My love letter to American Idol

Hello friends!

I realize it's been a loooooong time since I wrote on my blog. I've been too busy actually watching TV. And going outside! But I had to revive it pay tribute to one of my favorite television shows of all time that is ending soon. So here it is, my love letter to American Idol.

As we near the end of 2015, I’ve been even more emotional when it comes to my favorite past time – television. Four of my top five favorite shows are probably nearing an end this spring. Although, so far the fate of only one of those is certain: American Idol is ending. Over the 14 years that it’s been on, I’ve been an avid viewer since season two (we didn’t get season one in New Zealand. Travesty). I’ve never missed an episode. And even put most seasons on DVD so I can watch in the off-season. It’s been the constant part of my life during ongoing change: switching jobs, moving countries, moving apartments, first loves, heartbreaks. It’s been there for over a third of my life and reminiscing on this brings me to tears (seriously, I’m crying right now).

Unlike some of their viewers, American Idol wasn’t just about the television show to me. Pop music and TV have always been two of my favorite things and Idol brought these two together better than I’d even dreamed. I’ve discovered so many of my favorite artists today thanks to Idol: Kelly (yes, we’re on a first name basis), Carrie (same here), Daughtry, Scotty McCreery, Jordin Sparks and David Cook are all mainstays on my iPod’s top Top 100 playlist. Carrie got me hooked on the amazing world of country music, which is now one of my favorite musical genres. And I’ve seen Kelly, Scotty McCreery and David Cook in concert this year.

I can genuinely say that American Idol changed my life. I once had the chance to meet Simon Fuller and I told him that. I may not be one of the winners or contestants, but being a viewer for the past 14 years has brought me so much happiness and the music from winners and contestants has gotten me through good and bad times. It's been the soundtrack to my life. Living in Los Angeles for the past nine years, I’ve also been lucky (and persistent) enough to see the show live over a dozen times and meet many of my favorite Idols. See below for a few of  my favorite photos (of many!). There are so many favorite Idol memories that it’s hard to try and pick one. But the ones that initially spring to mind are David Cook’s ‘Hello’, Carrie’s ‘Alone’, Scotty McCreery’s ‘Gone’, Chris Daughtry’s ‘Making Memories of Us’, Katharine McPhee's 'Come Rain or Come Shine', Kris Allen’s ‘Man in the Mirror’, Elliott Yamin’s ‘A Song For You’ and  ‘Somebody to Love’ and Paris Bennett’s ‘These Foolish Things’. Oh how I wish there were full-length recordings of these early seasons!

Of even more significance are the live experiences, like being in the audience for Simon Cowell’s final show in season nine, when almost all the winners (except my fave David Cook!) came out singing ‘Together We Are One’. That was another moment when I couldn’t stop the tears (yes, everyone around me thought I was crazy). I’ll also never forget the first Idol taping I got to go to, when I was in LA on vacation. It was the top five results show in season five, when Paris Bennett was eliminated and the group performance was the ‘Together We Are One’. Seeing David Cook perform ‘Music of the Night’ during that season’s top six show, then win in the finale was also a highlight.

I know that it’s time for it to come to an end, since the last few seasons haven’t been rating as well, but it’s still bittersweet and so surreal that this coming January will be the final time American Idol premieres. But I’ll never forget the amazing memories it’s given me and the magic of being at the live shows. And whenever one of my favorite Idols performs in LA I’ll be one of the first to buy tickets.

With the original Idol Kelly Clarkson!

One of my season five favorites, Katharine McPhee.

On the red carpet with Scotty McCreery.

Tracking down another season five favorite, Elliott Yamin, after an Idol finale.

Fall TV's New Shows - Snap Judgements

It's now October, which sadly means that summer is over. But the best part of fall is that all, well most, of my favourite shows are back on TV! And a whole crop of new shows have also debuted, here are my thoughts on the ones I've seen so far...

Ringer (The CW)– This is my favourite of the new season shows. I was really nervous watching the first episode of Ringer, it’s Sarah Michelle Gellar, one of my heroes! Luckily I was NOT disappointed, it’s intriguing, dramatic and suspenseful . I’ve seen the first two eps and can’t wait to see what happens next.

Revenge (ABC) – LOVED! Soapy goodness with beautiful people in the Hamptons . Not sure of how it will work long term though? But right now I'm just enjoying it.

