Fox: Judges aren't mean

For days now, articles have been popping up all over the place saying that "American Idol" judges, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson have been unusually cruel (Paula Abdul has not been quite as vicious, but that could just be due to all the drugs she is rumored to be on).

And now Fox has decided to respond to all the chatter.

According to The Associated Press, Peter Liguori, Fox entertainment president, dismissed the reports, and said that he's heard from people who feel the show has actually been toned down. For the full article, click here.

The only question I have is this... Why do people care so much this season? No one was up in arms last season when, after letting plus-sized Mandeesa through to Hollywood, Simon said, "We'll have to get a bigger stage."

Could it be that America is starting to tire of Simon's inexplicable need to put people down? I sure hope so - it would be nice to see the judges get back to the show's orginal premise - the singing.

Tough love

There's a spate of articles about how American Idol is meaner this year--how Simon's made some really unforgivable remarks, how contestants have been reduced to tears. Topped by that arbiter of all things cultural (and Long Island girl) Rosie O'Donnell going off on her favorite topic of body image and all that on her View show.

To which I say: put a sock in it, folks. This is the way the audition rounds have always been--anyone who says otherwise either has never watched Idol, or else is letting their memories of the later rounds cloud what actually happens at the audition stage. It's no meaner at this stage this year than it's ever been.

And I would even argue it's not mean enough.

Idol shows two types of people early: contestants who are good, and contestants who are bad. They don't make fun of the good people.

Of the contestants who are bad, there are again two types: Those who know it, and those who are deluded.

Neither group, in my mind, deserves much in the way of sympathy. If you know you're not any good but you're auditioning for Idol in some weird get-up or with some insane voice just in hopes of getting on tv--well, welcome to tv!

You're putting yourself out there; so you're going to get made fun of. Defend yourself, if you can--otherwise, hey, at least you're on tv, right?

Now if you're not any good but don't know it, then you're deluded. Sure, your family/friends deserve some of the blame, but in the end it's your own fault if you think you're at Idol-level but actually fall waaaay short.

Which is the case for Meerkat Boy and his sidekick Belly Boy; Weird Red, Pink Girl, The Non-hotness, Super-nerd, Urban Amish, Cowardly Lion and the rest of the Minneapolis and Seattle misfits (maybe they should all get sent to an island).

I mean, you go audition for a competition that's produced Grammy winners (and soon an Oscar winner too), dressed as a lion or with a voice that could split stone, and you expect people to respect you?

Come on, people--have some respect for Idol.

If nothing else, have some respect for your fellow competitors, who have put in years of hard work--you think singing well is easy, something you roll out of bed with?!--and who deserve more of the spotlight.

If it weren't for the delusions of these fools who are so self-unaware that someone telling them the simple fact that they can't sing can reduce them to tears, Rosie would have time to rave about the Malakar siblings... or maybe she'd be pretending to do their accent or something (which since they're Americans they don't have, but Rosie's not exactly known for her powers of observation, is she).

It's not like American Idol is going out in public with their cameras and focusing it on people and then ripping them... although given Simon's creativity and Randy's directness, America's Got Freaks would be a pretty funny show. I imagine Paula rolling on the floor hysterically while saying she's shocked! shocked!

These contestants--many of whom, by the way, have horribly hostile attitudes and were apparently raised in barns--are asking, in some cases begging, to be judged.

Well, if you can sing or can at least don't sing too badly, Simon et al will give you an assessment of your musical abilities. They've got something to work with in those cases--if you pay attention, you know the judges never rip people who can sing but just not well enough, they encourage them to come back next year or to get a vocal coach.

But if you can't sing at all--what's a judge to do? Again, remember, this isn't the later rounds, where everyone can sing and the comments can be more constructive.

We're talking about people who are literally tone-deaf--and don't know it! Who have no chance of ever making it in the shallow world of pop music--and don't know it! Who have an absolute lack of musical knowledge and no respect for how hard it is to be a musician--and don't know it!

