Idol Talk

So the season has cometh.  American Idol is upon us again, pulling heartstrings and causing late dinners in households all around.  This time, with a table of new judges and what they claim to be the best group of talent..ever.  I think they said that last year as well.  Who cares though when we can have Ryan and his cheeky/cheesy smile on our tubes two nights a week and the occassional goof or moments of shine from Steven Tyler.  Alas, the weeknights have meaning again!

So far, the new judges seem to be doing well.  And so we say, 'Simon who??' And who were those other two ladies?? I like that this new panel is more animated, singing and grooving along with the contestants at times.  Where Kara made it look like she was showing off, J Lo and Steven Tyler make it look fun and like they are rooting for the contestants. Sometimes they seem to be too generous with their comments though.

American Idol has also lowered their age limit for auditioners this year - 15 year olds can now apply.  This is something I don't really agree on.  Sure, maybe they can sing but I also believe that contestants need to have a level of maturity to handle the pressure, to give good performances and have the required showmanship to be an idol.  My exhibit A - being.. the ever so sweet David Archuleta, runner up from season 7.  Whilst Archie has the chops vocally, I can't help feeling that he would've been so much better if he had waited maybe 3 or 4 years later to audition and take part in the show.  He maybe possibly could have won.  Surprisingly, many of those 15, 16 year olds did make it through this year's initial rounds - some, if not most, whilst being accompanied (and somewhat irritatingly cheered on) by their mums.  We'll see how far they go.

As a tribute, I thought I'd run down a list of my favourite Idols thus far with special mentions/moments as well.  Here goes:

Favourite Idols (so far):

No. 3
Kris Allen - Kris was the underdog of Season 8, competing in the finals with the Glambert Adam Lambert - sorry, not a fan, don't like the shrieking!  A lot of people thought Adam was a sure fire winner which made Kris' win soooo much more sweeter.  I liked him ever since he sang Man in The Mirror in the Top 24 round.  I like that he plays piano and guitar.  He's one of those singer/songwriter types. Loved, loved, loved his rendition of Falling Slowly.  And so far, I like his songs post-Idol as well.  Like this one.. (oh, love Pat Monahan of Train as well!)



No. 2
Daughtry - The most successful non Idol winner so far.  I love his tone of voice, it's so smooth and easy to listen to.  And I love that he is doing the type of music that really suits him.  Unlike a previous Idol rocker Bo Bice, Daughtry is the real thing.  He was destined not to win!



No. 1 - my favourite Idol
David Archuleta - Heeee....I know, I know. I said it above, he's just a kid.  But I can't help to love his tone of voice.  Sangat sedaps di dengar.  He had me at Imagine :) I think that performance of Imagine has to be the most stand out performance in Idol ever - so far.  Still now, I can listen to it over and over again and never get bored.  And I love listening to the judges comments as well.  His voice is distinctive and unlike so many other young singers out there.  And for this reason I think he will fare very well and have a long, long career as a singer.  Let's see how he shapes up (looks and maturity wise) in a few years times.



Special mentions

1.  I was a fan of Taylor Hicks during the season he competed, just because...he was different and quirky in his own way.  But sadly....where is he now??  His winning ballad Do I Make You Proud still gives me lumps in my throat when I hear it though... simply because, I do wonder... do I? Do I make you proud??

2.  One of my favourite performances on Idol has to be the Falling Slowly duet by Lee Dewyze and Crystal Bowersox on season 9.  Beautiful and haunting song, two powerful and soulful voices.

3.  Carrie Underwood - I still love her story.  The fact that she was this simple farm girl from a small, small town and look at her now!  Undoubtedly the most successful winner so far with a great career ahead.  I love her current single Temporary Home and I made the mistake of watching the video on Youtube the other day...cos...it made me cry! Uwaahhhh....

So that's it, that's my Idol report for now.  Let's see how this season's contestants do...
(Afee, Thia Megia reminds me of you!)  (Sorry) I do not like Scotty's low low voice.  James Durbin is a bit like Adam Lambert.  I'm inclined towards Paul McDonald and Lauren Alaina at the moment - heeee...I like the quirky ones! Have fun watching, Idol fans and may your 'chicken' win!