2 Broke Girls (CBS) – I thought this was okay. I laughed a few times, but it’s not good enough to watch every week though.

The New Girl (Fox) – I didn’t love The New Girl like the rest of America . I found Zooey’s character a little annoying to be honest. But as the first show to get a full season pickup, it will be around for a while.

Pan Am (ABC) – I really liked Pan Am, it was also soapy goodness. Total ABC show, a little soapy, targeted at women and has lots of back stories. I approve!

Up All Night (NBC) – This was quite funny, although for me some parts of it were a bit too much. I'll watch a little more of it though.

Hart of Dixie (The CW) - Fish out of water dramedy starring Rachel Bilson as a Manhattan based doctor who moves to a small town in Alabama. Charming and funny, this is another one of my faves.

Suburgatory (ABC) - Very funny sitcom about a city Dad and his daughter who move to the suburbs. Will definitely continue watcing.

The AI Top Five - Cast Your Votes!

Here's my take on one of my favourite episodes of the season... Top Five Performance Night!!

Hello Sir Anthony Hopkins! Sheryl Crow is the mentor! Love her music! Tonight they sing two songs, one from the 1960s and one from today. After I was confused when Jacob chose a song from 2008 instead of today, my former guest blogger Shannon pointed out that today must mean after the 1960s. Thanks Shannon.

James and Sheryl Crow singing 30 Seconds to Mars together in rehearsal? LOVE! On the Idol stage though he sounded way too screachy and out of key. I wish Randy would quit saying that James is "in it to win it". For James' 60's song he sang 'You Can't Live' which was good, but not amazing. I feel like each week he is trying to be more like David Cook and not succeeding (of course! Who could be as amazing as D Cook?!). Randy said that he was going to win again, but I just can't see it. Plus, after three rock guys winning for the past three years I think James winning would be bad for the show.

Sorry Jacob, you're sweet, but not an American Idol. And I don't like your take on No Air. I agree with Randy, people should not sing both parts of a song that is meant to be a duet. For his 60's song Jacob sings 'Love Hurts', which Sheryl sounds AMAZING singing. He also has a harp on stage! I didn't love the song though, I just don't like his style of music. Sorry Jacob fans. Mmmm Magnum ice cream commercial! Magnum ice creams are finally in America! Need to get one of those...

I really feel like Lauren needs to wow us tonight. She's always good, but hasn't been amazing lately and from now on you need to be amazing! It's the final five! Lauren is going to sing Carrie? NO! Not allowed! In my ideal world all Carrie songs could only be sung on Idol by Carrie. I love you Lauren, but there's only one Carrie and everyone else fails in comparison. Luckily it's 'Flat on the Floor' and not one of her well known singles. She sounds like she's struggling a bit at the end. I would rather she sang Sara Evans' 'Stronger'. Next she kills it with Simon Cowell's favourite song Unchained Melody, in a good way that is. Am not a fan of the Disney princess dress gone wrong though.

Okay, I know I say this every week, but I am starting to love Scotty. He gets better each week. I really think he could win. And although I think it's about time that a girl won again, there's never been a country guy winner. J Lo's look of surprise and delight after he finished singing summed up his amazing performance. I also loved the song, by Montgomery Gentry, never heard of him before tonight (thanks again Shannon for telling me who he is). And thank you Randy for finally saying that Scotty is in it to win it. Next he sang Elvis' 'Always On My Mind" and it's an awesome performance, but I liked his "new" song more. Agree with J Lo, he's a very well rounded artist.

Hmmm, Haley singing Gaga. This good be amazing or a disaster. It's an unreleased song - 'You and Me' and she's pretty good. It's a ballad which suits her well. Her 'House of the Rising Sun' however, was pretty amazing. I'm hoping it's a Haley, Scotty and Lauren top three after tonight. Please help me with that America!

Pia’s Tragic Departure, Jacob’s Survival and Haley’s Transformation

For the past three weeks I’ve been on holiday in the beautiful country of Italy. I had an amazing time, although there was a bump in the road at the start of my vacation. I was in the picturesque seaside town of Sorrento when I got a text from my coworker Sarah, saying that there was an American Idol shocker in the results show. Of course I had to know what it was, which I texted her, while thoughts were running through my mind of who it could be. Scotty? Casey? Surely not my beloved Pia? When I received a text back simply saying ‘Pia!!!!’, I was floored and complained about it for the next week to my poor travel companion and good friend Helen.