Under those circumstances, I applaud Simon and Randy (and sometimes Paula) for searing them. Nobody else in their life apparently has ever gotten through to them before; maybe this'll be something they remember and be enough to break through their wall of unawareness.

In some ways, the judges are the most caring people they've ever met. At least they're telling them to snap out of their delusion and do something real with their life that they actually may have a chance to succeed at.

Heck, maybe one day one of them can host a morning tv show.

Past "Idol" arrest... shocking

I knew it was inevitable, but who knew it would happen so quickly?

TMZ.com is reporting that Thomas Daniels, the first person to get a ticket to Hollywood on last night's episode, has a record. Are you shocked? Really? If you are, you haven't been watching "Idol" for too long.

According to TMZ.com, Daniels was arrested in 2004 for drunken driving and was sentenced to a one-year alcohol diversion program and ordered to pay a fine. Then in 2005, he was arrested again, this time in connection with a hit and run accident. Click here for the full article.

Tell me something good

After the Minneapolis kick-off on Tuesday, this Midwestern gal was hanging her head in shame. Who were these (mostly) deluded people trying their luck and embarrassing themselves?

Then Seattle happened, and I no longer have any reason to be embarrassed of my fellow corn-fed compatriots. The competition in Seattle was, well.... good TV? Read the full article here, which includes some of the more interesting quotes of the night.

I generally agree with the other opinions on this blog -- the Indian siblings were endearing and talented, Jordin's singing was beautiful, and she hit those high notes perfectly. The 'bush baby,' Red and Misha were like nothing I have ever seen before.

On to more important business...

Poll Update: There are now 995 votes!!! And you all out there have spoken -- with 644 votes, Simon Cowell is your favorite judge. Check it out here.

While this poll will stay live, I'd like to hear from you. What do you want to ask? As soon as I get some input, up goes a new poll before next weeks 'Idol.' See, using the interactivity of the Web right here.

A comment is all it takes -- and the next poll question is...

Lucky 13

As someone who's been watching Idol since its first year, it's always interesting to me how you can pick out the people who will do well pretty early. There's just something about them--helped along, no doubt, by favorable editing from the AI staff.

Of course they have to have a good voice; it doesn't hurt to be attractive either. But usually there's also a certain energy present, confidence without cockiness. And most importantly, likeability--with certain people you just want to see them again, and find yourself rooting for them.

Approximately 20,000 people auditioned in the two cities they've shown this week. 17 made it out of Minneapolis, and 14 out of Seattle. Of the 31 contestants from this pool we'll see in Hollywood, the producers highlighted 13.

Below are the 13, in my order of preference. It's not a sure bet that the top 24 and then top 12 will be drawn from the contestants highlighted in the audition round--Bo Bice was famously not shown two years ago. But by and large you need early exposure in order to build a fan base.

So here's some exposure:

1) Sanjaya and Shyamali Malakar, Seattle: For me, the Indian-American brother and sister duo was the clear standout from the first week of audition shows. They've got tons of that elusive likeability factor--plus they're both attractive kids with big smiles, good hair and good voices. Their dad was a classical Indian musician, so they've got the background as well.

Simon nailed it when he said Sanjaya's got a better voice than his sister, but she's got the stronger stage presence (spunk, I'd call it). They came across as genuinely fun siblings who tease and are close to each other; the energy of that dynamic helps them stand out even more.

2) Sarah Krueger, Minneapolis: She had Keri Russellish hair, instant likeability, and a good attitude. Warm, big voice, even if she did sing Somewhere Over the Rainbow. Seems like a pro without being arrogant; totally the type of contestant that does well.

3) Jordin Sparks, Seattle: She has it, from the second you see her you know--the brightness and energy that plays well in any setting. Big voice and good poise. While she was singing Simon whispered to Randy she's the best we've seen here. Then in typical Simon fashion he zoned in on her "weird smile"--which I liked, thought it conveyed the way she is, young and natural (and nervous). Her dad, incidentally, is Phillippi Sparks, the ex-Giants cornerback.

