Kara DioGuardi to be the 4th Judge on American Idol!

I don’t know about anyone else, but I am not, not not not not happy about a fourth judge. They were supposed to have four when it first started out back in season 1, but Simon didn’t like her, so he took her out. Why bring this back?

What a random choice! Maybe I should be glad it’s not Diane Warren, though? Still MEH…..

It will take longer for them to all comment too, which seems illogical for show planning. Maybe they’re trying her out and then, if the public likes her/or responds to her, moving one of the others out.

Gasp!

I have no thoughts about this right now……

My brain is frozen.

ETA: On second thought, could be that they’re letting Paula or Randy down gently. She’s invading the “family”. I’ll just have to wait and see…..

So if she’s written for the Idols before, why c ouldn’t they just hire her as a songwriter to write the winner single? She’s apparently “That good.”

GOSH.

Hmm, I wonder if more judge blathering = even less singing? I guess 75 seconds of “Against All Odds” is better than 90 seconds, but still. . .

If they’re going to have a songwriter as a judge, they really should put the contestants’ songwriting skills to the test. Or maybe they just should have gotten Dicko to judge.

Well, I guess that tells us that David Cook’s win is not going to encourage them to look for more musician/ artists types. As far as I can tell, Kara Dioguardi is just a younger version of Diane Warren. And, more judging time will probably= less time for the contestants to show us their “personalities”, which Simon was complaining about a mere 2 or 3 days ago! Or do we dare hope that she’ll be replacing Randy?

Or maybe they just should have gotten Dicko to judge.

I second that! And the get-rid-of-Randy comment made by another poster.

I refuse to pass judgement until I see what kind of judge she turns out to be. What is she’s insightful and gives good constructive criticism? One can only hope.

Simon has no patience for listening to anyone else state their opinion. I really think the long-term plan is to ease in a new judge and get rid of either Randy or Paula.

And I agree with Cheese. Frankly, songwriting is where it’s at for recording artists. It’s hard for a great singer to keep a career going if they don’t write too. I think it’s a good idea for AI to cultivate song writers also.

I dunno. Fresh perspective sounds good to me. Maybe, if we’re lucky, it will mean less time for Randy and Paula to babble rather than less music time for the Idols.

It only makes sense if she’ll be replacing Paula. Four judges just seems way too many. I don’t know much about her – is she funny/smart? Kind of a weird change since I don’t see how it builds any interest in the show. No one knows who she is. The thought of more blather from the judges is not turning me on about S8.

Heh. Best case scenario: She shows up Randy & Paula as blubbering idiots, Randy buys a thesaurus, and Paula gets a clue. Who knows? Maybe she can even get Simon to wear red.

She’s like the new baby mom brings home from the hospital. The other siblings may not like it, but she’s there to stay.

Sometimes, change is good. Let’s hope this is the case.

Maybe, if weà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢re lucky, it will mean less time for Randy and Paula to babble rather than less music time for the Idols.

That’s true. Maybe Paula’s response can be shortened to a seal clap if she liked the performance, or a “You look beautiful” if she didn’t. Randy can just shout out “Molten Hot Lava Bomb!” or “Yo’ I don’t know dude for me for you that was not good dude.”

The thing about four judges is they can have 2/2 splits on letting contestants through. The only interesting part of the auditions was waiting for the 3rd vote to break the tie. What do they do now? Just acknowledge that the producers pick who gets through and stop pretending? I wonder how they’ll handle it. Does Simon get an extra vote or something? If they were going to pick some snoozy AC songwriter, why not go with David Foster. At least he’d bring some buzz.

Not a total shocker about the fourth judge either fallowing in Canadian Idols footsteps or just simply sort of going back to earlier idea when they had a fourth guest judge . I have a feeling thier either do some tweeking,use ideas from the past,other idol shows or even a surprise change. .. The showwill have its familar vibe and what Simon said about adding Drama just hope it does not lean more towards Jerry Springer. Then a fight does get buzz..The end result after all is done and discussed the fans/media will either like the changes,indifferent or dislike them but the show still will be in the top 3.