Now that I am back in the US, still recovering from the loss of Pia, I’m catching up on all things Idol. There have been some big surprises since three weeks ago. Firstly, how is Jacob still there? He’s so theatrical and not nearly as charismatic as the rest of the Idol contenders. I guess his voice is good, but they should all be good at this stage. He has to go next. My second observation is that Hayley is now fricken amazing! I was very impressed with her rendition of Carole King’s ‘Beautiful’ and she finally proved to me that she deserved to be there. Although if I had to choose between Pia and Haley I’d choose Pia in a heartbeat. This week’s elimination of Casey James was a little sad, but not surprising. Although Casey was interesting and good, he peaked too soon delivering stand out performances during Hollywood Week and at the start of the finals.

I’m looking forward to seeing how the final five do next week. The top five performance show is often one of my favourites of the season, as traditionally they sing two songs for this show. Bring it on!

Motown week with the American Idol Top 11

Motown! I LOVE Motown week on Idol, these are all great pop songs and some of my favourite Idol performances have been during Motown week. Like Kimberly Caldwell's 'Nowhere to Run', Kris Allen's 'How Sweet it is to be Loved By You', and Kelly Clarkson's 'You're All I Need to Get By'.

First up, Casey. I'm starting to like him a lot more, although I think he needs to growl a little less. 'Heard it Through the Grapevine' is an amazing song, so good song choice. I really want him to get rid of the ginge beard though, I hope he lets the Idol stylists give them a makeover.

Next is Thea who bravely sings 'Heatwave' which Kimberley Locke sang in season 2 and Jennifer Hudson sang in season 3. I think Thea really needs to show her personailty. Or maybe she doesn't have a personality, I'm still trying to figure it out.

Jacob's up third singing one of my fave Motown songs 'You're All I Need To Get By' and sounded pretty good. I still can't see myself buying his album though.

Lauren sounded amazing singing 'You Keep Me Hanging On' and she seemed a little less annoying than usual. Hmmm, maybe she would make a good Idol winner?

Okay, is it just me or do all the girls have hair extensions now?

I was starting to like Stefano until it was announced that he had chosen to sing Lionel Richie's 'Hello'. Which a. How is that Motown? When I think of Motown I think of the era, Alone was in the 80s and b. IT'S A DAVID COOK CLASSIC!! So the outcome? As I couldn't help compare it to D Cook, it was very disappointing. It didn't sound terrible, but there was nothing special about it.

Oh Haley. You sound pretty good but there's something about you that's not right. I think it's that you have no personality. And as you've been in the bottom three for the past two weeks I think America senses this too.

I am starting to like Scotty more each week. He gave Steve Wonder's 'For Once In My Life' its own spin and it sounded like an instant country hit. I can totally see him having a hit country album and opening for Carrie or Kellie Piockler.

I would say that Pia's 'All in Love is Fair' was almost an Idol moment. She sounds amazing and I think she's my favourite at the moment, she reminds me of Katharine McPhee who I love. But I want her to be a Kelly Clarkson and to sing something fun and not sing a ballad every week!

Paul sang 'Tracks of my Tears' and sounded good, but I don't think it was an 'Idol moment' like Idol mentor Jimmy Iovine has envisaged. He has yet to wow me.

Naima. She drives me crazy with her pitchiness and attitude. But she didn't sound terrible on 'Dancing in the Streets'. Her dancing kind of freaked me out. I did love the cross to Nigel Lythgoe though!

Yay! James gets the pimp spot! He's my Dad's favourite and I think he has a good voice and makes 'Living for the City' sound like an original rock song. Love it! Ryan looks like a midget next to James. He can stand by me whenever he wants!

Who I'm voting for - Scotty, Pia, Lauren, James
Who I want to go - Naima
Who I think will go - Stefano or Haley

Woo Hoo! It's the Idol Top 13!!

I know, I know, I haven't written anything on my blog in forever. I have a good excuse, I promise! And I'll share it when I can. I've been sooo busy I still haven't been able to watch the American Idol top 13 performance show! Yes, this is a travesty. So instead of my recap I have something just as good (well almost as good) from a guest blogger...

Idol Top 13 Quickfire Recap with Spoon

• Am not that into Ashthon, she's acting like a diva already
• I'm totally on team Casey... he's funny and good!
• Paul is annoying me more than I remember. He really does look like a young Rod Stewart.
• I think Pia is good, but she should do something besides ballads....
• I kind of like James now too...
  