4) Michelle Steingas, Minneapolis: A blonde teen cut from the Kellie Pickler cloth, she's totally likeable and came across as a typical wholesome Midwesterner. Decent voice; but as Simon said, her main thing is she has a great attitude, and people will like her for that.

5) Matt Sato, Minneapolis: The guy who did California Dreaming and said his parents didn't really support his singing. I liked his voice; he had good control of it. And he's got that extra factor that makes you root for him. When he called his mom to tell her he made it he started crying; totally nice kid.

6) Denise Jackson, Minneapolis: She was born a crack baby; had a very intense look in her eyes. She wasn't easy to listen to (she's the one who belted out I'm Telling You, from Dreamgirls) but definitely has a lot of raw potential, in addition to a great story.

7) Thomas Daniels, Seattle: The guy with the afro, Daniels--who said he slept outside overnight in the audition line--carries himself well and has a nice, mellow voice. He was a little off-key on some of his high notes, but good enough that I thought it odd this was his third time auditioning in four years. I wonder what kept him from making it to Hollywood before.

8) Jarrod Fowler, Minneapolis: The Navy guy, who is instantly likeable (although you get the feeling he tries a bit too hard). He had a decent voice, but mostly it's about the story with him--as others have noted, the first week had a definite military sub-theme.

9) Rachel Jenkins, Minneapolis: Husband's in Iraq, she's in the reserves (and wore her fatigues). Very down-to-earth, works in her parents' auto body shop. Her voice is big, Katharine McPheeish--she'll do well on the ballads.

10) Blake Lewis, Seattle: The Beat-box champ with a spiky hairdo. I thought he sang off-key, but had good energy and a good demeanor; and they showed a great moment with his dad getting emotional after he made it, and Blake talking about how much his dad means to him. He's a nice kid, raised well.

11) Rudy Cardenas, Seattle: Originally from Venezeula, seemed a bit cocky in his leather jacket but a sweet voice (off-key in parts to my ear). He wasn't on screen much, so not much to say.

12) Anna Kearns, Seattle: The 6'4 African American woman, who danced a bit like a stork but had good energy. I felt she shouted more than sang; Randy and Paula took a shine to her, after they voted Simon said, "You just put through a giraffe".

13) Perla Meneses, Minneapolis: Originally from Colombia, Ryan said if nothing else she's gonna flirt her way to Hollywood. There's definitely something wild and crazy about her; you kindof gotta watch her just to see what she does (a bit like the infamous Mikalah, but without her voice). Judges put her through on the strength of her doing Shakira--I definitely think AI is going to try and tap into the Hispanic market this year, so it made sense on that level.

Did we really need two days in Seattle?

Day 1 in Seattle:

I would have started by writing about Brandon from Kentucky, who came out in an Uncle Sam outfit to sing "God Bless America, " but his appearance was too short and before I knew it, he was over, and I was looking at The Hotness.

Yes, you read correctly - The Hotness. That's what she calls herself. It was more like hot mess, if you ask me. She was awful. Her hair, her makeup, her dress, her boots - it was all wrong. And notice that I haven't yet mentioned her voice. I'm thinking it's best that I just leave that alone. No need to embarrass her any further.


Oh Lord. All I can say about Darwin, the "blonde bombshell" is please send me your address - I will gladly buy you a gift certificate to Victoria's Secret. You could use the support.

OK, first fantastic moment of the night... I didn't catch her name, but there was one woman on this show that was realistic and honest, and I loved it. She goes in, sings terribly and then as she finishes, she says, "Bad." At least she heard herself - a lot of these folks don't seem to have that ability. It was quite refreshing.

Yes! The brother-sister team are just ridiculously adorable. And Shyamali - the sister - was really good. Finally, someone to get behind... She and her brother are a great story - I'm sure America would love to see them compete, so I'm guessing they'll be around for a while. And how cute that the brother didn't tell his sister how the judges told him he was way better ( he was way better, too). He just melts my heart. I look forward to seeing them, for sure.

