Same As It Ever Was

The Talking Heads said it best: Same as it ever was. I think that describes the American Idol Rock and Roll Hall of Fame week. We had the same old themes. Then we had the shocking elimination of Pia Toscano, which after I thought about it, did fit into a pattern that we've seen in the past. The far too early elimination of a talented female singer with a mature, adult contemporary R&B flavor and an understated personality (yes, I really liked Latoya London, Melinda Doolittle and Jennifer Hudson too).

In this podcast, I discuss my disappointment over Pia's early exit and why the current voting system leaves me cold. I also question why producer Nigel Lythgoe made public comments which I found to be rather unkind and which only served to highlight the flaws of the American Idol voting system.

Please click to listen to the podcast here.

I Guess That's Why They Call It The Save

Last week we had the very exciting elimination show where Casey was saved by the judges. This week I was not as excited by the Elton John theme. On today's podcast, I discuss why "The Save" results in playing it safe. I'm not convinced that the "taming" of Casey is the greatest thing and the drama surrounding "The Save" may have contributed to less risky performances overall.

Is it a singing competition? How do the judges' actions affect that?

Also on today podcast, I discuss how "rock n roll" is treated on American Idol and what I think a contestant needs to do to succeed.

Please click to listen to today's Judging Idol podcast.

A Kinder, Gentler American Idol - Except for Gordon Ramsay!

How did the performers do singing Motown classics?  I think they fell into three groups: 1) those who enhanced their positions, 2) those who came out even and 3) those who didn't really take the opportunity to make their performances improve their positions.  No one was bad but some could have done more to gain new fans.

The judges are treating the contestants kindly this season.  We haven't heard any Simon-like zingers.  I like that the judges are trying at the very least to be polite, respectful and encouraging.  I suppose that's more than I can say about audience member Gordon Ramsay!  Dissing the contestant's mom?!  C'mon, man. 

Please click to listen to this edition of the Judging Idol podcast.

What's Goin' On? Motown Week?

So what's goin' on? Didn't they say there would be no themes like Motown week this season? That we weren't going to force Scotty McCreery to sing something like "Brick House"?!! Well, apparently they've changed their minds cause word on the street is that this week will be Motown week. So get ready, cause here they come.

In this podcast, I review last week's highlight and then give you my picks for the songs that each contestant should sing for Motown week. Please listen to this Motown preview edition of the Judging Idol podcast.

Twitter Watch and Predictions

Last night was the sing a song from your birth year theme. Who fared better? The boys or the girls? I make some guesses about who will be in the Bottom 3 this evening. Did Haley Reinhart's lipstick malfunction make a difference?

Many current and past American Idol contestants are on Twitter. I give you a rundown of some recent Twitter postings from Casey Abrams and Kelly Clarkson, among others.

You can listen to the Judging Idol podcast here.

Idol Is Back, Baby!

Idol is back, baby!  We discuss what's new about American Idol Season 10.  Has Nigel Lythgoe's return been good for the show?  What about the new judges, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler?  And which of the new contestants are leading the pack so far?

Please click to listen to the Judging Idol podcast.

What's Up With Simon and Country Music?

It seems clear that Simon doesn't really like country music. Or does he? After all, he is a big supporter of Carrie Underwood, and Kelly Clarkson has been known to sing a country song or two. But he did make a number of digs on Dolly Parton night, suggesting that he really isn't much of a country fan. In today's podcast, I talk about how I like Dolly Parton and her music. I also discuss why I think Randy and Paula also don't seem to be all that knowledgeable about country music either.

Don't they know that country music is one of the most popular genres of music in the U.S.? Well, as Tim Gunn (from Project Runway) would say "it's a question of taste"!

If you'd like to know more about Dolly Parton and her 25 #1 country hit singles, check out the Dollymania newsletter.

Please listen to today's podcast.