'Idol' thoughts from Seattle

It is a definite shame that Seattle was portrayed as a piss poor city without talent. I first hand was able to listen to contestants who had amazing voices that should have been given the opportunity to get through and be given a chance to get to Hollywood. As a society though, we need to remember, this is a show. Show business thrives on DRAMA, weirdness, and things that will make you go hummm.. So of the singers that could potentially be an "American Idol" only half of them (at most) are chosen to sing in front of Paula, Randy, and Simon. While the other half chosen are those who sound like trash or look like trash, because we will watch the show!
The funny thing about it all is that before attending the event with a friend of mine who tried out and made it to the top 60, I never understood why the singers who were awful beyond belief, had no clue why Randy, Paula, and Simon thought they sounded like trash because they had the understanding (in their own little world) that they sound AMAZING! The secret is that because these people get through 3 panels of judges telling them that they are amazing and getting the opportunity to sing for Paula, Randy, and Simon that these people end up heart broken and pissed off because they are made to look like a fool on national television. It's sad but true, but that's the breaks, when trying to make it into Hollywood. No one ever said it would be easy, if it were, we'd all be famous.

The show does not have quality anymore. My perception is that the show is setting up weird people to appear and make fun of them. Maybe they think like Ugly Betty, where ugly needs to show. I am not saying ugly , ugle but Different people. It is sad that the show is used to make fun of people that are different. I will be happy so see a different person with a super voice, so the producers can eat that.

Hey Guys...Whats going on with the show this year???? It feels like the WHOLE show is devoted to the unfortunate ones who have no clue!! Lets see the good ones who made it through...I am curious though with all this brew ha ha going on...Is there a casting process in which the no talent ones get boote4d before the auditions with Paula, Randy and Simon..Do the ones that get through who have no talent know they are going through to be laughed at????? I love the show and wait for it all year...Don't ruin it!! Loved seeing JEWEL!!!

According to Kelly Pickler, who co-hosted on the View on Thursday and Friday, the contestants audition for producers before they ever go before the big 3. If this is true, then the powers that be at AI are putting these people up for public humiliation on purpose. The "bush baby" guy and his friend should never have been on the public auditions. The friend had obvious mental disabilities. Why are the being cruel this season? I've always loved AI and have watched every season and I'm sure I'll continue to watch this season. However, I have lost respect for the program.

Getting down on yourselves because you looked bad or you did not sing the way you wanted too, is not the issue here. It's the fact that you were determined that you felt that you had enough of talent in you to go in front of Simon, Paula and Randy even though they might insult you! That is more than the guts, then the people at home have sitting at home laughing. I could not do that! Who says they are laughing at you. They could be laughing at those 3 clowns at the table that think they know it all. In my opinion some of you that were made fun of did have a good voice and did sing well. With some proper clothes, different hair styles and some singing lessons you will not be noticed next year. If you decide not to come back start small then aim big. They did not build Rome in a day!
Have Faith and Believe!

i am not a huge idol fan, but watched it a few minutes the other night. making fun and ridiculing obviously physically/mentally challenged performers is a new low for idol. they should be ashamed of themselves. maybe one day, they will have a child and it might have a disability. know that would never happen. paula will never find a man, randy is probably gay, and simon, well anyone who would be with him for any reason other than his money is nuts to begin with. remember judges, what goes around comes around, and that's the truth

Well, this is the first time I've ever ever ever watched AI. My daughter (10 years old) wants to watch and feels a bit out of the loop because on the school announcements each morning (after AI really gets going - not this early) they talk about who is still going strong, who's off, that sort of thing.

I am not really a reality show person and never watched because of the reputation of show- how harsh it can be and the idea that it is considered entertainment to watch people make fools of themselves. So I told her perhaps when the show is down to the real contenders it would be ok.

But I put it on the first night to get a sense of what I was agreeing to. I really couldn't stick with it. I found it painful to watch people really have their hearts broken, and so ruthlessly with these judges laughing at them. Even if they are completely in la la land about their singing ablity. It was too much, I literially would turn my head and mute the sound- as if I were watching a slasher movie. I am an actor, and have auditioned many times, I have directed children and teens in theater. I know what it is like to be on both sides of the fence. I absolutely know what it must be like for these judges to sit through basically a waste of their time but the rub is- and the reason I have some issues with the show- this is part- not all- but part of what they get paid to do cuz that's entertainment.So is Simon really appalled at this one or that one because they have no business being there? Or don't seem to even know what the show's purpose is? Or is it an act, because he know everyone is watching these first days to watch the "superfreaks" do their thing? I know many people love the show and I mean no disrespect to anyone out there. This is just one nonwatcher's first impressions.

Anyone who doesn't know what they're in for if they audition must be living in a box somewhere. If anything, the judges are too nice to people. The truth may hurt sometimes....but in the end, it is the truth.

Well it is a show... I think you sum it up really well for those who are tone death that haven't gotten the point of the American Idol yet. They are there to find the best vocal talent. And I have to agree with Jon, none this season so far. Although I think that Jordan girl for only being 16 did a knock out job. Maybe the Memphis Audition will find us the stars that we are looking for and improve the slow and what seems to be meaningless start.

LMAO...John, you're hysterical!!! Now I remember why I loved you in Season 3!!!

I'm on the same page as you are. I usually don't leave the TV while AI is on but I was actually goofing off during much of the show, so DANGIT! I missed Mr. Douchbag! DAMMIT!! Figures! Now I'll have to look him on MySpace! Grr...

But I do love ya! I hope you start writing this full time because your blogs are a HOOT!