And now the moment is over... I can't believe the judges let Nicholas from Utah sing "Unchained Melody" almost in its entirety. It was long, it was odd and it was awkward. And then he comes out all Forrest Gump, saying he may never sing again and then adds, "That's all I have to say about that." I felt a little bad for him since he seemed pretty hurt by their comments, but not really.

Rodolfo from California, via Venezuela, sings Journey's "Open Arms" and Simon immediately says no... There's the first sign that Simon has lost his mind completely. Now, I admit to a certain bias - he's a Latin boy and he's quite yummy ... I can't lie about it. There's a slight possibility I would be reduced to giggles in his presence. And, oh, did I completely forget about the singing? The singing was pretty good too. But really, I'd just like to look at him for a few weeks.

Day 2:

I think this Kenneth guy, who looked more like an alien than a monkey to me, may be what kills my love for *NSync and Justin Timberlake. He actually broke into the routine from the "Tearin' Up My Heart" video. I somehow doubt former *NSync members would be flattered by the imitation.

Anna's most interesting trait - the fact that she's crazy tall. And in my opinion, that's the only reason they let her through. She sang too loud and it just wasn't great. But it does mean lots of shots with her standing next to Ryan, which is just hilarious, so I'm willing to accept her presence... for now.

Jordan, 16, from Arizona... love her. She's adorable - has a beautiful smile, gorgeous hair. And thank the Lord!!! She can sing! It's always tough to sing songs by artists like Celine Dion, but she didn't try to imitate her - she just sang it in her own way. I admit to agreeing with Simon - it was a bit too sugar-coated... but still, she's great.

What can you really say about Red? He scares me. He says he's kind of like Freddie Mercury, who also scares me, but at least Mercury had the voice. And I'm puzzled - what happened to Red's teeth? I spent the entire time he was onscreen trying to figure out what happened to his other front tooth... Did it fall out - is it chipped? What's the deal?

And I need to know... does anyone else love it when Simon completely rips people apart and then tells them that he's not being rude? Cracks me up every time!

Thank God for Donal and Dolan

I, like everyone on Long Island, am a Cablevision subscriber. For the first time I can remember, I am happy about that. At precisely 9 p.m., thanks to their lame DVR box that makes choose between shows that you are recording, my TV jumped from ‘Idol’ to ABC’s ‘Knights of Prosperity.’

I’ve chosen the record ‘Knights’ because I have yet to see Donal Logue in something that I didn’t think was funny. I realize that I may be the only one that feels this way, but ‘Knights’ follows in the footsteps of his last great show, ‘Grounded for Life,’ and a funny role in ‘Just Like Heaven.’ If you still don’t know whom I am talking about, Donal was Jimmy the cab driver in the “I want my MTV” commercials.

Anyway, the show started with an American Idol-esque performance of its own as the gang performed Rush’s ‘Tom Sawyer’ hysterically. It was better than anything I saw from Seattle.

Thanks Cablevision.

Biggest premiere ever

Looks like last night's 'Idol' had the largest audience of ANY past 'Idol' premiere.

Tuesday's show drew an estimated 37.3 million viewers, according to preliminary ratings from Nielsen Media Research. Read the full article here.

More than 800 total votes tallied for 'Who's your favorite 'Idol' judge?' poll ... is your favorite in the lead? Vote here and check the current stats.

Only hours away from another exciting night!!!

Harold and Kumar go to AI6: Seattle?

After watching "24" and "Law & Order: SVU" this week I am 36% sure Kal Penn will be the special guest on tonight's episode from Seattle. (If you missed both shows, think Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle)

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.

Why didn't they just unlock the left door?

If I'm mean, I blame it on Simon. I'll start from the top of the show:

• Okay, The Who is awesome, but using "Baby O'Riley" to open American Idol 6 was a mistake. A very 2006 way to promote a TV show.
  
  
• Jewel...what happened to her? I don't know, but she still looks good.
  