Hm…not sure how I feel about a fourth judge. Like others have mentioned, if this takes more time away from the contestants then I don’t think I’ll be appreciative of this change. I know in S2 they had a rotating fourth judge, depending on the theme, and I didn’t think that was a bad idea. But the judges also seemed to generally be more useful and babble less back then.

If Simon’s looking for filler, hey, here’s a novel idea, why don’t they allow the contestants to sing a full song *gasp* Imagine that? I’m all aquiver just thinking about it.

I also agree with the posters who’ve commented that they would like to see songwriting skills shown on AI. As crappy as NS was, my favorite week was when the contestants got to showcase their own material. That’s a page from their book I’d like AI to take.

I guess we’ll have to wait and see how Kara does on the judging panel. She certainly can’t be worse than Randy, who seems to provide nothing useful, and Paula who babbles incoherently.

Very interesting. Don’t know her, so I’m looking forward to listening to her interview with Ryan. Hope it gets posted here.

I also wonder what “conditions” Ms DioGaurdi will bring with her? What songs of hers will be performed by the Idols? (Current music – yipee!) What guest artists with DioGaurdi compositions will perform? (I’m lukewarm on wanting to know that. I fast forward through that part of the show.)

when they had guest judges in the city rounds during season 6, I believe that the person needed three votes to go to hollywood.

Remember how impatient Simon was with that? Pissed off that Carole Bayer Sager talked too slowly (or at all). Randy, Paula, and Simon are all signed thru Season 9, but this only makes sense if they are working on a way to get someone out.

From the scary boards:

Topic: Introducing Kara DioGuardi – 4th Judge on American Idol
Posted: Mon, Aug 25 2008, 6:13 AM

Grammy-Nominated songwriter Kara DioGuardi has joined American Idol as a fourth judge. She will sit alongside Paula Abdul, Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson at the judges’ table and use her background as an award-winning songwriter and prodcuer to praise or critique the wannabe hopefuls throughout the competition. The eighth season of American Idol premieres January 2009 on FOX.

Watch her AI.com interview here.

I just looked at her interview and no joke to me she looks like an older, bitchier Katharine McPhee. It’s the head shaking thing, maybe? Am I nuts? I guess she’ll be the tough girl with Paula as the softie. I think she’ll be giving the contestants quite the hard time from that interview.

Well, judging from her interview I’m interested in her perspective. Though she sounds like more of a potential replacement for Randy or Simon than Paula. And does this mean they might be considering letting contestants sing original songs this year? Hmmmm…. I think I likey.

Yeah jpfan, she does seem a little bitchy. LOL. We’ll have to see how that plays out.

I think this could actually be great. We all know Simon’s opinion is the only one anybody listens to, but this woman seems to actually know what she’s talking about. She obviously has a good sense of what works in the business, and she knows what CURRENTLY works in the business. That is huge, and something that’s needed on the show. We all appreciate the judges on SYTYCD because they actually offer great criticism and know what they’re talking about, but you also know they’re not out to get the contestants. From her video, she seems like that kind of person.

But I guess we’ll have to see for ourselves.

Kara is being interviewed by Ryan right now…

http://www.kiisfm.com/main.html

I can’t listen to either of the interviews right now, but I think the judging has been way too stale the last couple of years and I’m hoping some fresh blood is a good thing. We’ll see how she does.

And yes, I’d like Randy to hit the pavement.

After watching the video again, maybe she would be out to get some of the contestants. But people think that about Simon as well, and that works for him. So who knows..

I often thought the guest judges were a joke because they hadn’t seen any of the progress the kids had made from week to week nor were they willing to really critique them. If this woman is truly willing to be a judge she could be a valuable addition. This show could certainly use someone else who is willing to provide constructive criticism that the contestants can use to improve!

