Who doesn’t love good music? And bad music? That’s what American Idol is all about! American Idol 2011, now in Season 10, aired its first episode last night (yeah, you knew that). And personally, I am not a huge Idol fan, but I do like to watch in the very beginning of the season as well as later in the season when it gets narrowed down to the Top 12 (which this year isn’t going to be limited to the same number of girls and guys — one of the best changes American Idol has made this season IMO… talent is talent, regardless of gender… but I digress).
So I caught the first episode last night; did you? Here’s what I thought…
The new judges… this is the most notable change in Season 10 of Idol, and I have to say… I was pleasantly surprised. I think everyone was thinking that without Simon, American Idol 2011 would be a joke. But honestly, I think it still has a lot of character and I think Steven Tyler was a really good choice. He is a little quirky at times, and I am almost embarrassed for him, but it actually makes it more entertaining.
And Jennifer Lopez stepped right into the Paula/Kara role without skipping a beat. For a moment, I felt like I was watching Paula, actually. J-Lo proved to be a natural for the empathetic female judge, and I think she was the perfect choice to fill the spot.
Did anyone else think it seemed like the judges were sending mixed messages to some of the contestants? It was hard for ME at times to figure out if they loved or hated someone until they actually said “yes” or “no” to Hollywood for them — I can’t imagine if I was the one standing there with all the nerves and everything… it would have been really hard to read them. I think all of the judges spent a little too much time smiling and used too many obscure adjectives, which contributed to the confusion, at least for me. But maybe I was just missing the clear-cut Simon remarks and the backlash that often resulted. Yeah, that was probably it.
Anyway, I think I already have my favorite contestant. The very last guy — the one with the tear-jerking story about his family living in the shelter and struggling to live paycheck to paycheck. He sang a couple of songs, the Beatles’ Eleanor Rigby and I’m Yours by Jason Mraz. He sounded kind of nervous, but I thought he had a great tone and incredible potential. Plus, I loved his humility and spirit. (I’ll admit, my eyes watered when he and his twin brother had that emotional hug at the end — admit it, your eyes watered, too, I know they did). I could see he has a lot of heart, and he is my pick for the Season 10 winner of American Idol, the one I’ll be rooting for. Shoot, I don’t even know his name!
All in all, the first episode of American Idol 2011 wasn’t half as bad as I was bracing for, and I do think it will still see the same ratings from viewers in Season 10 as it has in the past. Time will tell. While I do miss Simon’s straightforwardness and harsh remarks, it was not a total flop for me without him there.
I’d love to hear your take on Season 10 and what you thought of this year’s new American Idol judges. Do you miss Simon? Do you think it’s better without him there? Do you have a favorite contestant yet, or someone you’re rooting for?
