I love the Hollywood episodes. There will be some drama (but generally tolerable) and lots of good singing can be expected. A little frustration is in the offing, too, for this is when we see some people we would have wished to have made it to the Top 24 but didn’t. All in all, I’m looking forward to it.

As for drama, I wish they would focus on the drama of the music, not the personal stuff over and over and over. I recall we heard so much of Danny Gokey’s dead wife last season that he was hated for it by some. I remember wanting to turn off the TV in disgust every time Tatiana was shown. On the other hand, watching groups like White Chocolate and the solo diamonds in the rough (Josiah Leming’s version of Grace Kelly) performing – some for the first time, is surprising and fun.

Edited to add: I love Ellen. I don’t know much she knows about music but friendly, funny snark is better than the soul-crushing, mean-spiritedness of a certian British judge, in my opinion.

I hate the group round. It’s just an excuse for punishment, drama and torment. You can be sabotaged by your fellow group members. How much did we have to watch last year about the group drama with Bikini Girl, Tatiana, and that Nathaniel guy with the headbands. “This is MY DREAM TOO!” Season 7 didn’t have them, and I think that’s best. Let each contestant sink or swim on their own. Let us hear more SINGING and less group drama.

ITA. Hollywood week is SO much better without the drama.

That said, I really like that version of Apologize, and I’m looking forward to Ellen, so as much as I’ve been bashing Hollywood week as the worst part of AI, I’ll still be chipping in.

[/end rant]

Who is the guy singing Apoligize? It looked like Ben Honeycutt with a beard but not.

Looks like Jareb Liewer.

Jareb’s Gold Ticket Interview

Glad to see group numbers are still in. Those are good for the DRAMAZ. Speaking of… I know Hollywood is always about the drama, but I wonder how many of those drama queen types who fight with people and/or break down every 5 minutes ever make it far? I know Kim Caldwell and some girl had a big fight and she made it to top 10… but I haven’t seen all the seasons, or many of the Hollywood weeks. I just wonder. I feel like the serious contenders tend to be more… well, serious and less OMGZ LOOK AT ME– even if they are shown crying or breaking down a bit at some point, it’s not crazy drama crying, and not OTT and incessant crying. Just a random observation.

Ryan, EVERY year is the best most talented and most dramatic you’ve ever seen. We’re on to you.

I do expect that ratings will go up for Hollywood week as well. I know people that had been having Idol fatigue with all the bad auditions just want to hear some good music and get to see the good people again. Plus I think that others will want to check out Ellen and see how she works with Simon in his last season.