She soooooo looks like PheePhee.

I thought having a fourth judge would be great. But after hearing how much she repeated herself in the short AI.com interview I ´m not so excited anymore. I hope I got the wrong idea about her and she doesn ´t end up repeating herself on the show too much.

TV Guide

tv guide story… not really any new info though.

Isn’t she working with Archie right now?

I don’t know if I like this because I can see Paula getting jealous and it ruining the chemistry that the judges have. Stuff like that usually happens. Now just on judging merits alone, I think she would be a fine addition. She is probably more knowledgable than all three of the others put together.

I donà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t know if I like this because I can see Paula getting jealous and it ruining the chemistry that the judges have

Unless she and Paula gang up on the guys. That could work, too.

Honestly speaking, that judging table could use another female. Sometimes, Simon and Randy just don’t “get” it.

The other thing: Kara probably keeps up on current music. She can clue the others in on who the artists are the Idols are covering. LOL.

DioGuardi’s forthcoming releases and collaborations include cuts from artists David Cook..

This month Kara continues to work with recording artists David Cook, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato,Tyler Hilton, Christina Milian, Laze & Royal, David Archuletta,

http://www.karadioguardi.com/kd/index.htm#

After reading more info and hearing Ryan, it seems that she and Paula will do well together. My fears are unfounded… hopefully.

I harbor the hope that she can raise the level of discourse to somewhere above Dawg, Beautiful, and Cruise Ship.

Thatà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s true. Maybe Paulaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s response can be shortened to a seal clap if she liked the performance, or a à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“You look beautifulà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬  if she didnà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢t.

THIS. I get so impatient when I’m listening to her incoherent babble that I would much prefer if Paula sticks to seal claps and “you look beautiful”. Please, let there be no spirit, color or truth standing on the stage, thankyouvmuch.

I dunno you guys, I’m kinda excited for this new judge deal. Maybe she’d be the female version of Simon. I can already envision the bickering between the 2 of them. Poor contestants, though.

I harbor the hope that she can raise the level of discourse to somewhere above Dawg, Beautiful, and Cruise Ship.

:clap_tb:

I wonder is she sees colors like Paula did in the semi finals.. @_@

*begs producers* Please please don’t let her have a Coke glass!

I dunno you guys, Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢m kinda excited for this new judge deal. Maybe sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢d be the female version of Simon

You know, to me she’s looking more and more as Simon’s potential replacement. He has stated that he wants to stop judging soon, and now with him looking to get more involved with production…

Either that, or she could be the one to replace Randy, since she’s also a musician who produces hit records. Plus her tastes are more current that Randy’s. You know how much Randy loves 80s/90s style OTT melissma.

Call me crazy, but other than her being long winded, I think Paula actually has good critiques a lot of the time. Plus she’s the only one who comes at it from the solo pop performer’s perspective. And the loopiness makes for good teevee. So I think Paula should hang around for a while.

I’ll forgive Paula a lot because of how she supported Cookie through the season. I’ll even forgive Randy a lot because the two of them over-rode Simon’s no-vote during try-outs. I still break out in a cold sweat thinking how close we came to losing DC. I remember hearing Simon and thinking, “Oh, my god, what is WRONG with you?!”

Having said all that, though. . . pleeeaaase, Kara, give Randy some new adjectives and give Paula some verbs and give Simon a sampler CD of current music.

GwendolynD–

Sounds like a good thing to me. If she can be a second “voice of reason” on the panel then I’m all for it. (If she can replace Randy, I am even more for it!)

I wonder if they plan to leave her out of the earlier rounds where the judges actually select the finalists, cause of the 2-2 tie possibility. Or have her sit in as a guest judge as they’ve done in the past when one of RPS couldn’t make it that day.

Now AI, about those swaybots…

Don’t add, replace! Replace Jackson! I’m so tired of hearing the same three phrases from him.