  
• How old do you think the first girl was? At first I thought she had to be 16/17...but she's a makeover artist? I would let a teenager give anyone I know a makeover. Also, why did they do a profile of her at work, etc. etc. Why not me?
  
  
• Wow. Awful. Jessica. Watching her cry made me want to be a judge. Does this mean I have no heart? Great job to Randy and Simon for laying the smack.
  
  
• Could you imagine if every audition took that long? They'd have an American Idol for every decade if Fox was lucky.
  
  
• So I was wondering how I would fare if I tried out for this show. I am fully aware I cannot sing, but I love to sing. I'm the guy you'll see in the car singing his heart out. I think I would have sounded like guy in the blue sweater vest (I would never wear that blue sweater vest). Although I can't sing, I do rule at Guitar Hero 2 (I can slay some songs on the orginal version as well).
  
  
• What's with the door? Unlock both of them. Some kind of fire code definitely was broken there...
  
  
• Wow, that girl Denise could sing with attitude. I loved it.
  
  
• Margate, Florida...hometown of the girl who sang Blondie and Shakira. That's my old turf. I have an early favorite. But that polka dot belt has to go.
  
  
• The guy who said he's like Johnny Cash looks like a dorky Jake Gyllenhaal. I've been told I look like Gyllenhaal, but I'm clearly not a dork (Non-dorks blog about American Idol, clearly). He actually kind of sounds like Cash though...How demoralizing is it when the judges call your true appearance a shtick? Man, that's a blow. At least he went out the right door.
  
  
• Top Gun music. Best part of the show. But how bad was the USS Reagan Ryan Seacrest? Points for trying I guess. That guy who sang "Bless the Broken Road" was good though. Reminded me of Josh Gracin.
  
  
• Security should have escorted the Wizard of Oz girl out of the building and taken her straight to a padded room. Perfect retort by Simon, as always: "But what am I supposed to say?" THEY DIDN'T EVEN WANT THE POSTER!!
  
  
• I don't know about Simon throwing Randy under the bus like that with the vocal teacher.
  
• New favorite moment. Guy in the red shirt is crying about them being mean (give me a break), the camera pans to the girl next to him. She looked like she just saw her cat get drowned.
  
  
• "I don't know why I was fired." ...I don't know why you were hired in the first place.
  
  
• The kid whose parents don't love him can sing, but it sounds like he has a cold. I bet his parents will love him now that he's going to Hollywood. Well, his dad might not love him because he cried like that.
  
  
• Two for two on the military singers. I loved that girl's voice (like Simon, at the beginning).
  
  
• They haven't showed anyone that the judges disagreed on yet. Boring.
  
  
• Why didn't the juggling kid say "oops, I dropped something" when he dropped something. He could be on America's Got Braces (rimshot). He should never show his face at high school again. I don't care if that's cruel.
  
  
• I think the headphones I was using crapped out when Brenna sang "Under Pressure." Simon rules so much...he said her going on is pointless. Amazing.
  

I'm done. The doors better be unlocked in Seattle. It got old.

Minneapolis

Well, "American Idol" won me over again - and it happened even before anyone sang. All they had to do was flash Prince on the screen for five minutes and I fell in love all over again. I had a mini heart attack the night of last season's finale when Prince made his "surprise" appearance and it was awesome to see them replay it, however briefly, and then begin their search in his hometown of Minneapolis.

Jewel, who could really use a hit of her own right about now, appears as a guest judge, most likely to promote her newest album, "Goodbye Alice in Wonderland."

First up is Jessica - of course, a huge fan of Jewel. I almost cried along with her - her humiliation was so devastating, I almost didn't recover myself. You would think that if you're going to sing your idol's song right in front of her face, you would at least be able to carry a tune. Bless her little heart - she sounded like a cross between Cher and Elvis. And then she breaks down, as if she's surprised they rejected her??? But great news!! She says she's not going to stop, so maybe we'll see her again...

Jesse Holloway... um, huh? I know he said something about being unique and loving music, but I'm pretty sure he didn't speak a full, coherent sentence in there. And then he tries to sing Celine Dion's "My Heart Will Go On" in a whisper. Wait... did he just interrupt himself to go get some water? OK, I'm done with him...

