Hopefuls lined up for a chance to become the next "American Idol." The reality singing competition continued its two-night premiere Thursday on Fox, channel 23, cable 5. MICHAEL BECKER/Fox
Let's get the negative stuff outta the way first: Why in the bluest of blazes does "American Idol" let obviously untalented people be on TV to (1) humiliate themselves and (2) be mocked by the judges to their faces?
I assume because it's for ratings -- because it's supposed to be funny when the pink disco girl they kept calling "Miss Bush" sang a horrible rendition of Petula Clark's "Downtown," and the judges mocked her TO HER FACE. The poor girl was practically in tears, but it was broadcast to come off as funny. Well, ha.
Maybe these people are in on the joke. Maybe they signed a waiver to say, "Yeah, I've got big enough balls to make a Grade F fool of myself on national TV, so MOCK ME!"
Otherwise, this is what I HATE about this show, especially the audition parts, which can be quite painful.
But then I get distracted by the really good moments -- the absolute best being Lazaro, which the show knew best to save for last because he'd tug the hardest at everyone's heart strings. I was proud of myself for NOT crying tonight, not one single time -- until Lazaro. A bad stutterer, he was able to sing "Bridge Over Troubled Water" beautifully and without one stutter.
Did anyone wanna slap Keith Urban, though, when he said something like, "You should always sing"? Umm ... Hi, Jan Arden, but you're a smidge insensitive.
Whatever, my second face moment was the guitar-playing balloon artist, Kez Ban. A little shaky at first, she was AWESOME when she played guitar and did her own song. Eccentric and cool, loved it.
Third fave (no clue why I'm ranking these) was Clifton, who'd never sang in front of his mama, who heard him sing her favorite song, "Superstar" -- and nailed it. Sweet moment.
Also loved Curtis and his rendition of "God Is Able"; Josh's cover of "Back at One"; Mariah -- not Miss Emancipation/Mimi but the girl who battled anorexia -- singing "Let It Be"; and, of course, Mr. Eye Candy Griffin, who sang "Wash By the Water" or whatever it was called. Seriously, that boy had a nice voice, and it NEVER hurts to have model looks. I know that's horribly shallow, but you know that ain't no lie.
Anyway, enjoyed Mackenzie's Carrie Underwood-like "Whenever You Come Around," as well as Stephanie's "Dream A Little Dream of Me." Could've left Gabe the curly-haired rocker and the chick who sang "The Prayer."
Overall, Chicago was more fun to watch than last night's NYC show. What did you think? Who was your favorite?
Peace, love and bridges over troubled water ... XOXO
