tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post8494568033437882396..comments2023-11-03T06:02:02.128-07:00Comments on By Ken Levine: The debut of American Idol: Season 10By Ken Levinehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17305293821975250420noreply@blogger.comBlogger27125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-52920600140951322412011-01-22T08:02:21.311-08:002011-01-22T08:02:21.311-08:00It seems we watched two different shows Ken. I was...It seems we watched two different shows Ken. I was prepared to hate it without Simon but I went in with an open mind.<br /><br />I'm not a fan of Jennifer Lopez mostly because I hate the whole diva/celebrity bullshit. But she surprised me with her polite demeanor. I think some of the 'cuteness' will settle down when she settles in.<br /><br />I have been a huge Aerosmith fan since their beginning. I was all set to be embarrassed and pissed off at Steven Tyler for selling out. Again, I was surprised and relieved at the way he approached the show with his sincerity and honest opinions. He is still the height of cool and I'm pretty sure none of the previous fatty commentators will be or are in as good of shape in their sixties.<br /><br />Randy was the same but I don't think he should sit in the lead chair. In my opinion he doesn't have the personality for it. They may think about shuffling the seating order.<br /><br />Overall I think the Idol producers made the right choice not to continue down the 'snarky' lane, left empty by Simon. He was good at it and any attempt to replace him would have been a mistake. <br /><br />I like the overall pleasantness and lack of mean spirit of the first couple of shows. I was also pleased to see less of the clown/trainwreck auditions this year.<br /><br />It's an old show now and obviously doesn't carry the 'new & exciting' banner it once did. But I don't think it's half as bad as you describe and I'd be willing to bet that you had most of your review written before it aired. Give the new kids a chance I say.The Milner Coupehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04615531012474374223noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-23250928744519820952011-01-21T16:52:56.404-08:002011-01-21T16:52:56.404-08:00I have to disagree. The last couple of seasons, Si...I have to disagree. The last couple of seasons, Simon might as well have been wearing a t-shirt that said "I'm just playin' out the string" on it. He was so disengaged, so bored-looking, that I was glad to see him go. I like Simon, but especially last year he just didn't seem to care (that's the only explanation I can see for his bizarre handling of Lee DeWyze with kid gloves). These judges are actually engaged, and Steven Tyler's got a funny way with words that's all his own.Kelly Sedingerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10704114189919711467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-80978864689139792532011-01-20T18:53:23.475-08:002011-01-20T18:53:23.475-08:00This is the first time in 10 seasons that I've...This is the first time in 10 seasons that I've been able to sit through ANY audition night - and I watched 2 nights in a row.<br />I HATED Simon Cowell. He became such a cartoon character after 3 seasons I had to give up. I'm so thankful he's gone.Nancyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09545939153999772046noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-29043651189693364542011-01-20T18:48:29.409-08:002011-01-20T18:48:29.409-08:00Although I'm not a fan of the show, I think it...Although I'm not a fan of the show, I think it jumped the shark when Ellen was on as a judge. American Idol is dying a slow death. Hopefully a slip in the ratings will encourage the producers and the Fox network to let this be the final season.Aaliyahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04592146576233426623noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-25981917388695986042011-01-20T17:26:11.319-08:002011-01-20T17:26:11.319-08:00Ken,
It's easy and a little cynical to jump ...Ken, <br /><br />It's easy and a little cynical to jump on the hater bandwagon. Yes, after 10 seasons, we've seen variations on most of this, and often better. But an Idol that's less than it's peak is still far more entertaining than most TV these days. While I do miss Simon, I thought Jennifer and Steven were both pretty good and hopefully will get better as they figure out how this new gig works. Looking forward to tonight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-7077883376221802722011-01-20T15:55:20.163-08:002011-01-20T15:55:20.163-08:00Whichever "Anonymous" said Simon Cowell ...Whichever "Anonymous" said Simon Cowell is no Alan Alda.<br /><br />That maybe so, but it would still be interesting to watch Simon wail "IT WAS A BABY!"Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-57511129047599212362011-01-20T14:58:48.378-08:002011-01-20T14:58:48.378-08:00Wow - you can't slip anything past Ron.Wow - you can't slip anything past Ron.emilynoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-65866456001196181392011-01-20T14:45:16.088-08:002011-01-20T14:45:16.088-08:00It's definitely not the same show, but I watch...It's definitely not the same show, but I watched because I was curious to see how they handled it.<br /><br />Jennifer Lopez was a lot less of a diva than I expected. Actually came across as sincere, at times. Steven...ah, I mean Carly...seemed to be pushing the auditioning singers a bit, which was a change. Both need to broaden their vocabulary for constructive criticism and stop sending the mediocre to slaughter in Hollywood.<br /><br />I probably won't watch again, but it was easier to stomach than Ellen and Karen...and J-Lo is a lot easier on the eyes. Carly, not so much.BOBnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18412437078921182042011-01-20T14:10:15.168-08:002011-01-20T14:10:15.168-08:00Someone needs to tell Steven Tyler he's not th...Someone needs to tell Steven Tyler he's not the one auditioning so he can stop singing along, drumming, harmonizing etc.... Maybe he needs a little something to bring him down before show time. And this is all taped. Can you imagine what it will be like to try to reign him in on a live show?Janet Tnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-2984343669357404212011-01-20T13:47:59.285-08:002011-01-20T13:47:59.285-08:00I made that Carly Simon joke to my boyfriend watch...I made that Carly Simon joke to my boyfriend watching Idol commercials a couple of weeks ago. (I said "Carly Simon looks horrible"; the funniest thing is that he didn't realize I was joking at first.) I say this only because it makes me proud that I'm making jokes like a professional. (Also, as a reminder that I should blog/Twitter my insights rather than sharing them just at home so I actually have proof of my minds thinking like a great one.)<br /><br />I haven't watched Idol since the first season but I look forward to your recaps -- let's me feel like I'm in tune with pop culture by knowing about the #1 rated show without having to actually do it.Mikehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14222454130248126891noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-71321281519650358532011-01-20T11:59:06.137-08:002011-01-20T11:59:06.137-08:00To me, the big TV news last night was the debut of...To me, the big TV news last night was the debut of season 2 of "Hot In Cleveland." Won't spoil the beginning for anyone who hasn't seen it yet, but it involves an old chum of Betty White's...playing a character Ken probably wishes he'd created for her.VP81955https://www.blogger.com/profile/11792390726196611188noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-51806300532995133482011-01-20T11:45:52.760-08:002011-01-20T11:45:52.760-08:00I bet you think that Simon / Tyler gag was about y...I bet you think that Simon / Tyler gag was about you, Ken. What a high school-ish bit of humor. Bad blood, bud?Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-88011091430435848742011-01-20T11:17:35.272-08:002011-01-20T11:17:35.272-08:00Ken,
found Idol boring. But that's not actua...Ken,<br /><br />found Idol boring. But that's not actually what I wanted to mention. I actually wanted to reference your post a few weeks back about 'The Last of Shiela'. Thanks to Netflix, I got a chance to watch it...and it was as good as you said it would be. Compelling, tight mystery that reminded me a lot of Agatha Christie, but with the biting satire of Hollywood mixed in for good measure.<br /><br />Thanks for the heads-up on that one. What an under-appreciated gem.WizarDruhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00251397305365764287noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-6223700868169381682011-01-20T11:16:19.837-08:002011-01-20T11:16:19.837-08:00I didn't watch much of it, I prefer to wait un...I didn't watch much of it, I prefer to wait until later in the season when the talent ratio is a bit higher, but I thought Steven was kind of funny in the few bits I saw. It might be interesting to see if he really starts talking to the kids in the later rounds.Ryan Eiblinghttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04016825620238876896noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-86309633396816510582011-01-20T10:34:24.887-08:002011-01-20T10:34:24.887-08:00As a former Idol fan, I was skeptical. I DVRed th...As a former Idol fan, I was skeptical. I DVRed the show so I could fast forward through the boring parts. In reality, I don't think I hit "play" more than twice. And, at a very fast speed, Steven Tyler looked amazingly like Melissa Rivers.Lenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18024610955369307729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-67407463686386305272011-01-20T10:13:52.017-08:002011-01-20T10:13:52.017-08:00have never seen american idol.
