READ TODAY'S STORIES AND E-EDITION SUBSCRIBE |  CONTACT US |  SIGN IN

Print story only Print story with comments Email Twitter Facebook Pinterest
My thoughts on tonight's 'American Idol' premiere
Published: 1/16/2013 10:00 PM
Last Modified: 1/17/2013 10:05 AM


Mariah Carey (left), Keith Urban, Nicki Minaj and Randy Jackson during the New York auditions of "American Idol" from Wednesday's premiere. The next episode will air 7 p.m. Thursday on Fox, channel 23, cable 5. MICHAEL BECKER/Fox

"Together, we have created a phenomenon," host Ryan Seacrest's voice narrated the beginning of tonight's premiere of "American Idol."

Obviously, Ryan was talking about me and himself, as we, together, have personally -- in tandem, if you will -- created the juggernaut that is "American Idol."

Kidding. Confession: I am not an "Idol" fan, haven't watched the show since Carrie Underwood won. So please forgive my sarcasm. Because here I am, watching it for work -- and, frankly, not remotely excited to do so.

But that was before seeing the NYC audition show tonight, which wasn't the big Mariah-vs-Nicki battle they promoted on TV and online (thank God). It was actually cool to see some glimmers of talent -- and, my biggest surprise, to develop an appreciation for Nicki Minaj beyond my iTunes download of "Super Bass." The girl seems to have genuine heart -- a somewhat crazy-cray heart, but nonetheless sincere.

Like when James, the 15-year-old "rapper," bombed -- and, after the non-surprising NOs from the judges, she took a moment she didn't have to take with him and offered some consolation.

Still, she crazy. I mean, dubya-tee-eff with the faux British accent? I hear Britney was doing that right before she shaved her head. Just sayin'.

Anyway, Tenna -- Miss Former Camp Mariah -- impressed the judges, all four of whom said YES. I was distracted by Nicki's looks toward Mariah -- who, just FYI, is gonna be Mimi to me henceforward. It was either that or Miss Emancipation, which is quite difficult to type out every dang time.

Moving on, Christina's version of "Summertime" was probably my favorite moment, with Nicki declaring "O. M. G. ... You should feel so proud," and Keith Urban -- who should eventually win a special hardship Emmy for having to sit betwixt Nix and Mimi -- doling out, "I think you're a natural singer." Aww ...

Evan the amputee made me cry -- not outta pity, thank you, but genuine heartbreak that he didn't cut the muster singing, after having his budding dancing career dashed because of cancer. I just wanted to hug him.

"Maybe I touched someone out there," he said afterward. Yeah, Bud, you totally did.

Hated that Jessica went off key and blew her chance, but I loved how Nicki reminded her that "It'll NEVER be your only shot."

Shira, who has a No. 1 hit in Israel, failed to impress, but Frankie the subway singer wowed with a cool version of "Sweet Dreams."

But what the H-E-double hockey sticks is up with people like Mr. Red Plastic Pants Man getting up in front of those judges? I wanted to feel sorry for him but had to wonder if this is part of the "Idol" plan -- to find obvious freak shows for the sole purpose of being ridiculed for our entertainment.

Personally, my LEAST favorite thing about "Idol" is how some folks humiliate themselves. It makes me squirm. Twice tonight, I left the room (sorry, Albert). It just seems cruel.

Whatever, Sarah the Jersey farm girl was cute with her Carrie Underwood cover, followed by one of "Super Bass," and Gurpreet the "Turbanator" was a fun moment.

But what was the deal with the big "Idol" fan Brett and that weird dream sequence that ended with him being told NO? That was kinda cruel, too.

But the predictable sweet ending came courtesy of Ashlee, whose foster-friendly family was brought into the audition after she sang "Put Your Records On" so they could hear the judges send her onto Hollywood. That made me tear up.

I want more moments like that from "Idol" -- hopefully when the episode from Oklahoma City's auditions finally roll around. Next week, maybe? Until then, there's Chicago at 7 pm Thursday.

So what did y'all think? Who was your favorite?

Peace, love and Nicki ... XOXO

Here are videos of some of the best and worst "American Idol" auditions from Wednesday's two-night premiere.







Reader Comments 3 Total
Opus (last month)
The novelty is gone. Who cares.
19803 (last month)
I can't get past the hair of that woman. Took Idol off the DVD this morning.
241362 (last month)
What is beyond boring? Embarrassing.
3 comments displayed


To post comments on tulsaworld.com, you must be an active Tulsa World print or digital subscriber and signed into your account.

Living Wright

While other kids were watching "The Smurfs," Scene Writer Jason Ashley Wright was tuned in to "Style with Elsa Klensch." By fourth grade, he knew he wanted to write, and spent almost three years publishing a weekly teen-oriented magazine, Teen-Zine -- circulation: 2. After earning a degree in journalism from the University of Southern Mississippi, he became the medical reporter and teen board coordinator for the Hattiesburg (Miss.) American, a Gannett newspaper. Eight months later, with visions of Elsa dancing in his head, he applied for the fashion writer position at the Tulsa World, where he began working on Aug. 3, 1998. He is now a general assignment reporter for Scene.

Follow Jason Ashley Wright on Twitter

Subscribe to this blog



Archive

 
Jason Ashley Wright's Blog Archive:

2/2013  1/2013  12/2012  11/2012  10/2012  9/2012  
8/2012  7/2012  6/2012  5/2012  4/2012  3/2012  
2/2012  1/2012  12/2011  11/2011  10/2011  9/2011  
8/2011  7/2011  6/2011  5/2011  4/2011  3/2011  
2/2011  1/2011  12/2010  11/2010  10/2010  9/2010  
8/2010  7/2010  6/2010  5/2010  4/2010  3/2010  
2/2010  1/2010  12/2009  11/2009  10/2009  9/2009  
8/2009  7/2009  6/2009  5/2009  4/2009  3/2009  
2/2009  1/2009  12/2008  11/2008  10/2008  9/2008  
8/2008  7/2008  6/2008  5/2008  4/2008  3/2008  
2/2008  1/2008  12/2007  11/2007  10/2007  9/2007  
8/2007  7/2007  6/2007  








Home | Contact Us | Search | Subscribe | Customer Service | About | Advertise | Privacy
Copyright © 2013, World Publishing Co. All rights reserved.