American Idol 7 – Philadelphia Try-Outs
And so it begins.
I went into this show cranky this evening. I found myself buying into the complaints that perhaps we see too many bad auditions. I had convinced myself that this is just a phase we have to get through.
While I do think they devote way too much time to this process, I still had a good time watching two hours of it tonight. But, honestly, Idol Producers. We’ve seen this six times before. Every other reality talent competition has ripped this bit off. While its funny, it’s going to the same well too many times for far too long. It’s time to cut this part down to two weeks, tops.
Since there’s no real narrative here and analyzing every last minute of the show would be tedious, let’s go straight to the bullet points and highlights:
- Randy Jackson had an odd set of sideburns and a goatee this year. He’s been replaced with the “Mirror, Mirror” Universe version of himself!
- When I bought the Sony HDTV that sits so proudly in our living room today, American Idol was one of the shows I looked forward to seeing in high definition. As the rest of that list is delayed or canceled pending the writers strike, I’m very happy to see AI in HD this season. Every single hour of it.
I was in tears with, “If I were Columbo, I’d Peter Falk you.” Don’t get me wrong – that guy was creepy and I hope to the highest heavens the producers wrote down his license plate number on the way out and sent it to the cops. But using Peter Falk’s name as a verb like that made me cry.
- Udgeet was way too Sanjaya to win.
- Alexis Cohen — Glitter Girl — deserved to get kicked out on her butt for attributing “Allentown” to Bon Jovi instead of Billy Joel. For shame! It would blow her mind, I’d bet, to learn the song was actually written about Levittown, Long Island. And isn’t she a character played by Tracey Ullman? She sounds like one.
- Paraphrasing Simon: “You’re genuinely happy when someone you know does well [in this country.” I’m speechless.
- If Angela Martin can “de-weddify” herself, she’s perfect for this season. They want stories and people you can love, how can you deny her and her child with Rett Syndrome? It may sound harsh, but it’s true — people love to vote for that kind of reality TV show character.
- I just hope she learns to open her eyes when she sings.
- We only had one contestant choose the wrong door on the way out tonight. We’re off to a good start.
What were your favorite moments? Who stood out to you?
Tomorrow: We head to Texas.
January 16th, 2008 at 10:22 am
I’m excited its back. And with the dreariness of the current season, it is nice to have something fresh to watch. And this year I finally get to watch in HD, cause Santa brought an early Christmas present! I was shocked that the first person they showed went through. In the past, it has always seemed to me that they drag on the suspense of who is going to Hollywood through the first few auditions. I was also impressed how polite some of the contestants were when they were denied. I wish more of them were gracious for the opportunity. And that guy in the Slave Leia bikini…wish I hadn’t seen that in HD! Yikes! Looking forward to two more hours tonight!
January 16th, 2008 at 2:12 pm
Aug: I get the impression that other than Paula, the judges have had it with the “I NEED TO GET ON TV” auditions. Thought there was some interesting talent in Philly.
January 16th, 2008 at 4:41 pm
As much as I enjoy the “I need to get on TV” moments – even I am getting sick of them. Do the “Idol Three” have to endure that, when we know quite well that there is SCREENING of people even before they hit them ? Too many people are going just trying to get TV time – such as the Princess Leia guy – who I was glad they let go through all the waxing process and then didn’t even give more than 10 seconds for his efforts.
January 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Another classic line from the Paula stalker: “If you were a bathtub, I would caulk you.”