• Haley is a good singer, but I don't like her... don't know why... oh i hate it when people sing "I believe I can fly"... and especially when they try and change it up...
• I think that Thia needs to sing songs that are for people her age... why is she 15 going on 55?
• oh and this Stevie Wonder remix by Stefano? I don't think I ever like Stefano that much...
  
• oh and can Karen kiss J.Lo's ass anymore? she seems nervous... it was weird...
• I looooooove the River... it's one of my favorite Garth songs! Go Scotty! haha there's a river in the background!
• and at least Naima didn't butcher my fave Rhianna diddy "disturbia"...

Without even seeing this episode I agree about 'I Believe I Can Fly'. Also, I'm appalled that Naima sang 'Disturbia'! It's one of my top five Rihanna songs and I think that Naima stole the place of the awesome Kendra, Kendra totally should have gotten a wild card slot.

Hope you're all watching Idol! Wednesdays and Thursdays on Fox. And for the Kiwis - Fridays and Saturdays on TV2.

American Idol - A New Era

American Idol season 10 has begun. Yes, season 10! I can't believe that my favourite show (of shows currently on TV) has been on for 10 years. Although this season has more changes than ever. And I'm just talking about the judges! Simon, Kara and Ellen are out and Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler are in. And it's not necessarily better, or worse, but it is different. It seems a little strange to not hear one of Simon's clever remarks after a terrible performance; but Jennifer and Steven look so comfortable at the judging table it's as if they've been doing this for years. Steven Tyler is hilarious and J Lo is cool and constructive as well as looking gorgeous. American Idol should really be about the contestants and throughout New Jersey, New Orleans and Milwaukee there has been some good talent. No absolute standouts for me, but time will tell.

As far as the other changes go, the most apparent one so far is the new credits, which for the first time introduces non American Idol winners into the mix. As much as I love to have Chris Daughtry given the credit he deserves, it doesn't seem right to me. The credits should be place where the Idol winners get to shine. Although I still think Taylor Hicks shouldn't have won season five, but that's what America decided. I'll have to see how the other changes pan out, but so far I approve. I still heart American Idol.

A Very Glee Christmas

I love Christmas and I love how living in America I actually get to see Christmas themed television episodes around Christmas! This is a novelty and delight that never gets old. My favourite Christmas themed episode this year was Glee, although Brothers and Sisters followed closely behind. As you all know by now I am a huge fan of Glee, even though I’ve found this season to be inconsistent. Despite the inconsistencies it’s produced some of their best songs yet such as Teenage Dream, Baby One More Time and “Forget” You.

In the Christmas episode it’s not hard to believe that ditsy Brittany believes in Santa Claus. Even when she sees Sue dressed up as a cross between Santa and the Grinch, destroying the Glee club’s Christmas tree and stealing the presents they had for charity. But despite the hilarity surrounding this, all sweet Brittany wants for Christmas is for her wheel chair bound boyfriend, Artie, to be able to walk. And none of the Glee club have the heart to tell her that Santa isn't real and that her wish won't come true. So instead they get the football coach, Coach Beast, to dress up as Santa and tell her. Although what follows is a surprising Christmas miracle for Arty... and the rest of the club.

My favourite part of the episode though was when Rachel, who was trying to apologise to Finn for cheating on him, was frolicking around a Christmas tree farm singing 'Last Christmas' with Finn. I think I'm the only person not a fan of the George Michael version, but I loved Rachel and Finn singing it. I also love how the Glee club spread Christmas joy by fund-raising to buy gifts for underpriviled kids and demonstrating the true spirit of Christmas. Merry Christmas y'all!

Latest American Idol News Signals Bad Changes

Just when I thought American Idol was finally getting it right again for season 10 by bringing Executive Producer Nigel Lythgoe back and having three judges, they've gone and messed it up with some crazy new changes.

The first announcement this week was that they are not going to have a top 24, they're going to just have a top 12 instead. This infuriates me for many reasons, but the main one being that the point of American Idol is that the viewers decide who the American Idol is. By letting the voting public only vote from the top 24 they're taking the power out of our hands even more. Would under the radar champs David Cook and Kris Allen have made the cut if there hadn't been a top 24? Possibly not.