If DioGuidi was only called three days ago, then she may not be doing the the city-by-city judging — unless that doesn’t happen until the fall, after all the first round city (producer judged) auditions. It will be interesting, if there are four judges rather than three in the cities, and in Hollywood, how they will resolve ties. Deadlock resolves in favor of going through, or deadlock means death? Or will there be a “sudden death” tiebreaking performance? Maybe that’s what Simon meant by creating more “jeopardy” for the contestants. As long as he’s not talking about them eating bugs a la “Fear Factor.”

You know, to me sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s looking more and more as Simonà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s potential replacement. He has stated that he wants to stop judging soon, and now with him looking to get more involved with productionà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦

This was my first thought upon reading this post, as well. Very interesting development, for sure.

that was my first thought too (she will be Simon’s replacement) – but I’m never right about anything.

ETA: hmmm… now that I just got a look at her and watched the video- I’m thinking she will be Paula’s replacement. And eventually, I’ll bet all the judges will be replaced.

I dunno…if they lose Simon that comes pretty close to sinking the show.

I just got this in an email at work, dont know if it adds anything to what has already been said but, go to bottom left hand corner for release info or click on programming AI8 for pics:

http://foxflash.com/div.php/main/page?aID=35

Perez Hilton just posted an interview with Paula:

Perez Hilton

ETA:

If DioGuidi was only called three days ago, then she may not be doing the the city-by-city judging

Actually, she found out she got the job 3 days ago. And she is doing the city by city judging…

Paula says Simon will more than likely be the tie-breaker.

I dunnoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦if they lose Simon that comes pretty close to sinking the show.

Ahhhhh…I don’t think Simon’s indispensable. It’s just a matter of finding the right replacement, and I really don’t think they should replace him without replacing the other two.

Havn’t watched or listened to any of her interviews yet. BUT my first thought was that Simon would be moving behind the scenes, producing. If any current judge should be replaced, I’d like to see Paula replaced. To me, her comments are pretty useless 98% of the time. She does often “get” what makes the guys attractive though (haha) and sometimes seems very supportive of the girls as girls, anyway. I always thought that Simon said NO to Cook during Hollywood week cause he was pushing him and he knew the other two would put him through. But then again, I really have no idea cause I can’t read minds. Even though I WAS married for almost 20 years and really should be able to read men’s minds by now, ya know. Right? Ooops OT….anyway, I think some new insights, a new judge, some changes of any sort could be good for AI. And I totally agree with some other comments along the lines of AI looking for an ARTIST, not just a voice; and, that an original song night like on NS would be GREAT. That was my favorite part of NS also. So I hope this is all good for AI. If not, well, I got David Cook out of all this…I don’t need no stinkin’ American Idol TV show now!

If Simon goes a huge portion of viewers will too. I always liked Randy during crunch time. If it weren’t for Randy taking a stance Taylor would not have gotten through Paula would have caved. Ditto Daughtry, and Cookie. So while hot molten lava bomb may be over done, having an entire show featuring a gaggle of Kat Mcphee’s and Celine Dion types. or 12 year olds will sink this show faster than when the Titanic hit that iceberg. He may not articulate it well, but until Kara Randy is the only one who has ever produced music that I would want to hear. He also is the only one who seems to stray off and stick with who he likes musically instead of whom the producers want to win.

I am going to adopt a wait and see attitude regarding Kara. I don’t think this will save the show all on it’s own, but a younger musical perspective is a good thing.

ETA: I think this is a trial balloon for Paula’s departure. If anyone should go, it should be her. And that is coming from one who adores her. She fugged up bigtime last year, and maybe this addition will test the waters…..

Simon votes during Hollywood week hold more weight, didn’t they?

I dunnoà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦if they lose Simon that comes pretty close to sinking the show.

Seriously, Simon is the only judge the contestants listen to and the only reason a lot of casual voters tune in to the show at all. Maybe in a future season, if Kara can indeed “replace” him, but I can’t imagine they would even consider such a major change this season.

