Ok, I admit it. I watch American Idol.
I hate it, I love it.
I actually thought that the show had jumped the shark and I certainly didn’t have any positive expectations driving me to tune in.
So, I skipped it. Didn’t bother…
But, Heather had set the DVR and she watched it the next day. She started telling me about it so I decided to watch the 2nd episode last night.
I kinda’ hate to admit it..but I thought it was great! I kinda’ miss Simon because he actually evaluates like a bona-fide record executive. But the positive attitude of actual recording artists was refreshing. Steven Tyler is an amazing entertainer period. I thought I would be irritated by Jennifer Lopez…not at all. It’s easy to write her off as a tabloid starlet who got lucky….but seeing her in action proves to me that she’s a pro. I haven’t mentioned Randy because I have always thought he was killer. That hasn’t changed. Randy was an A&R man & Producer for Colombia Records, he played bass for Journey for awhile and was an in-demand session musician. He’s got clout.
My family and most of my friends know that I hate 99% of TV. If I’m the only one home, it’s not on. If it is, it means I have some news show on in the background. But I can’t just sit and give a box that I can’t interact with 30-60 minutes of my time. However, I tune in every year for AI. I don’t watch it with the hopes of the world getting a long term artist out of the deal (Do you even remember Lee what’s his name who won last year?), but, I do get entertainment and a chance to root for the underdog on occasion. Don’t get me wrong, there are the exceptions- Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Daughtry..they have shot far beyond the shows SuperNova effect with talent and drive. But for the most part, we have a popularity contest mostly driven not by the Nickelodeon set as you would imagine..but by (according to available data) 30-45 year old women. I confess to texting a vote or two myself along the way.
Anyway..I look forward to this season. If you hate the show you probably still do…but if you are a fan..you will likely really dig the “new” American Idol season. It’s entertaining without being mean.
Now if we can just get all the different cable news entertainers to adopt the same idea…
Love Wins!
jamie