know, Ellen doesn't have a clue about pitchiness, vocal ranges, or octaves.  On the other hand, I'm sure she can pull off the following lines very well:

• "You look beautiful tonight.

• "Your song choice wasn't the best, but you look beautiful tonight.

• "You're coming into being you, as yourself grows into the singer that you can grow with your inner singer and...er, you look really, really beautiful tonight.

• Simon, get your hand off my thigh.

Ellen, welcome to "Idol."

"Idol" Chit Chat: Top Ten Things I'll Miss About Paula Abdul

So "American Idol" judge Paula Abdul either made the worst decision of her life or decided anonymity was better than sitting next to Simon Cowell on a judging panel for another year.

She announced, via Twitter no less:

With sadness in my heart, I’ve decided not to return to #IDOL. I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent, but most of all...I’ll miss nurturing all the new talent,but most of all being a part of a show that I helped from day1become an international phenomenon.I do without any doubt have the BEST fans in the entire world and I love you all.

Ryan Seacrest responded with his own tweet:

about to go to sleep when I started seeing my blackberry blow up. I have read what u have read and I am shocked and saddened about paula

Ain't Twitter grand?

Of course Paula's departure was about money and respect, or lack thereof--and "Idol" producers adding that Kara chick, I'm sure didn't help.

Look, Paula isn't the brightest star in the heavens but when it comes to "American Idol" she was part of a winning formula that the show's producers have decided to toy with at their peril.  Yeah, she might have turned down a decent offer, but the producers should have worked harder to keep her.

On the other hand, Kara's lame and adds absolutely nothing to the dynamics of the show.  But it appears to be a done deal, so Paula's departure leaves open these ten questions: 

"Idol" Chit Chat: My Close Encounter with Adam! And Did AT&T Help Kris Allen Fans Cheat?

 

Don't hate me, but be very, very jealous.   Why? 

Because I had a close encounter with Adam Lambert and even exchanged words with the glam "American Idol" runner-up! 

I know I overuse the word cute--but he's so cuuuuuute!

His eyes are much more piercing in person and he's got that same lanky swagger that he does on stage.  He was wearing a white jacket and grey t-shirt and had on his famous black stud earrings. 

My encounter happened right after he'd completed an interview during his recent whirlwind press junket to New York.  I watched as he did the interview and once done, I squealed louder than the teeny boppers surrounding him.

"Idol" Chit Chat: Adam Lambert's Mad World

Adam Lambert and Kris Allen had their vocal duel for the "American Idol" crown and honestly no matter what the judges tried to pretend, it wasn't even close.

Kris Allen is likable, he's talented and he's a decent singer, but I'm sorry folks, if America votes on talent alone, Adam Lambert should be the next American Idol. 

The excitement when Adam is on stage is rock star quality already and Kris simply can't match that.  Add to that a magnificent voice he can control at will, and the kid is a winner.

The closest Kris came to giving Adam any worries on the final night of competition was during his performance of "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone." 

Here's my view of how the evening shook out:

Round 1, Singer's Choice

Adam Sang:  "Mad World."

Verdict:  It was heart wrenching and incredibly beautiful.  Adam had me and the audience, smack in the  middle of his palm until the very last note.  Simon was wrong about it being too theatrical.  I think he just said that so it wouldn't look like an Adam lock. 

Kris sang: "Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone."

Verdict:  It was done as well as Kris could do it.  He was expressive while giving the song his own special spin. 

Round 1 Goes To:  Adam Lambert.

Round 2, Simon Fuller's Choice

Adam Sang:  "Change Is Gonna Come."

Verdict:  The guy's got the full package and he brought it on this song.  It was soulful and riveting.

Kris Sang:  "What's Going On?"

Verdict:  Simon had it just right when he said it was like a couple of guys sitting around their basement strumming to some Marvin Gaye.  The performance was dismal and at this stage of the game Kris needed to do make an impact with the song and he didn't.

Round 2 Goes To:  Adam Lambert.

Round 3, Winner's Song Co-Written By The Fourth Judge

The Song:  "No Boundaries." 

Verdict:  The song was okay.  No worse than last year's song and no better.  It does what it's supposed to do which is to bring tears to the eyes of the person who sings it after they win and to the eyes of the viewers watching.  It starts low, builds to a crescendo, talks about mountains and valleys and dreams and success, and it holds us for a moment...and then it ends. 

Standard "Idol" song formula.  I could compose it at this point.  In fact, next year I should.

