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Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Some people to watch for on “American Idol” Season 9
A new season. A new batch of talented singers looking for their big break. A new batch of not-so-talented singers looking for their few minutes of fame.
Tonight (Jan. 12, 2010) Season 9 of “American Idol” debuted with — surprise, surprise, — some really good singing, some really bad singing, some laughter and some tears. There were plenty of stories of adversity and inspiration — and even a fight or two and a spanking threat.
Here are a few highlights from the season debut, set in Boston with judges Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and Simon Cowell (sorry folks, no Ellen DeGeneres yet), with guest judge Victoria “Posh Spice” Beckham.
Like every other audition episode of “Idol,” nine times out of 10 you can immediately tell who’s going to shine and who’s going to suck solely based on the pre-audition footage. Here’s a look of some Boston contestants who got their golden ticket to Hollywood, and some others who, well, didn’t.
Superstar potential: The “complete package” Ashley Rodriguez, who sang a sultry version of “If I Ain’t Got You” by Alicia Keyes. The drummer with two broken wrists who sang an unexpectedly good rendition of “Let’s Get It On” (he looks more like the rocker type). A speedboat actor (who knew there was such a thing) who did a beautiful rendition of The Beatles’ “Yesterday.” The very soulful 16-year-old Portugese girl Katie Stevens, who belted out Etta James’ “At Last” to make her grandma battling Alzheimer’s proud. Cancer survivor Justin Williams of Utah, who had a lovely voice and wasn’t too bad on the eyes, either. And last but not least, the very emotional Leah Lorenti, whose jazzy “Blue Skies” ended the show on a really high note.
Not too shabby: Nigerian Bosa Mora from Columbus, 22, who Simon called “good but boring.” The really, really polite country crooner Joshua Baylok. The “not annoying” 16-year-old (who comes complete with the heartwarming story of being part of a large family with many special-needs children). The 28-year-old Italian nice guy with a huge voice (who could help restore people’s opinions of the Italian community in the wake of “Jersey Shore” — I love the “Shore,” but it’s true.)
Shame of a nation: The crazy dancing “American Idol” video game master who undoubtedly proved the video game doesn’t work. The geek whose rendition of Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” was just plain frightening. The incredibly nasal spiritual guy who compared himself to Chris Brown and The Eagles (hmmmm, not seeing it). The freaky anime fan who butchered classic Janis Joplin. Oh yes, and the way-too-excited-yet-nervous man who looks like Latoya Jackson but sings like a 3-year-old girl. Hey, those were Simon’s words. That’s exactly why, I’m gonna miss Simon.
In the end, 31 made it through to Hollywood.
Did we catch a glimpse of the Season 9 winner? Spot anyone you hope survives Hollywood week?
Tweet5 ideas for another new “American Idol” judge
So Simon Cowell has announced this ninth season of “American Idol,” premiering tonight (Jan. 12, 2010) at 8 p.m. EST on Fox, will be his last.
Cowell’s reason for leaving: To focus on “The X Factor,” another successful British singing competition with an American version set to debut—also on Fox—in 2011.
Or could it be that without Paula Abdul beside him at the judge’s table, there’s simply no reason to go on?
No matter the reason, it’s safe to say “Idol” just won’t be the same without Simon, whose brutal honesty was either loved or hated. It will be interesting to see what the 10th season of “Idol” will be like without Simon — that is if the show can go on without its biggest star.
Of course, no replacement judge has been named yet (after all, can we ever really replace Simon?). But let the speculation begin…
Because every competition-based show these days seems to have a token opinionated British guy (and “Idol” will now have a void in that area), we set that as our criteria.
All in good fun, here are some possible candidates:
Gordon Ramsay: Fox’s “Hell’s Kitchen” host and world-class chef from London has a fiery temper that could singlehandedly crush the dreams of every aspiring entertainer from coast to coast. If he can call aspiring chefs, “*!@&ing donkeys” and can even make grown-men cry, then we’re sure he can come up with some suitable insults for “American Idol” hopefuls. Heck, Ramsay may even make Simon look like a nice guy.
Ricky Gervais: The award-winning writer and comedian who created the original, British version of “The Office” will be hosting The 67th Annual Golden Globe Awards on Sunday, Jan. 17, 2010 (NBC, 8 p.m.). We expect him to have a little fun at the expense of Hollywood’s best and brightest stars, so why not extend that philosophy to some 20-something Hollywood wannabes?
Sir Elton John: The English singer-songwriter, composer and pianist is one of the most successful performers of all time, so he’s certainly a qualified judge of music talent. He has even appeared as a guest judge on the program. One problem: he has been a vocal critic of “American Idol,” particularly related to the voting process, but maybe he’s had a change of heart. You never know …
Ozzy Osbourne: The “Prince of Darkness” has had a storied music career that has spanned five decades as both the frontman of metal band Black Sabbath and as a solo act. He also rose in popularity among the masses after his hit MTV reality show “The Osbournes.” The only problem: you won’t be able to understand a word he says. But maybe a little mystery could be a good thing.
Sharon Osbourne: OK, she’s doesn’t fit the criteria of token opinionated British guy, but she is British and she is extremely opinionated, so two out of three ain’t bad. The wife and manager of Ozzy Osbourne has gained fame in her own right from “The Osbournes, ” (a reality television show that followed her family’s daily life) and as a judge on the talent shows “The X Factor” (British version) and “America’s Got Talent.” Why not “Idol”?
Who do you think would be a good replacement for Simon Cowell? Will you watch “American Idol” without Simon?
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