I like the idea of new blood, and Kara may have some good insights and critiques for the contestants, but her songwriting leaves a lot to be desired IMHO. I was hoping we were heading more in the singer-songwriter direction, but I guess “American Idol” is stuck in the “Pop Idol” genre. It looks like the show is heading more in the teen pop (Miley, Jonas Bros., etc.) direction. Ugh. I guess they want to pull in that valuable demographic, but do they really want to lose their older viewers? (Don’t answer that!)

I don’t know all of Kara’s song but she has done alot of teen pop music for Hillary Duff, Cheetah Girls, etc. Her company did Archie’s song Crush and she wrote Love Story for Kat. She’s def a pop person with a link to the teen scene.
I’m sure she’s done other material as well though.

She also has worked with Leona Lewis, Natasha Bedinfield (sp?)

I like her, she sounds like a person sure of what she wants to said, and is not going to mellow donw, she is proud of herself and what she has made of her life…

I couldn ´t understend nothing of Paula interview… she always sounds drunks for me…loke all my friends sounds after eight tequila shots…

Hmmm…I just hope it doesn’t mean less time for the songs. Some of the weeks are so tight already, I can’t imagine room for another judge’s commentary.

But it may change up the dynamics a bit and make it less predictable and interesting.

You guys remember in S2 when they sometimes had guest judges? I thought that went over fine. This is a slightly different situation, but a 4th judge nonetheless.

I’m excited to have a new perspective. I’m REALLY sick of Randy and Paula at this time. I must admit, I have no idea who this lady is, but it’s hard to imagine that she could possibly be worse than what we already have.

Simon clearly did not want to be there this past season. He is planning his getaway.

I just think this is going to be someone who seems a little more “legit” to challenge Simon on his opinions.

I too hope this doesn’t take away time from the contestants songs as they are too short as it is IMO.

For me last year, Randy was totally useless, Paula gave good critiques when she wasn’t loopy, and Simon was his usual self – clueless about American music but otherwise I agreed with him more than half of the time. Although it is becoming very apparant how scripted and biased their comments are which is what made me dislike Archie, Carly, and Michael at the beginning. I am a fairness freak.

I too suspect she will replace one of the others eventually if she works out.

It will be interesting for sure.

First thing I thought when I saw her pic was how much she looked like Kat.

Maybe she’s replacing Paula so she can go on Dancing with the Stars like her dream come true…

speaking of which, didn’t that cast list get released today?

I would REALLY like to know what “really cool …like …major changes” Paula is talking about in her interview!

speaking of which, didn’t that cast list get released today?

Dancing with the Stars isn’t the topic. There’s a discussion going on in the Headlines thread. You can pick it up there. Thank you.

Call me crazy, but other than her being long winded, I think Paula actually has good critiques a lot of the time. Plus sheà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s the only one who comes at it from the solo pop performerà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s perspective. And the loopiness makes for good teevee. So I think Paula should hang around for a while.

Thank you tinawina. I thought I was the only one.

Also, I think it would be great if Kara’s presence would mean that more current songs/themes will be used in S8 and AI possibly having an original song night (around Top 4 or whatever), which would rock my socks off. For people who aren’t experienced in songwriting, they could have Kara do a “co-writing” session with them to help them out (and, obviously, not judge on the night in question). Then, I think AI (or rather their alumni) would earn a bit more cred in the music industry when they first start out post-show.

hmmm… Kara reminds me (just a little) of Janice Dickinson – a little bitchy. But she’s clever and bold like Simon. I think she’ll be an interesting addition to the panel.

Since Simon has been historically bitchy about having a 4th judge on the panel (even just the guest judges in other seasons), I can’t imagine that this new “development” was his idea. Of course – he seems to also know that the show needs a “fresh look,” so maybe he relented? Who knows.

