Tonight, American Idol begins the singing marathon called Hollywood Week.

And I am sure it will be filled with all the drama and suspense that I have come to dislike about this show. It is tedious and overblown.

As I said last week, American Idol would have been wise to jump-start the live shows this season.

With strong competition coming from NBC’s The Voice, Fox risks losing viewers who are waiting to see the live shows.

The Voice starts out in performance mode right out of the gate and, as a result, the emotional investment in these singers is strong and instantaneous.

I can scarcely remember who auditioned for American Idol this season. The talent is strong – no doubt – but after three weeks we are still twiddling our thumbs wondering what these singers can do when allowed to perform to their full ability.

Does anyone else agree or am I blowing smoke here?

At any rate, we have two more weeks of whittling singers down to the Top 24 and then these singers compete for a spot in the Top 12. That’s six weeks of television until the Top 12 take center stage. Far, far too long

Are you enjoying the Season 11? Do you think the ratings will improve once the live shows begin?

Last night, Season 2 of The Voice premiered to stellar, record-breaking ratings.

Approximately 37.6 million viewers tuned in to watch the show, which aired following the Superbowl.

Although the Superbowl was a great catalyst for The Voice’s ratings heist, still it broke all kinds of records – and hearts if you are a diehard American
Idol or X-Factor fan.

Here is what The Huffington Post had to say:

“The Voice” kicked off Season 2 with a bang, scoring 37.6 million total viewers and a 16.3 rating among the coveted adults 18-49 demo. While the numbers alone are phenomenal, they also broke records.

The star-studded reality competition had the highest ratings for a non-sports telecast on any network in six years. It’s the highest-rated show since the post-Super Bowl telecast of “Grey’s Anatomy” in 2006.

Aguilera, Blake Shelton, Adam Levine and Cee Lo Green also beat the post-Super Bowl episode of “Glee” last year by 47 percent in the demo. In fact, the entire Super Bowl XLVI telecast scored an estimated 111.3 million viewers, which narrowly beat the 111 million who watched last year’s game.

The opening show last night was tremendous and the singers were exceptional. The banter between the judges proved to be great entertainment, yet, at the same time, straightforward critiques were delivered with heart and ingenuity.

This show is on fire and will keep other singing competition shows on their tippy toes.

Hopefully, all the singing fans will tune in to both shows. I think American Idol has discovered some wonderful talent this season and the judges have been super.

What about you? Will you be watching The Voice or American Idol or both? Who was your favorite last night? I loved all five singers. Now, there’s a first!

Well, after much hype and ballyhoo, the NBC Premiere of the long-awaited Smash series debuts at 10:00 P.M. Eastern on Monday February 6th.

Katharine McPhee stars in the role as Karen, one of two singers auditioning to play the role of Marilyn Monroe.

By all accounts, her performance looks more than promising and the show looks fantastic. Also starring in this series are Megan Hilty, Debra Messing and Angelica Huston.

New NBC entertainment chief, Eric Greenblatt, wooed Steven Spielberg to produce the series and the network has persistently promoted this potent collaboration.

This is a real coup d’état for NBC, a network that is fighting strongly to reclaim its number one position in the television industry.

And with The Voice and America’s Got Talent in its back pocket plus numerous other projects down the line, it looks like it might just reach its goal.

Have a peek at Katharine’s “Touch Me” video below. And tell us what you think in the comments section. Will you be watching “Smash”?

I have never been so excited for The Superbowl. Seriously. This is nuts. I do love sports but don’t LOVE sports, if you know what I mean.

When my choir was invited to sing the American and Canadian National anthems at the Toronto Skydome back in the day, I had no idea who the athletes were. As they walked right by me, I didn’t bat an eyelash, but my singers were falling apart before my eyes, worrying whether they would trip and fall when they walked to center field to perform. Funny stuff.

But this year, the hype and excitement has overwhelmed me. Now, I should tell you that I am pretty pumped to watch Kelly Clarkson perform the anthem as well as to see and hear Madonna during the half-time show.

So, as you can plainly see, the music component attached to this major sports event is a catalyst for my interest in this year’s game.

Truth be told, I probably won’t watch most of the game – just hang-out with family until the half-time show, which will receive my undivided attention.

And the commercials should be fun, although I have already seen them all on Facebook or YouTube.

My favorite is the Seinfeld/Leno Acura commercial and my least favorite is the Elton John/Melanie Amaro Pepsi commercial. Don’t know what they were thinking when they filmed this Pepsi mess. And stealing from Seinfeld just seems so desperate and sad.

