September 28, 2010 
Randy Jackson, Steven Tyler, Ryan Seacrest, Jennifer Lopez and Jimmy Iovine on
Can returning American Idol producer, Nigel Lythgoe, breathe new life into the rapidly dying American Idol format?
Well, according to this article, it looks like the 10th season may be everything that the viewers have hoped for and more.
The most intriguing new change to the show’s tired format was the revelation that the singers could stay true to their individual genres throughout the entire competition. Now, that’s huge!
This news was a bit of a deja-vu
moment for me. A few years ago, I had suggested this idea via this blog and it sort of fell on deaf ears.
Now, we will be able to witness true growth in each artist, especially knowing that Geffen A&M Records Chairman, Jim Iovine, will be guiding the process each week.
Also, personal mentors will be assigned to each singers. How great is that?
And, speaking of mentors, there will be no guest mentors this season. Hallelujah! In past seasons, the majority of guest mentors were only available to push their own careers and, as a result, exhibited limited interest in the singers.
I loved Harry Connick Jr., Barry Manilow, David Foster – you know, the true musicians who were wonderfully experienced and passionate in their quest to guide and foster young talent.
That being said, I have very little to add in terms of the new judging panel. It’s a “wait and see” situation and we all should be patient, giving them the opportunity to evolve as a team.
Is it January yet?
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Holy frijoles! What amazingly positive news! Definitely a reboot in the right direction. On the other hand (there’s always another hand) the younger singers may not know who they are musically. That may be a detriment for AI in terms of their whole reasoning for lowering the age to 15 to be able to audition. Of course, that doesn’t bother me. I thought they should have RAISED the minimum age.
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I am delighted to see the back of theme nights! And I totally agree, MCL–guest mentors were so hit-and-miss, with only a very few notable successes, as you pointed out. So that is all good.
But whether this judges panel will work or simple run right over the singers…well, we’ll have to see how it works out.
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I’m excited. My only fear is that SYTYCD will suffer – and that is my #1 guilty pleasure – for a lot of the reasons that these changes are being made.
I also thought Adam was a great mentor. He told the kids what they’d been needing to hear ALL SEASON. Unfortunately it was too late in the week, and too late in the season for some of them. And having someone work with contestants during the week (like Harry did) will be wonderful. Will they meddle? Probably. But these reality shows do love Drama.
Now if they could just do something about the sound system. I can’t believe we have finalists that can’t sing in tune. I’m inclined to believe that both the “dry feed” and contestants “not being able to hear themselves sing” is partially to blame. But I had to stop watching last season – I couldn’t stand it (physically – it HURT). How does your ear tolerate out of tune singing – any advice??
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Personally, I stick my fingers in my ears. Hee!
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Oh, I think a lot of people will miss the theme nights and the mentors! Singing within your own genre is too safe – too easy! The theme night often featured surprises like Adam singing “Ring of Fire”, or David Cook’s, “Billie Jean.” Some of the very best performances were by Idols who could meet the challenge of singing out of their comfort zone.
I loved the special themes like Broadway, Big Band, Elvis, and the Beatles. Look how much fun the Rolling Stones theme worked out. Siobhan Magnus’ “Paint It Black” is often cited as the best female performance of the season!
Speaking of mentors… Neil Diamond has been nominated as an Inductee to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame! YAY! I am just so happy as he is so deserving of this honor! I think I’ll go back and watch Season 7 when he was a mentor. Regardless what Paula said, I loved Jason Castro’s songs. Then on the Results Show, Jason starts off “Cracklin’ Rosie” and he was so in tuned, I was jumping all over the place.
I hope Heil will get in and he is such a star. Look at the list:
Tom Waits
Joe Tex
Donna Summer
Laura Nyro
Darlene Love
LL Cool J
Dr. John
Donovan
Neil Diamond
Chic
Bon Jovi
Alice Cooper
Beastie Boys
J. Geils Band
Chuck Willis
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I hope NEIL will get in, and he is such a star. I look forward to seeing his biography on the Inductees Hall of Fame wall!
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I have a thought about genres. DWTS has clear “genres” – cha cha, tango, waltz, jive, and so on. By the time that the season is over, the semi-finalists will have competed in every one of those genres. However, each week the viewing audience is treated to performances in at least two contrasting genres such as the samba and the fox trot.
What I envison for AI is that this rotation would start with the top ten. There would be ten distinct genres: country, rock, disco, Broadway, and so on. Each week each contestant would randomly be assigned a different genre. For example, Crystal would get country, Lee rock, Siobhan R&B, Casey Broadway, and so on. The following week, the line-up might be Crystal rock, Lee Broadway, Siobhan country, Casey R&B. When the semi-finalists sing two songs, the second could be their choice.