That being said – I’m kinda excited about it. I haven’t listened to any of her interviews or watched any of the videos yet, but I did know that she’s worked with some of the idols before, and I like the songs she had on Kelly Clarkson’s album. Sooooo… I agree with you, mj. Cautiously optimistic. If they weren’t going to go to the drastic measures of actually replacing a judge on the panel, a new addition is the next best option, and it looks they’re appearing to have picked well. Maybe this will be the shot in the arm that the judging panel needs – cause lawd knows they need one!

ETA: I also like that she’s actually a songwriter, and a CURRENT songwriter at that. If she’s actually articulate, then that’s just a plus.

Randy is the only one who has ever produced music that I would want to hear.

Different strokes, I guess. Overly melismatic singers are NOT my cup o’ tea.

He also is the only one who seems to stray off and stick with who he likes musically instead of whom the producers want to win.

See, I really disagree with this. IMO, he’s the one who most shows the producers’ hand, at least the past two seasons (i.e. his relentless support for Jordin “OMG! ONLY! 17!!11!1!1!” and Archie “OMG! You could sing the PHONEBOOK!”). To me, Simon has appeared to be the one who pretty much sticks with who he likes musically – Blake, Cook.

Of course, it could be that they just BOTH pick who they like musically and artistically and generally stay in that zone. But IMO, it’s not a question that TPTB wanted Jordin and Archie. And IMO, Randy can usually be counted on to tip their hand.

I think all three judges are guilty of being scripted in terms of genuine reactions. They hardly pay attention during the performances. Pauler is probably the only one who is force fed the actual words, though. Hard to deny that after last year.

To me, Randy is the most useless. At least Pauler provides some water-cooler talk and entertainment value. Not much, but a tad. Randy is jut annoying as hell and I want him off my teevee, dawg.

Randy may not be full-on scripted, but I do think that he does play a persona, just as everyone else on the show does (except Paula doesn’t appear to have to “play” any kind of character – she just IS that crazy).

As much as I despise all the hypocrisy of Randy (i.e. to Blake – “you should always keep beatboxing a part of your thing.” and then a few weeks later “dude, you don’t have to beatbox on every song.”) and the way he seems to be such a puppet for TPTB (see Jordin and Archie examples above), I do like that he IS a musician, even if his taste and style is not so much revelant anymore. I’m hoping that Kara will help up his game to where he actually provides constructive musical criticism – which he COULD do.

I actually don’t think any of them should go right now. The judging panel needs a shot in the arm, but I don’t know that getting rid of a judge would be the way to do it. At this point, they are just so identifiable with the show. As long as the same length of performance time is still afforded the contestants and the new judge adds to the camaraderie of the panel, I think adding a 4th judge was the best way to shake the judging panel up a bit.

Eh, if Randy left I’d do a cheer. Probably can’t do the splits anymore, but hey, I’m old. Randy may be a producer and a musician, but he has no imagination and I actually think that to tout him as the only “real” musician judge does a disservice to musicians everywhere. He’s not a good representative of “musicianship” at all. I see why they may not want to get rid of a judge right away. My pick for that is still Randy.

I really used to like Randy – last season he just said the same few things over and over – very annoying – and didn’t seem to offer constructive criticism. Seemed bored to me.

I hate the way all 3 of them joke and poke while the performances are on – the poor idols work their butts off and the judges don’t look like they are paying attention. I guess since their comments seem to be prewritten from dress rehearsals, they don’t think they even need to seem interested.

Paula at least tries to point out the strong points of the performances.

I saw part of Nashville Star this year and it seemed like the judges were more mentoring than the Idol judges.

Momster – I thought of Janice Dickinson (I kinda like her actually) too when I saw the clip of Kara – but I agree that bitchy may be a good thing. At least it isn’t indifference.

How come MJ didn’t get the gig instead??