Adding to the air of excitement, the Season 2 Premiere of The Voice begins immediately after the Superbowl at 10:00 PM or so on NBC.

Plus, we will probably be seeing umpteen commercials hyping NBC’s highly anticipated new show, SMASH, starring American Idol Season 5 Runner-Up the immensely talented Katharine McPhee.

It premieres on NBC on Monday, February 6th at 10:00 P.M., following the second episode of The Voice.

Not too shabby for a network that has been struggling over the past few years. That NBC Peacock must be sprouting some pretty proud feathers.

You can also watch the entire Superbowl online or on your mobile phone.

Don’t forget to add your comments whenever you are inspired to do so!

Tonight, American Idol features the final stop of the Season 11 audition tour – the city of St. Louis. Think we’ll find any blues singers? One can only hope!

Wednesday’s Portland show was pretty weak, I thought. Lots of people with back stories and mediocre voices. I can’t see many going far during Hollywood week. We’ll see soon enough!

I am pretty much done with these auditions and just want the live performances to “kick-in”.

Right now, it is a veritable snail fest, although the atmosphere created by the judges and Ryan Seacrest has greatly improved. Lots of positive vibes and good will.

I honestly feel that the American Idol live performances should start sooner so as to avoid colliding with and/or get a jump-start on The Voice and Smash. You know, the early bird gets the worm and all that.

NBC is going to kick some butt with these shows. I hope Fox is ready for a fight.

Are you enjoying the Season 11? Do you think the ratings will improve once the live shows begin?

Tonight, American Idol enters the third and last week of preliminary auditions via the city of Portland, Oregon.

Thursday’s Houston, Texas show was very good.

More great singers were discovered and will most certainly do very well during the Hollywood Bootcamp.

I was very excited to see Season 6 contestant, Baylie Brown. I remembered that name – a star’s name – and was disappointed when she failed to make an impression during Season 6 Hollywood week.

She seems very confident and prepared now, so hopefully she will move deep into this year’s competition.

What do you think of the season thus far? Let us in on your favorites in the comments sections.

Tonight, American Idol continues its journey while highlighting the talent discovered at the Houston, Texas auditions.

I thought last evening’s show in Aspen showed some very promising talent.

There were a couple of guys with resounding baritone voices and, of course, Hippie Girl Haley was just tremendous. What a surprise!

And she is different and quirky in every good way, so I trust she will venture far in this competition.

So nothing more needs to be said – let the show begin in!

What do you think of the season thus far? Let us in on your favorites in the comments sections.

I have always wanted to travel to Aspen Colorado, so the closest thing I will encounter is catching a glimpse of it here and there during this evening’s American Idol Aspen auditions.

I wonder if anyone will ski into the auditions. Just a crazy thought!

I pretty much thought that the San Diego auditions were a bust, although I really liked the unassuming and genuine talent of Jane Carrey. She seems rooted and focused, raised with the correct work ethic.

I think there will be more to this story as the season unfolds – at least this is what I hope will happen. Time will tell, but I am rooting for her.

I do like where this show is headed this year. Presently, there seems to be a diversity of talent headed to Hollywood, so I hope this element will be reflected in the Top 24 and, ultimately, in the Top 12.

What do you think of the show thus far? Let us in on your favorites in the comments sections.

Reblogged from The New HOT 95-7 – Celeb Gossip, Music News, The HOT Show – KKHH-FM – All The Hits:

Last night after the big NFC Championship game, FOX aired a special episode of San Diego ‘American Idol’ auditions. Much to the judges surprise Jim Carrey’s daughter, Jane Carrey, came to audition! Take a listen to her sing, and find out if she got a golden ticket to Hollywood!

What did you think of Jane Carrey’s participation in the American Idol auditions in San Diego? To tell the truth, she is taking a huge risk given her background, but seems like a talented and unassuming young lady. I love her and wish her the very best

Well, apparently there is some important game on tonight, acting as a lead-in to a special showing of American Idol.

As you can plainly see, I am not an avid sports fan – except when the Olympics air.

Then I turn into a raving lunatic, acting like an avid and obsessive sports fan. It really is one of the great mysteries of life.

But, I googled the information and it is the NFC championship game between New York and San Francisco.

American Idol airs directly after the game on Fox at 10:00 Eastern. So, as long as there is no overtime, we should be good to go.

Also, was I the only one bummed over the fact that the Coal Miner Kid, Shane Bruce, didn’t receive a golden ticket to Hollywood during the Pittsburgh auditions? So much air time was allotted to him, so perhaps he will come back as a wild card.

