Armed Forces Idol!

I seem to remember feeling this way after last season’s premiere. Total boredom and disbelief that this is the most important thing happening in the world right now. And like seasons before, I know this feeling will pass and the true idols will emerge, but after one night all I can simply do is Yawn.

The poor state of Minnesota. Their visitor’s commission will need a lifetime of good PR to undo what ‘Idol’ did for their state. Their lack of talent didn’t help any.

Episode one did however give me hope for the next great ‘Idol’ spin-off. Armed Forces Idol! After the success of the USS Reagan Idol winner Jared and camouflaged Rachel, I think there is enough premise for a whole show. I’d watch that. They should visit towns where the troops are. Baghdad Idol. Kabul Idol. Shows like that would do more to boost troop morale than any Bush speech.

Some other observations:

I learned that I have no idea what I am listening to. When Matt Sato came on (he had that thing on his nose) I just started laughing. As soon as he was done my wife said “Finally. After 90 minutes someone who sounds good.” I thought he’d be gone in a blink. I was wrong (surprisingly not the first time I was wrong and my wife was right).

Randy is trying to be Simon, again.

Poor Ryan Seacrest. One night I watch him on the red carpet with stars. The next night he is consoling jugglers and a ‘super fan’ who looked just like Meatloaf.

Jewel? Seriously, Jewel as a judge? Has anyone ever listened to an entire Jewel album and thought “Wow. That is a great singer.” She has had some nice pop songs but go download the song “Pieces of You” off her first album of the same name. Conversation over.

As for who advanced, none of them stood out. There was Shakira Jr. and the country girl, both of who will stick around for a while. I only hope the best is yet to come.