Charles Monroe, dressed as Apollo Creed, decides to sing in Italian? Oh no.. Here's the best example of someone who has misused a gimmick. His voice actually wasn't bad, but the choice of song along with his ridiculous outfit just ruined whatever chance he might have had.

And now we're on to "Idol's" first sob story. Denise Jackson, 16, of Madison, Wisc., talks about how she was born a "crack baby," how her grandmother rescued her, and everything she's had to overcome to get where she is. And as expected, she can belt out a song. Finally, someone makes it to Hollywood, and it's clear Fox wants America to feel for her.

Shakira wannabe Perla Meneses was intriguing, simply because she kind of looks like Shakira, kind of sounds like Shakira. It'll be interesting to see if she can offer anything else. Plus, she hit on Ryan Seacrest, who has long been rumored to be gay. Not sure this one's too bright.

One thing that confuses me about "American Idol" is the choice of people who get through to the judges. My understanding is that contestants are pre-screened and only some people make it through to Randy, Paula and Simon. So, why send in a girl who can only sing in the voice of the Cowardly Lion from "The Wizard of Oz"? Seems like a waste of time for the judges and American viewers, not to mention a waste of energy for that poor girl.

Oh Dayna Dooley - it was awful of the judges to imply that she had something going on with her boss just because he flew her out from California to audition again after failing in Pasadena. And I really gave her the benefit of the doubt. Until she sang "Fever" to him. I think she actually slivered toward him a little bit. It was disturbing.

I'd be interested to know at what time other people started getting bored with this way-too-long series premiere. I'd like to close my eyes and drift off to sleep right now. It's a shame that Fox thinks America is only interested in listening to duds. We watch the show to find the best, so while it's funny to watch people falter a bit, ultimately, we want to see some talent and two hours is just too long to sit through disaster after disaster.

Crazy "American Idol" fan, Brenna, who tattooed a heart on her wrist because last-season contestant Ace Young drew it for her, decides to sing Queen and David Bowie's "Under Pressure" and the first few words sum up tonight's episode for me. "Why, why why?" Here's to hoping that we see more talent tomorrow.

The quote of the night

"Juggling's just my entertainment, it's not my life." Jason, 16.

Tell me something good

Dayna's audition? -- amazing and hysterical!

They called in the boss to make fun of him AND the girl he flew to Minnesota for an audition. Then she sang "You give me fever" to her old boss!

And they called her tone deaf. And Jewel said it was "really rough."

And then Dayna walked out of the audition and the judges said this very pretty girl was in love with her NOT very pretty boss. Ouch.

Matt, the show choir boy on the other hand -- very good! Love that song. Funny that he said his momma never supported him and then immmediately called her when he got through to Hollywood. That's what we call a love/hate relationship -- or what being a 16-year-old is like.

And the Army reservist? I'm really happy for her! I'm starting to dig this show!

Some hard questions about the judges...

Has Simon always been so mean?

I get it. These people are total jokers. Although, he certainly did perk up with the Shakira look-alike. Simon likes the sexy ladies I guess.

Has Paula always been so nutso?

Look deep into her eyes next time she's on the screen... something off, or is it just me? Just saying yes or no seems to take a Herculean effort.

Yes, these are basic questions, I know. But again, this IS my first time, so cut me some slack.

A final hard question -- who's your favorite judge?

My vote (obviously) goes to Paula Abdul. She's no 'Cold Hearted' snake, although that is her jam. She keeps it real for me. And you never know what's coming next!

Idol say what?!?

Here it is, just after 8 p.m. and 'Idol' is kicking off.

Confession #1: I have NEVER watched 'Idol' before. That's right, I'm a total newbie. Experience the awe and wonder you first felt when you tuned in right here... see the show through my virgin eyes.