And why didn’t he perform “In The Still Of The Night” for the judges instead of the coal miners? “Hallelujah” just doesn’t cut it, plus it is over-performed. He brought nothing new to the table with this song.

Nevertheless, he demonstrated great potential for growth and, given his personal history, would have attracted a huge audience. So, either Idol will rethink this or they have another agenda in mind.

Tonight’s show features the discovered talent at the San Diego auditions. Are you excited and pumped? I am! Comments are open so start this party early!

What a fantastic showing in Savannah, Georgia last evening! The new season of American Idol moved smoothly and efficiently, thanks to Ryan Seacrest’s flawless narration and the renewed energy of the judges, Randy Jackson, Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.

And the singers! Let’s talk about the singers! The first thing that comes to mind is fluid. Their voices were clear and effortless. Their vocal sound just oozed from their bodies, pitch perfect and transparent.

Now, I cannot for the life of me remember all the names because that’s the way my mind works. I’m a numbers gal.

But suffice it to say that the vast majority of the singers brought a huge smile to my face with their creative, nuanced approach to their music.

And, although Philip Phillips ended the two-hour showcase with stellar vocals reminiscent of a younger and, perhaps hipper, version Season 5 winner Taylor Hicks, a great deal of talent still needs to surface over the next three weeks before we declare him the one to beat this season.

But he is one to watch closely, very closely!

So, we are off Pittsburgh tonight and I am very excited. Are you? Who are your favorites so far? Please share in the comments section.

Enjoy the show!

Tonight’s two-hour premiere of American Idol Season 11 will showcase the discovered talent in Savannah, Georgia.

Two hours for one city seems a little extreme. Has it always been this way? Who can remember from year to year? Not me.

So the two-hour showcase allotted to the Savannah singers must be indicative of the stellar level of talent at these auditions. Or, we may be treated to some tedious filler and back stories but then it wouldn’t be American Idol without it, correct?

Whatever the case, enjoy the resonating sound of Ryan Seacrest’s singular voice during the narration because, depending on what happens with his contract negotiations, this may be his last season.

And that would be a shame. No one can take his place. He makes it look so easy. He is unflappable, intelligent, accommodating, genuine – just a regular guy with a heap of ambition and talent.

So,let the drums roll out and the trumpets sound as we begin – hopefully – another full decade of
American Idol.

And please add your comments and thoughts in the comments section of this blog topic.

Well here we are again. Another season of American Idol is upon us. This year the popular reality singing show is entering its 11th Season, with no sign of “giving up” or “handing over” the reins to another singing competition.

Although NBC’s first season of The Voice and Fox’s first season of The X Factor did perform to high numbers, none came close to the ratings and popularity of American Idol.

This show is so ingrained in the mindset and viewing routine of the TV audience that it is going to take a cold day in hell for this show to disappear off the radar.

The only way this will happen is if Fox decides not to renew Ryan Seacrest’s lucrative contract next year.

If he disappears from Idol, the show will follow in its footsteps. He literally and figuratively is the voice of American Idol. I cannot imagine this show without him. Can you?

As you ponder this question, have a look at this year’s schedule and give us your take on a couple of interesting changes to the format. Should be interesting.

Wednesday, Jan. 18 (8:00-10:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 1
Thursday, Jan. 19 (8:00-9:00 PM) Season Premiere, Part 2
Sunday, Jan. 22 (10-11PM ET/7-8 PM PT) Auditions Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Jan. 25 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Jan. 26 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 1 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 2 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Wednesday, Feb. 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Auditions Episode
Thursday, Feb. 9 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 1
Wednesday, Feb. 15 (8:00-10:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 2
Thursday, Feb. 16 (8:00-9:00 PM) Hollywood Round, Part 3
Wednesday, Feb. 22 (8:00-10:00 PM) Performance Challenge
Thursday, Feb. 23 (8:00-9:00 PM) Semifinalists Announced
Tuesday, Feb. 28 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform/400th Episode (Special Broadcast)
Wednesday, Feb. 29 (8:00-10:00 PM) Semifinalists Perform
Thursday, March 1 (8:00-10:00 PM) Results Show; Finalists Announced & Judges’ Wild Card Picks Revealed (ET live/PT tape-delayed)
Wednesday, March 7 (8:00-10:00 PM) Finalists Perform
Thursday, March 8 (8:00-9:00 PM) Results Show; First Elimination (ET live/PT tape-delayed)

Become a fan of American Idol on Facebook at www.facebook.com/AmericanIdol. Follow the series on Twitter @AmericanIdol and join the discussion at #AmericanIdol. Also, follow host Ryan Seacrest at @RyanSeacrest, and follow the judges: @yo_randyjackson; @JLo; and @iamstevent.