but am still laugh...have never seen american idol.<br /><br />but am still laughing about the carly quip.<br />wouldn't it have been fitting to have had a contestant sing<br />'you're so vain?'<br /><br />what is an interesting dynamic and this ties into your post about plastic surgery in hollywood:<br /><br />jlo for the past two years has been campaigning to let the industry know that she's ready to work again.<br />everyone loves a good comeback story.<br />But the industry has changed so drastically, that<br />celebrities are cycled out faster today than ever before..is it the internet and media stauration 24/7?<br /><br />while her movies were never academy award nominated...<br />there's something sad about a once been star trying to acheive the level they once held.<br />and it makes one wonder is it work or ego related?<br /><br />sadder still when stars re-invent themselves with obvious botox etc..to stay employed.<br /><br />maybe the new casting couches are to be found in the plastic surgeon's office.Maryannenoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-40376790385734518002011-01-20T10:10:43.282-08:002011-01-20T10:10:43.282-08:00I suspect if Simon was REALLY that great, the show...I suspect if Simon was REALLY that great, the show would not have felt so compelled to 'frame' him with such lame-asses (although I've wondered if Randy might not actually be pretty sharp if the producers let him go off-character). <br /><br /> I think its probably a good thing the show hired actual pop/rock stars - although as I don't watch the show till the competition part starts, I don't really have an opinion yet.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60889894505186301062011-01-20T09:47:39.640-08:002011-01-20T09:47:39.640-08:00I liked the show. Ellen was too stiff - Kara got ...I liked the show. Ellen was too stiff - Kara got on my last nerve so last year sucked monkey balls in my estimation. I expected a train wreck with Steven Tyler (who I like in Aerosmith) but he was entertaining. I'm not a J-lo fan but she wasn't making it all about her as much as I expected. <br /><br />And - Simon Cowell is no Alan Alda.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-18749259971144755862011-01-20T08:59:48.815-08:002011-01-20T08:59:48.815-08:00You've gone too far now, Ken! I happen to fin...You've gone too far now, Ken! I happen to find Olive Garden Commercials <em>extremely</em> moving!<br /><br />I demand a retraction!Nathanhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00648438549121320566noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-12869461073516419872011-01-20T08:21:40.902-08:002011-01-20T08:21:40.902-08:00@Ron:
Yes.
Best stealth joke of the new year.@Ron:<br /><br />Yes.<br /><br />Best stealth joke of the new year.Donnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-35870475875043568512011-01-20T08:16:56.271-08:002011-01-20T08:16:56.271-08:00Are you being deliberately facetious referring to ...Are you being deliberately facetious referring to Steven Tyler as Carly Simon?Ronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04638056237847340346noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-49311358521511980782011-01-20T07:42:24.272-08:002011-01-20T07:42:24.272-08:00This is exactly what will happen. The US will lap ...This is exactly what will happen. The US will lap up The X Factor, personally I can't stand it and slap my forehead in disbelief each year at the general public that follow this programme.<br /><br />But it will be a hit and become Fox's most popular show. You'll see.Cameron Yardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08819788763563762774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72180316862518272172011-01-20T07:37:58.724-08:002011-01-20T07:37:58.724-08:00Unfortunately you're falling for Simon's p...Unfortunately you're falling for Simon's plan. He knew the show wouldn't do as well without him.<br /><br />Now America will tune into the joke of a show that is The X Factor, even though 80% of it is faked/mimed/rigged. Unfortunately most of America are dumb, so they won't notice any of it.<br /><br />The X Factor will be a success. You have no choice in the matter.Kurtnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-60911798112009857522011-01-20T07:18:05.011-08:002011-01-20T07:18:05.011-08:00Ken, I think The X Factor will become your new gui...Ken, I think The X Factor will become your new guilty pleasure. Especially if it's like the UK version. Lots of judges fighting each other and using tactical voting to get their respective acts through. And it has Simon who whether people like him or not, is a huge presence on the show.<br /><br />But others seemed to like it and it'll be interesting to see its ratings.Cameron Yardehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08819788763563762774noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19336675.post-72170381982551517212011-01-20T07:16:49.942-08:002011-01-20T07:16:49.942-08:00At this point, is anyone moved to laughter by the ...At this point, is anyone moved to laughter by the bad singers, most of whom clearly know they are bad? Is anyone really thrilled by the site of seeing a technically gifted singer slaughter a song when they clearly have no idea what it is about? <br /><br />My wife an I ditched idol several seasons ago because we found the audition process a snooze and the "talent" to be increasingly terrible.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com