The second announcement was that Idol is moving days. Yes, there will no longer be my favourite day of the week from January to May, American Idol Tuesday. And yes, I do really call it that. I am sure that Nigel has gone on record in the past saying they would keep it as Tuesday and Wednesday, as if it's not broken, why fix it? The past season of Idol was its lowest rated since the premiere season, which started in the summer, so why move to Thursday one of the most competitive nights of the week against The Big Bang Theory, Grey's Anatomy, The Office and 30 Rock?

Okay, maybe I am getting a little ahead of myself analysing these changes before they've even taken affect. But as an avid Idol viewer I figure I know what's worked and what hasn't. Why can't the Idol powers that be agree with me...

Despite my anger I'll still be watching American Idol when it premieres on Fox in January on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Uh, I mean Wednesdays and Thursdays.

Fall TV 2010 - Any New Hits?

I have been totally underwhelmed by the lineup of new fall shows this season. And I thought maybe it was just me, until I read this story by one of my favourite TV critics, Ken Tucker, on my favourite website EW.com

Infact most of the new season shows I haven't even been compelled to watch. Here's my take on what I have seen...

My favourite new season show by far is the CW's Hellcats. It's set in college and is about cheerleading and it may be cheesy but it is also awesome. It's centered around pre-law student Marti, who used to be a gymnast and tries out for the 'Hellcats' when she loses her scholarship, she makes the team and gains a cheerleading scholarship. The Hellcats are in danger of losing their funding so must work together to stay on top. In typical CW fashion there's lots of hookups, melt downs and drama.

I loved and lost Lone Star, about a con man living a double life and trying to go straight. I thought it was filled with many things that make a great show - deception, mystery, drama and hot people. But it only lasted two episodes on Fox, despite being the critical favourite of the season. RIP Lone Star.

I enjoyed the pilot of Hawaii 5 O on CBS, although it's not appointment viewing for me. On my new HD TV Hawaii looks lush and beautiful and that definitely adds to the show. It seems like another cop show though and it's not nearly as good as Castle or the CSI's. I think I'd go back to CSI over getting invested in Hawaii 5 O, but I'll watch a few more episodes before I decide.

I really wanted to love Fox's Running Wilde. It stars the awesome Keri Russell and Will Arnett and the creator is Mitch Hurwitz, the genius behind one of my all-time favourites Arrested Development. And Keri Russell's daughter, Stefania Owen, is from New Zealand! But the pilot, about a spoiled rich man trying to win over a down to earth humanitarian woman, didn't win me over. I'm hoping it can get better as the season progresses... and that Fox will give it a chance.

I also excited about ABC's Better With You, starring JoAnna Garcia from the cancelled too soon and under-appreciated show Privilaged. Trust me, it was fantastic. Better With You however is not. It's a sitcom about three related couples in different stages of their relationship - a newly engaged couple, a practically married couple and a married for decades couple. It's a traditional sitcom, but I found myself squirming a bit too much and not laughing enough. I'm hoping it can find it's way though as their cast is great.

Three shows have been cancelled already, less than a month into the new season, and only one show has received a full season pick up. That show is Fox's Raising Hope, about a 25 year old man raising his infant son with his loopy family. There are a couple of mid season shows I'm looking forward to - ABC's Mr Sunshine starring Matthew Perry and Love Bites on NBC. And if they both fail I'll always have American Idol.

American Idol 10 - Randy, J Lo And Steven Tyler?

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.

Glee does Britney Spears! OMG!

Glee is one of the best shows on TV right now. It's funny, it's dramatic, it's heartwarming and it includes pop music! Incase you didn't already know two of my favourite things in life are TV and pop music. Last night's episode was one I have been looking forward to for a long time, the Britney Spears episode. Yes, many people hate Britney Spears, but I am not one of them. I was in high school in the late 90's (shocking I know) and feel like I grew up with Britney. In the episode, titled 'Britney/Brittany' a couple of the Glee kids need to go to the dentist (played by new cast member and hottie John Stamos) and when they're under anesthetic they have tripped out Britney Spears hallucinations. They were all fantastic, but the best was when Rachel (played brilliantly by Lea Michele) was in the 'Baby One More Time...' video dancing in the halls and pining after Finn. If you don't watch Glee you should! Tuesdays, 8pm on Fox

Check out Lea Michele's 'Baby One More Time...' here