Personally, I’m looking forward to some fresh rhetoric. I get tired of what Randy and Simon say over and over, and I just don’t understand what Paula says 3/4 of the time. Maybe they will have to up their ante to keep from looking dumb. She doesn’t seem the type to me to dumb down to their level.

I don’t know why Randy gushing over Archie means he’s giving the producers’ line. Nigel admitted Cook was his favorite and he voted for him. Jordin bored me silly during her season and I thought Randy was OTT praising her. Ditto Carrie .But guess what, they turned into terrific recording stars. Maybe, Randy is sincere in his likes/dislikes even though many in the audience disagree with him. No conspiracy at all. I agree though that all three judges seem bored and their acts are getting tired.

I think Randy probably has the best “ear” of all the judges even though he doesn’t have much vocabulary. He seems to really understand who will make a great recording artist. No I don’t think Johns, Jason or Carly or anyone else belonged on the finale stage instead of either David.

Even with the “clueless” judging last season, the final 2 were the correct choices. So it’s not like the judges were pimping losers.

So… let me get this straight. Randy’s overpimping of Carrie and Jordin WAS showing the producers’ hand, but it wasn’t for Archie? Gotcha. Makes perfect sense to me. :huh_tb:

Nigel admitted Cook was his favorite and he voted for him.

Where was this? I must have missed that article.

Anyway, this is off-topic in the Kara DioGuardi thread, so I’ll shut up now.

Oops, I didn’t mean to imply the others Idols were “losers” just that the judges did seem to support the worthiest finalists.

Where was this? I must have missed that article.

He did Sarah. I’ll have to dig the article up…It was in the Headlines thread.

Let’s keep it cool, babies. And on topic. Thank you.

He did Sarah. Ià ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢ll have to dig the article upà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬ ¦It was in the Headlines thread.

Oh, I was confident that he did. I just was curious where. Since I can’t read here from work, I miss a lot of stuff if it’s not BIG news. If you remember approximately when, I’ll go find the article so you don’t have to. I actually am curious to read it. That wasn’t sarcasm, promise.

mj – you should have got the producer’s role!

To me, Randy is the most useless. At least Pauler provides some water-cooler talk and entertainment value. Not much, but a tad. Randy is jut annoying as hell and I want him off my teevee, dawg.

Well, PJ already read my mind and stole my comment. United in our Molten Hot Lava Randy Hate!

I’m okay with a 4th judge for now, even though I have no idea who this woman is. No one can make less sense than Paula, and no one could possibly be more wind-up-toy one-note than Randy. So, this has to be an improvement, right?

After thinking about this for a while, I’m hopeful that this move means that TPTB heard the grumblings of the fans about last year and the judging. Not wanting to upset the apple cart completely (or not being able to get out of the existing contracts) they decided to bring into the mix a current, credentialed woman who might help force the others return to the level of discourse of the earlier seasons.

If you watch AI Rewind, more often than not, the judges made sense and actually made useful criticisms. Randy was capable of more than “dawg” and “pitchy”; Paula could manage a declarative sentence or even two; and Simon actually put some thought behind his put-downs. If we could return to that level, and they could make me believe they were actually listening to what was going on in front of them again, I’d be a much happier fan .

I thought having a fourth judge would be great. But after hearing how much she repeated herself in the short AI.com interview IÂ ´m not so excited anymore.

I listened the interview with Ryan and I ´m excited again. She sounded self-confident but didn ´t take herself too seriously and she was quite witty. She seems to like all the other judges but probably isn ´t afraid to disagree with them.
The judging panel definitely needed a change. The chemistry between Randy, Paula and Simon had died and when it visited from beyond it was a slow zombi.

I am glad to see there are others, like Rea who realize the old chemistry just isn’t there as before. Many weeks the judges seemed bored. Who will ever forget what Paula did to Jason? That was a badweek. So I am looking forward to seeing what Kara can do.

I detect a little bit of jealousy here. The only female judge that Paula felt totally at ease with was Olivia Newton-John. We shall see..