Wow! I almost forgot about The X Factor Finale. Someone should tell Simon that ’tis the season to be baking, wrapping gifts, attending choir rehearsals and/or concerts etc. Not watching television reality shows.

Oh well, what do we have here? Of yes, Chris, Melanie and Josh. Good luck to all three of them.

The show runs on Fox on Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 P.M.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show or after the telecast! Always looking forward to your comments!

I have to admit – I just don’t get it! I truly don’t. The fact that David Cook has eluded superstardom leaves me completely and utterly baffled.

It leaves me to question the nature of the promotional process once American Idol completes a season.

All that hype, all the hoopla, all the exposure garnered from weekly appearances on American Idol should be an enormous platform for catapulting an artist’s career, especially one as talented as David Cook. You would think so, right?

But, no, it rarely happens and no one knows why.

Season Seven Of American Idol, where David Cook emerged as the winner, was arguably the most successful season ever.

Their summer tour sold out huge venues both in the United States and Canada. Many, many unique stars were born, including David Cook, David Archuleta, Jason Castro, Carly Smithson, Michael Johns, Brooke White.

Just reflecting on this wonderful group of singers brings a smile to my face. They are all phenomenally talented in their own special way.

While Simon Cowell wants us to believe that he and he alone has found artists with the X Factor, I beg to differ. All of the American Idol singers mentioned above possessed this integral factor in spades.

David Cook’s version of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean“, which originated with artist Chris Cornell, was a show-stopping moment on the show, one that repeated itself many times throughout Season Seven.

Did record producers not realize the gem they had in David Cook? Could someone not have envisioned an album of classic rock songs featuring David’s signature style and sound?

We all know that Rod Stewart has made gazillions with his cover albums, launching another exciting phase in this singer’s career.

Listen to the video below. It screams superstar. Please, record producers, stop with the cookie-cutter, mind-numbing approach to musical success and stardom and start producing stars of quality, intelligence and charisma.

The world needs singers of passion, with a strong moral compass and multi-dimensional visionary approach to their artistry.

David Cook’s new CD, This Loud Morning, was impeccably conceived and produced. David threw his heart and soul into this CD and it deserves to be recognized at a higher level.

You can purchase “This Loud Morning” on Amazon.Com or download it via ITunes.

Where are the David Cook fans? Are you as frustrated as I from the lack of exposure David is receiving? Hit the comments below, while you listen to “Billie Jean”.

But, more important, tell your friends to download his album pronto. Please. We need more people like David in the music industry and we must ensure his longevity as an artist.

Well, the surprises just keep on coming. Who would have foreseen Rachel’s elimination last week?

However, all appears to be good and well for the spunky little thirteen-year-old with the great big voice and personality. It seems that she is being courted and embraced by Disney.

Which explains why Simon was calm, cool and collected at the news of her elimination. It’s his show after all and chances are he knew what was coming before the show aired.

So, that leaves us with Marcus, Chris, Melanie and Josh. Not what I envisioned for a Top 4! How about you?

The show runs on Fox on Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 P.M.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show – or before! Always looking forward to your comments!

Here in the MCL community, I have been very fortunate to be in the company of informative and insightful commentators.

Their suggestions and ideas regarding numerous topics are generally spot-on and I tremendously value their input and perspective.

After Wednesday’s X Factor performances, one reader by the name of Malden shared some excellent comments with us and I would like to highlight them for you:

“The Jackson kids did not seem thrilled to be there. “Ah, Grandma, do we really have to go to that show?” “Yes, I promised Simon we would all be there. He made a nice contribution to our charity foundation.”

I thought host Steve Jones might improve after a few week of experience. Not be so stiff, loosen up, get more comfortable. I was wrong.

I find it amusingly odd that the judges are introduced in such a grand fashion each week, as if they are the true stars of the show. Are Olympic judges treated like this? Are Supreme Court judges treated like this? Since when does being a judge make you deserving of a glittering entrance befitting a crowned head of state?

Josh — the loud music and poor sound mix made his voice seem muffled and hard to hear. He was back in hard rock mode that I don’t really enjoy.

Astro — He’s very talented but I’m frustrated at not being able to understand his lyrics. I can only catch a few words here and there.

Drew — her “sing-talk” performance style reminds me of the British singer Ellie Goulding. The ongoing British version of X Factor had a 16-year-old girl who sang in a similar style and was just voted off last week. It’s a style I associate with mature singers who are past their vocal prime. It’s quite striking to see a very young girl adopt it as her signature style. I enjoyed her vocal tonite, but she has a way of making all her songs sound alike.

