September 22, 2010

"[T]heme weeks forcing folks out of their wheelhouse are out, and stay-within-your-box-and-make-the-box-awesome with decade-based theme weeks is what's in."

"American Idol" update. So, if you're country, you'll be allowed to sing country, every week, and not prove that you can do, say, disco.

And Jennifer Lopez and Stephen Tyler are the new judges, joining Randy Jackson, the only original judge left:
Tyler, the first new judge Seabiscuit announced, bounced out on stage like a rat terrier hot on the trail of something rodent-y, grinned, and began to sing/scream "American IIIIIIIDOL," in his adorable, screechy, Steven Tyler way....

Shortly after Tyler skipped off stage, Jennifer Lopez rose from under the stage in a cloud of white faux-smoke.

"It's all about concentration! You have to concentrate -- and just live!" J-Lo advised auditioners in the audience....
You have to concentrate -- and just live.... Yeah, that's what I'm trying to do.

Philosophy is everywhere.

15 comments:

ndspinelli said...

American Idol..Dancing w/ The Stars..have you no shame, or taste? I hope you don't make your mate watch this drivel.

MayBee said...

Cannot stand J.Lo.

Ann Althouse said...

"I hope you don't make your mate watch this drivel."

Oh, you big old prude. If you don't know how to have fun watching trashy tv with your lover, I feel sorry for you.

Now, shut up. "Survivor" is on.

Sprezzatura said...

Tyler was in Banff Canada while I was there about two weeks ago. He's an old geezer.

MayB

What's not to like: She used to have a little, but now she's got a lot, she's Jenny from the block.

Methadras said...

I'm not watching. I stopped watching because it's going to be a shitty rehash of the same old sangs again sung badly and it will be a selection of the best of the worst. Where is Adam Lambert now?

Anonymous said...

"Philosophy is everywhere."

Platitudes are everywhere;

Kitsch is everywhere;

The yin and yang of American pop culture.

SteveR said...

Getting rid of theme weeks is a good thing, but not sure about the judgery. I tend to think Randy Jackson isn't up for a more serious role which means counting on Lips and Butt

The Crack Emcee said...

"What we're trying to do is make the music better. I don't use the word 'serious.' I just use the word 'better'.

Jimmy Iovine

Standards, finally.

Unknown said...

I thought Steven Tyler was at death's door.

But then again, being an AI judge doesn't prove otherwise.

MadisonMan said...

Plus: Ellen is gone. She didn't judge, she just smiled and tried not to sully the Ellen Brand.

I'm not sure how this new team of judges will wow me. But I'll give them a chance.

I don't like the let-them-stay-in-their-box decision though. Why not force a little growth and experimentation?

NotWhoIUsedtoBe said...

Hooray! Genre voting! That will work so well.

Cedarford said...

They made a few good moves. I don't like the celebrity stunt-casting. I think J-lo will work out. No where to go but up after Paula went from amusing crazy to just crazy, Ellen was inept and the Abdul replacement Kara was irritating as anything.
Cowell and Jackson were phoning it in for almost 3 years. Good riddance to Cowell, Jackson should follow if he doesn't realize he has the biggest perk-laden gravy train job for the least amount of work most Americans can comprehend this side of Michelle Obama.

2nd big thing is one mentor that will work with performers as long as they are on, week in and week out to develop them as marketable and in line with who they wish to be as artists. Some pretty good guy producer from Geffen Records. Which ends mentor stunt-casting.

Theme weeks have to go, if for no other reason than insipid judges telling contestants after a week of country, followed by Motown, then Elvis, then the songs of Sinatra, then pop 70s tunes that "They haven't showed who they are as artists."

William said...

How about an American Idol type contest to pick the judges on American Idol? I think special guest appearances by the hip, young judges that Obama has picked for the Supreme Court would also boost ratings while at the same time helping to humanize that rather austere institution.

AST said...

I've never seen this show. What's it called, American Idiot?

I think DVRs need to include a special toxic waste setting that tells them not to allow this show even if I try to watch it.

clazy said...

Sounds like J Lo's been attending night classes at the School for Practical PHilsophy.