Adam's Version:  The kid's a star and it showed even with this mediocre song.  I loved every minute of it.

Kris' Version:  I really like the way Kris began the song, but then the song got too big for his singing britches.  Notice how the judges glossed over that by saying how the song was too high for him?  Well what the heck did they use it for?  The fourth judge even told viewers to judge Kris on the entire season and not that song.

I ask again, well what the heck did they use it for?

Round 3 Goes To:  Adam Lambert.

Final Thoughts: 

• I found it interesting Simon Fuller chose classic R&B songs.  Don't know what that means, just found it interesting.

• As usual, Simon hated the "compose by numbers" winner's song, but for the first time ever, we didn't have to hear him complain about the song.  He just judged the contestant's version of it.  I think we're making progress.

• For once it didn't seem to matter that Kris chose to sing last.  Whether he sang before him or after, Adam would have blown Kris out of the water, just like he did.

Predictions

Should Win:  Adam Lambert.

Will Win:  Drum roll, please.............Adam Lambert.

And did you hear what Ryan said?  The show will go over so set your DVRs accordingly or you might miss Adam's big finish.

Photo CR: Frank Micelotta / FOX.

"Idol" Chit Chat: Three Go In, Two Come Out

Time is short so I'm gonna make this brief. 

I didn't like any of the performances last night.  The only good judges' song pick was Paula's for Danny Gokey and though we're all impressed that Simon has Bono's personal cellphone number, he could have saved the effort 'cause Adam's version of U2's excellent, "One," was awful.

I still love him and I still think he should win, but if he's upset, it;'ll be because of that performance.

Danny's "Dance Little Sister" wasn't bad, but I'm not a member of the Danny Gokey fan club.  Danny's "You Are So beautiful?"  You are so boring.

Randy and Kara picked "Apologize" for Kris Allen, but they must have been trying to sink him with that lousy pick.  And thank you, thank you Simon for saying, after Kara criticized Kris, "You can't choose a song for him and then blame him for doing the song!" 

He was absolutely right.   

The only good contestant pick, which was also performed well, was Kris Allen singing "Heartless."

Predictions

Should Go Home: Kris Allen

Will Go Home:  Danny Gokey

Might Go Home If Kris Allen's Home Girls Get In Gear:  Adam Lambert, but I really, really, really don't think so.

How's that for hedging my bets?

"Idol" Chit Chat: Adam & Allison Rock The House

Last week we lost Matt Giraud, but that was only right since America and I agreed--again!

This week was rock and roll and they had Slash, formerly of the band Guns and Roses mentoring the Idols.

Now I gotta tell ya', I don't know nothin' about Slash.  I never listened to Guns and Roses and most of that heavy metal crap was just noise to me.  Having said that, listening to Slash play guitar told me the man's got skills.

Best Of The Night:  Adam Lambert.  So people, what else is new?  The producers of Idol should just start recording his album now so it can be ready to drop the night he wins.  I hate "Whole Lotta Love" by the way, but not when Adam sang it.  Once again, a take no prisoners, fabulous performance.

Worst Of The Night:  Kris Allen.  And again this week, he wasn't that bad.  I think "Come Together" was an excellent song for him and he gave it his all.  It's just that he's like a steam engine in a race with bullet trains:  totally out run.

Wish She'd Picked A Different Song:  Allison Iraheta.  Not that she sang "Cry Baby" badly, because I thought it was pretty good, but I wanted to see her rock out kinda like she did in her duet with Adam.

Best Moment Of The Night:  Speaking of rocking out with Adam, after they finished their blow the roof off rendition of"Slow Ride," they shared this awesome hug on stage.  You could tell they were both like, can you believe we're up here with the lights and the band and all these people rockin' out!?   Talk about a genuine moment.  It was great.

Best Slasher Film Scream:  Danny Gokey.  Simon stole the words right out of my mouth when he said Danny's screaming at the end of "Dream On" sounded like something from a "Friday the 13th" movie.  Personally I thought he should play the lead in a movie called, "I Know What You Sang Last Summer."

On a totally different note, can someone tell me why Simon doesn't jump down Danny's pants about the stupid glasses and the pin striped vest on rock and roll night!?  Let Allison put one fashion foot wrong and he's all up in her grill--as Jamie Foxx would say--but Fashion Pokey Gokey gets nothin'!

Could it be--sexism?

Predictions

Should Go Home:  Kris Allen

Will Go Home:  Kris Allen

Let's hear it again for Ricky Minor and the band that just won't quit!