I can't believe that it was almost TEN years since American Idol started. Truth be told I never got to see the first season (although I am a huge Kelly Clarkson fan), I lived in New Zealand and it didn't air there. We did however get season two and it was a top 10 ratings success. From season three onwards it didn't air during prime time, but that didn't matter to me as I was hooked. Some might say obsessed. Basically from January to May every year I live and breathe American Idol. My friend Amanda compares me and American Idol to Jimmy Fallon's character and baseball in the movie Fever Pitch. And now that I live in Los Angeles I am fortunate enough to be in the studio audience most years. It has kind of killed me how the show has been on a downward spiral since the best season (and highest rated) in season five (2006). Don't get me wrong, I love David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze and even Jordin Sparks (although I was rooting for Blake to win); but for the past few seasons they keep changing the show for the worst. And this is meant to be a blog post about season 10, so I'll save my past season's criticisms for another day...
Season 10 sees the departure of Simon Cowell, Ellen Degeneres and the one I am most sad about, Kara Dioguardi; who has proven to be an articulate and honest judge over the past two seasons. But it was announced last week that Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler (of Aerosmith) will be joining original judge Randy Jackson at the judging table. Who thought that Randy would be the last of the original judges still standing? Not me! I am happy with the decision for a three judge panel though, as three judges means more singing time for the contestants, which is what the show should be about. It may be an initial ratings boost to have stars like Jennifer and Steven at the judging table, but I hope they can stay focused on the goal of the show - to find the next singing super star. It will be hard to tell people that they suck the truth, but the show needs an honest voice of reason. And it might be J Lo? She was a highlight of Idol's worst season when she was a mentor in season six and I'm hoping she can identify and nurture real talent while being funny. Although who am I kidding? No matter what happens in season ten I'll be along for the ride!
American Idol returns to Fox in January. Exact air date hasn't been announced yet, although I'd guess it will be January 18, 2011.
Photo: Me with American Idol 2010 winner Lee DeWyze.
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