Rachel — the ultimate example of a spunky young girl you can’t help liking. But I’m not seeing a pop star.

Marcus — suffers from the same problem almost every week — his vocals start out strong but become progressively weaker as his movements become more energetic.

Chris — The best vocal performance I’ve seem from him, although still not great. I always seem to enjoy his performances despite the numerous vocal flaws.

Melanie — Almost a repeat of last week: another big song, another great vocal.

I agree with MCL that Marcus and Chris are probably in the most jeopardy. But I would not be totally surprised to see Astro or Rachel in the bottom group.

I think Astro may be facing the same issue that Adam Lambert faced: most of the people who like his style of music are not the kind of people who watch shows like this.”

Malden echoed some of the problems that, I feel, have been holding back this show from less than stellar ratings.

At its core, The X Factor does not seem genuine. There is a whole lot of hoopla, smoke and mirrors, electronic manipulation, over-produced performance sequences and scripted arguments that I find tiresome.

Can someone come out on stage and just sing, please? The only person that has proven capable of that is Melanie and, at times, Josh, but, after last week’s emotional tirade, Melanie’s personality leaves much to be desired.

And I don’t remember her speaking with a Bahamian accent during the audition episodes. What gives, Melanie?

So, thank you Malden for your timely input. Hopefully, the judges will refrain from their “Carmina Burana-tinged” entrance and bring the focus of the show back to the singers.

Now, it’s your turn to add to this lively topic. Comment away!!

This week, thanks to the double elimination last week, we are down to the Top 7.

And, yet again this week, a double elimination will bring the final group of X Factor contestants down to five remaining singers.

Anyone want to wager who those five will be? Okay, you talked me into it! I will!

Drum roll please and thank you: My picks are (in alphabetical order) – Astro, Drew, Josh, Melanie and Rachel. Although, from what I understand, Chris Rene has quite the following. So, who really knows?

This week celebrates the music of the late and great Michael Jackson. This should highlight some interesting performances.

The big question here is: which song will Astro perform? Will it be a rap/hip-hop combo, similar to what we heard a few weeks ago?

We shall know soon enough. The show will air this Wednesday from 8:00-9:30 on Fox.

Don’t forget to hit the comments section while you watch the show – or before! Always looking forward to your comments!

This week, the Top 9 Finalists will be performing songs to celebrate the Thanksgiving holiday.

And, in case any of you are wondering why I have changed the heading from “Vocal Masterclass” to “Performance Masterclass”, I did so because the focus of this show has been mainly about the production elements in each number.

At times, the theatrics have been scaled down a bit, but, overall, the stage is usually ablaze with lights, dancers and fancy sets during these performances.

Additionally, some of the singers have enjoyed the benefits of audio technology, whether it be auto-tune or lip synching.

I am interested to see what the singers have to offer this week.

I guess little Astro will be rapping his thank you message, which should, hopefully, erase his character mis-step last week.

I think he is a good kid at heart. I always like to give kids the benefit of the doubt. This is an overwhelming set of circumstances for him and he still has so much to learn in terms of proper stage etiquette.

I would like to see Astro follow the suggestions in this article.. It would be, I feel, mind-blowing!

Are you watching the show tonight? Take a break from the Thanksgiving cooking and baking and enjoy the ride.

According to Sir Cliff Richard, Simon Cowell will never find a global star on The X Factor because the music industry and their consumers tire of artists when they fall from the charts.

And I have to say that, for the most part, I do agree with this.

But let’s not put all the blame on Simon Cowell. I think that, in theory, all record companies and some management are to blame for this.

Gone are the days when management and A&R people nurtured and guided their artists to longevity and continued success. It’s all about the money now.

I guess they never heard or adopted the Steve Jobs mindset. Too bad! They’re missing the essence of true success.

Also, so many of today’s music consumers have short attention spans. It takes hard-core fans for loyalty to prevail. Artists fortunate enough to have a dedicated fan base deserve to acquire this same level of dedication in their record label.

One can’t have Number One hits every day. Life doesn’t work that way. Change is part of the living process and the record companies have to adapt to that change, guiding their artists with wisdom and determination.

Back in the day, artists were cultivated and groomed over time and remained legends until the day they died. And, beyond death. Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, Rosemary Clooney, Gene Kelly, The Beatles, Sir Elton John, Barbra Streisand, Judy Garland, Billy Joel – the list is endless.

Who will be on this list 40 years from now? Want to wager a guess? Then saunter through the comments section and share your thoughts.