This compromise would stretch the contestants and provide a more varied program for the viewers. It would even be an added bonus to watch the contestants’ expressions as they are assigned genres each week.
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Hi Sue!!! 🙂
Grammi Kari,
There you are! I was getting a little concerned, I hadn’t seen you post for awhile…how is everything going with your husband?
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MCL – As you probably know, David Archuleta released another CD on October 5, 2010, called “The Other Side of Down.” I absolutely LOVE this CD and in my opinion it is even better than his debut album. He co-wrote every song on it except “Complain” and “Falling Stars” (10 out of 12 tracks). I am eagerly looking forward to reading your thoughts about David’s latest offerings.
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I forgot to check in, and my post disappeared!
Hi Vonnie! Things are going much better over here. My husband had a PSA test which came back <.01 which is cancer free. His recovery has been slow but he is doing so much better!
My daughter took me to the "So You Think You Can Dance" concert performance last week! We had such a good time and the performances were quite amazing. I still watch DWTS and Glee.
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How are you doing, Vonnie? Excited for Idol to start again?
MCL, how are you feeling?
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Grammi Kari,
I am glad to hear that all is going well with your husband! That is great news from his test!
Yes! I am ready for Idol to start…I think I am more curious about the judges table than I thought I would be!
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Good news about your husband, Kariann!
I hope MCL is doing okay. We haven’t heard from her in about a month.
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Hi Vonnie, Kariann, MCL and everyone else! Was this site down for a couple of days? I couldn’t log onto it. I was getting worried.
I’m looking forward to Crystal’s debut CD and especially to Adam’s promised acoustic EP.
Kariann – That’s wonderful news about your husband. Thank you for sharing it.
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Thank you Vonnie, Louise, and Sue. My DH is getting stronger with each passing day and is enjoying time with the Grandchildren. It’s potty training time at our house! ;o)
It’s strange, but I wasn’t notified of any posts on here. Plus, I have to log in each time I post. Also, does anyone know what “Rate this” means? Thank you!
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Grammi Kari…I am so glad that your husband is doing well; what fun to be able to spend time with your grand children.
I’m not sure what the Rate This thing is, but it makes me dizzy while it’s applying its self to each post.
Louise…I too am getting concerned that MCL has not posted or changed any threads for a while.
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Hi, peeps–MCL asked me to pass on that she’s fine but quite tired, and is taking some time for health and family, and hopes to be back to blogging very soon.
Take care, all!
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Great to hear that MCL is resting!!!
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Thank you REReader…Please tell her prayers are being sent up for her to be strengthened and well…!!!
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Well, it has been a while – I hope that you are all well today and looking forward to the Holidays with friends and family.
If the new American Idol’s 10th Season (AI10) is as promised and the promos truly reflect the focus on the contestants, we will enjoy the experience.
http://www.tvguide.com/News/American-Idol-Promos-1024959.aspx
Take care and enjoy the upcoming season!
Julia
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Happy Thanksgiving!
MCL – I want to thank you for creating this blog. I very much look forward to reading your insightful commentary when the new AI season begins.
In the meantime, I’ll be enjoying Adam Lambert’s Acoustic Live release and Crystal’s debut CD.
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Here we go again – I didn’t receive notification that posts have been made here! Hi everyone!
MCL, I hope you are recovering and will soon be around here!
I am not sure about all these changes Nigel is making to the show. First, I heard that the judges/producers will pick the TOP 12. Then I heard we might get to vote ON LINE for a certain number of contestants. I know one thing, it won’t be American Idol as we know it!
My girls took me to see “Rock of Ages” for my birthday, and Constantine did a terrific job. We really enjoyed listening to the music of the 1980s. “Oh, Sherrie” brought down the house.
I hope everyone had a nice holiday! Before we know it, January will be here!
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MCL,
Last night, I watched the first episode of Sing Off! I know that you’re taking a break from blogging to recover your health and hopefully be back for American Idol. But, I hope that you have an opportunity to enjoy this new program. The next episode is on Wednesday this week.
I”m wondering if anyone else is watching this program and would like to discuss it.
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Merry Christmas everyone! MCL, I hope you are enjoying the day and feeling well. You may know that David Archuleta performed in concert this Christmas with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir. I couldn’t see it live, but by all accounts it was amazing. There will be a DVD and CD of the concert available by September 2011. I’m not sure whether the concert will air on TV in Canada (it airs in December on PBS in the U.S.) but it should be available on amazon.ca if nowhere else. I’m so excited to get to experience more David magic! I’m sure the wait will be very worth it!
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