Confession #2: Although I've never tuned in, I have ALWAYS had an unhealthy obsession with the 'stars' that come out of 'Idol.' I've had in-depth discussions about Clay Aiken with my little sister. I've debated Carrie Underwood's recent weight loss. I've even rocked out at a Kelly Clarkson performance, jumping and screaming and freaking out with all her other fans!

Confession #3: Paula Abdul and her recent antics are VERY intriguing. The videos that have surfaced on YouTube (type in 'Paula Abdul Fox Interview' and be amazed) -- well, let's just say I hope I get some of that on the show! That woman has been one hot mess recently and I like it.

That's all I've got. More to come. Strapped in and ready to have my mind blown during the next 2 hours. Let the auditions begin...

And so it begins...

"American Idol" is back. Another season, another winner, perhaps another star. The premise of "Idol" seems so silly and somehow, America eats it up every season. It was actually quite sickening for a while there - I was not a fan. I rolled my eyes every time the show came up in conversation - it just seemed so useless. Who would actually go out and buy a CD by an artist who was "discovered" on a reality TV show? I simply refused to watch it - for three seasons.

It wasn't until I heard through the grapevine that an old high school acquaintance, Joe Murena, was going to be on it, that I decided maybe it was time to tune in. I planned to watch just to show my support and had no intention of adding it to my TiVo Season Pass. But something happened in the weeks I watched before he was voted out (which was way too soon, by the way, but there's no need to go into that). I found that I actually liked it and I began to understand why so much of America was hooked.

There's just something about having a voice. I think we all long to be heard in some way, and who doesn't love the idea of choosing what could be America's new superstar? Kelly Clarkson's success has shown that maybe we know what we're talking about - and yes, I do have one of her CDs in my car right now. And while Carrie Underwood may not be overplayed on New York's radio stations, she's kicking major patooty in the country scene - she's winning awards all over the place, even getting Faith Hill to have a hissy fit on national television after losing to her at the CMAs.

And so here we are, just hours away from the season premiere, and I wonder how many other people out there are kind of secretly looking forward to it. I, for one, am not ashamed - I can't wait.

Dancing around the stars

ABC announced today that it will program its hit reality show ‘Dancing with the Stars’ around Fox’s ‘American Idol.’

“We didn't want people to have to choose between 'Idol' and 'Dancing,' " Stephen McPherson, president of ABC Entertainment, said. Sounds like a good move to me. Outside of ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (which isn’t as good as ER), ‘Lost’ (which will end abruptly) and ‘Desperate Housewives’ (which should have ended already). There is much of a reason to watch ABC anymore.

It is still unclear who will be on the next season of ‘Stars,’ but here is a quick wish list:

Beth O – Howard Stern’s girlfriend has been rumored to be in talks but highly unlikely

Jessica and Ashlee Simpson – Because it would be funny

Blossom – It worked for Joey

Jay and Silent Bob – They need to be a team though

MC Hammer – Early favorite in Vegas

Why I don’t want to win American Idol

Have you heard of William Hung? How about Clay Aiken or Jennifer Hudson. Maybe Chris Daughtry. Those are just a few of the reasons why I wouldn’t want to win American Idol.

With the exception of Kelly Clarkson, Idol winners fall off the face of the planet after everyone realizes they aren’t that interesting with Simon making fun of them each week. Even Long Island’s Kevin Covais has made a career of being called “Chicken Little” on the show.

It has been a rare occurrence that someone from the show has gone onto critical success. It took Kelly Clarkson a few years to shake the Idol curse. If you live south of the Mason-Dixon line it is fair to say that Carrie Underwood is the next to break the curse.

In fact, there is no doubt that American Idols biggest winners are Fox, Simon, Randy, Paula and Ryan. Creator Simon Fuller gets a cut of almost everything ‘Idol.’ No one knew Randy before the show and Paula’s career was over. Both now have Hollywood projects in the works. Brian Dunkleman has to be talked off a ledge each year after losing out hosting duties to Ryan Seacrest. Even Kellie Pickler has a sitcom in development.

So here’s to the next crop of losers. May you enjoy it while it lasts.