Comments on: Right now, American Idol is all about the judges

By: Ruby

Ruby — Wed, 22 Jan 2014 23:07:09 +0000

I watched the premiere because of Harry, and what a refreshing difference after the awkward, negative vibe of last year’s panel! It’s not just his humor or charisma or good looks (though I wouldn’t object to him serenading me with “Younger Than Springtime”). He is honest without being rude, sharp without being cruel, and knowledgeable without being arrogant. Can you tell I’m contrasting him with Simon? And where Simon would say, “I like you. There’s something special about you,” Harry (and Keith sometimes) tries to explain what that “something” is. The editors cut most of the critiques during these audition episodes, but I look forward to unedited Harry critiques during the live shows.

By: Nyela

Nyela — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 16:26:44 +0000

<—- Blushes from display of ignorance in previous comment.
<—- *sounds of rusty gears grinding as new information is processed*
I will just have to replay last year's episode where Harry appeared for the evil giggle I was anticipating.

By: Michael Noble

Michael Noble — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 16:11:07 +0000

If you’re thinking “Jimmy” as in Jimmy Iovine, you have a long, long wait ahead of you.

Jimmy is no longer with Idol. In his stead is Randy Jackson …

By: Nyela

Nyela — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:59:39 +0000

I’m looking forward to seeing his first “encounter” over a song choice with Jimmy.

By: Michael Noble

Michael Noble — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 15:13:04 +0000

I can always count on you to read something without blinders on, Nyela. Believe me: A mere couple episodes in, you can see, hear and feel the difference of the judging panel. And that’s a good thing. There are tons and tons of positives, agreed.

I think we’ve gotten a nice taste of what we can expect for the remainder of the auditions. When it comes to further, more pointed critiquing I’ll be watching sharply as usual. Not that I’m looking for fault in any of them, it will simply be an interesting exercise with an entirely new dynamic.

That “cynicism gauge” I mentioned up there was raised because there appeared to be times HCJ was trying too hard to get a quip in. There’s no need. He just needs to be himself … what we’ve enjoyed in his past appearances on Idol …

By: Nyela

Nyela — Sat, 18 Jan 2014 10:40:05 +0000

At the end of your article, I found myself saying, “Granted, but ….” I agree with all you’ve said, and probably a lot of what you didn’t say, about changes that could (and should) be made. But … after last year, this panel of judges is a significant step in the right direction. Compare this panel to the original panel in early AI, and I think you might admit we have recreated the positives and overcome many of the negatives. We won’t get lost in J-Lo’s comments as we did in wandering Paula’s. I can’t remember the last time I heard Keith drop names of celebrities to appear “connected” to today’s Pop crowd. Best of all, I will take the “razor-sharp wit and sarcasm” of Harry over the pomp and self-importance of Simon any day of the week. Let’s give this panel a chance to settle in through these auditions and see how well they work together when the live shows start.