Click here to visit the new home of AOLTV!

Hot on HuffPost TV:

See More Stories

TV Squad Ten: Reasons you should be watching American Idol

by Jane Boursaw, posted Jan 28th 2009 8:10AM

American Idol - Season 8
Is this season of American Idol everything you dreamed it would be? Or are you thinking it's the same-old-same-old we've all seen before? I fall into both camps, so decided to put together my list of ten reasons you should be watching American Idol this season. Feel free to add your own in the comments section!

10. Ryan Seacrest and Girls in Bikinis. Despite all the flak he gets, Ryan is still great with the contestants and either genuinely cares about them or does a good job of pretending he cares. And I thought he handled the awkward kiss from Bikini Girl with as much grace as possible under the circumstances. Did she take her five minutes of fame and make the most of it or what? Hey, use what you've got, right?

Memorable Idol' Auditions 2009: Jacksonville


9. Guns and Cellphones. Is that a gun on your belt or do you just plan on making a cell phone call? So went the thought processes when Mark Mudd stood before the judges and then told them to "take care, and be careful" upon his departure. If, as Paula suggested, that's not a normal thing to say, then my family is as weird as it gets. I'll give Paula the benefit of the doubt, though, as I'm sure she's skittish about this sort of thing. Still, I'm sure the show editors took the opportunity to grab a few ratings with this non-scandalous scandal.

8. Smackdowns between Kara and Simon. Paula and Simon have a sort of brother-sister relationship. They rib each other to pieces, but you can tell they care about each other. Kara and Simon, on the other hand, seem more like they're headed for a Thunderdome death match. When she stands up and says, "Excuse me, I'm talking!," you get the feeling he'd better shut up -- and pronounce her name right while he's doing it.

7. Girls like Leneshe Young. It's contestants like this Beyonce sound-alike that make American Idol worthwhile. I had to play back her original song, "Natty," a few times because I loved it so much. Is it on iTunes yet? As an added bonus, Leneshe grew up poor and homeless. Well, it's sort of a bonus now. I'm sure it hasn't been up to this point in her life.

6. Awkward scenes with Kara. Uh, before you tell someone their performance is a joke and can you hear the real thing now, make sure that's really the case, Kara. I'm still feeling bad for poor Rebecca Garcia, who burst into tears after Kara's thoughtless comment. Thank goodness Rebecca's mom has her back. "Don't let them discourage you..." Gosh darnit.

5. Jason Castro's brother. I'm still skeptical whether Michael Castro, brother of last year's 4th runner-up Jason Castro, truly had been singing for only a few weeks before his audition. But seeing someone so completely laid back about the auditions when all around him are certifiably crazy people ... it's refreshing. He's like, whatever.

4. Fringe benefits. American Idol leads right into Fringe, so you won't have to change the channel to catch up with the dysfunctional family that is Walter, Peter and Olivia. And after watching all the crazies on American Idol, we can all use a dose of Walter's organized madness.

3. Contestants who shock you. No, I'm not talking about the Big-Bird-outfit kind of shock. I'm talking about the contestants who look like they stopped by the auditions on their way to Chess Club, then surprise the heck out of you with their big voice. Such was the case for Jamar Rogers, who sang "California Dreamin" and Jessica Furney, who belted out Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby." Then there's Matt Breitzke, who looks like a wrestler, but out of his mouth came a soulful version of Bill Withers' "Ain't No Sunshine." Can't wait to see how these folks do in Hollywood.

American Idol' Best Performances Ever



2. People who try to sing like Minnie Riperton. Really, if you're going to pick a famous singer to emulate, pick someone besides the 5-octave wonder Minnie Riperton. Only Minnie sounds like Minnie, and all the threats in the world ("You guys are wrong, and God's gonna make you pay for it") ain't gonna change that ... Mia Conley.

And the number one reason you should be watching American Idol ...

1. It's the American Dream! Yes, we're still the land of the free and the home of the brave. And judging by this year's flock of Idol wannabees, there are plenty of contestants who are taking that mantra to heart. Rock on, Idols!

Link Squad

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

40 Comments

Filter by:
speak up

can't stand the new judge. She is soooo full of herself. Go back to three and yes keep Paula. Kara, go write a song.

February 27 2009 at 8:13 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
BB ENT

American Idol - Jasmine Murray Official Myspace Page http://www.myspace.com/jasminemurrayfans

February 10 2009 at 2:23 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SHARK

Bikini girl is exactly the way of the world as it is and as it has been in the past. Will we ever rid ourselves of such a thing........people will always "try" to get where they are going in funny ways but in reality we will all get where we are going in the end. Think about it, its not wrong,its not right.......... it's just life!

February 04 2009 at 11:55 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
K

I completely agree with #5 :)

February 04 2009 at 11:29 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
sheila

simon, paula and randy are good. simon tells it like it is, paula has her opinions but keeps peoples' egos in-tact. i think randy is the smartest. ( except with ms. bikini lol
the other lady eh

February 04 2009 at 11:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
From Kentucky

American Idol is a good CLEAN show that a lot of people enjoy watching. I like ALL the judges and they provide GOOD entertainment. So if you don't like the show or the judges turn your TV to something else!

February 04 2009 at 9:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Babs

AI is one of the most viewed shows on tv. It was ridiculous to stoop to putting the bikini clad girl on. Can we please have one show that women can have talent, and it does not consist of having to use sex to get ahead? Geez women, have some self respect.

February 04 2009 at 9:22 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bobby

ive been writing music for forty years ,play the blues harp and bass,so i think i know alittle about music.after seeing tayor hicks live ,this show is a joke he was the worst ive ever seen.my sister and i walk out after two songs.you can put anyone on a 18 channel mixer board and they will sound great .i wont ever watch this show again.and paula needs to go into drug rehab,to many perocets.

February 04 2009 at 9:20 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
UFO654 CAROLE

GONG SHOW AND RIDICULOUS GIVE ME BACK TED MACK WHOSE TALENT HAD TALENT. WE WATCH AN HOUR OF PEOPLE FLYING BY, SREECHING, A LOT OF CRAP TO TAKE UP 2 HOURS OF OUR TIME WITH 40 MIN OF COMMERCIALS.........ARE WE NUTZ????

February 04 2009 at 9:10 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
kdimera

I love Nick (Norman Gentle), he cracks me up. He has a decent voice too. I would like to see him hang around for a while, I love Simons reactions to him.

February 04 2009 at 9:05 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply

Follow Us

TV Squad Hot Topics

From Our Partners