Nigel Lythgoe Near Deal to Return to American Idol!

Oh snap, for real?

holy shit is right!

If he gets rid of Kara, I guess I can live with the manipulation.

Oh..to be rid of Ken W. That would be glorious news…the man was a total idiot as far as producing AI. Nigel is a hoot…not my favorite as a person, but he was a gas doing Idol.

Woo hoo – Great news! I wouldn’t be sad to see four new judges next season. Bringing Ellen in was such a mistake. This is exactly what Idol needs.

oh yeah…

Randy should go though..

Wow. This will be interesting…

i may finally be excited about american idol, this season was horrible and without simon, i could see it totally going down in flames. nigel may irritate me sometimes, but idol has gone downhill since he left.

Interesting! I don’t like Nigel’s ideas for who should be on the judges panel though. I’ve got no problem with the nuclear option part but don’t like the idea of Paula back. Usher as a judge doesn’t excite me either and something seems off about the idea of Elton John being a judge.

Make Kara a regular mentor who works with the kids to help them develop as commercial artists through covers if you can get rid of her as a judge. She’d overcome her likability problem if she got to work with the contestants without having to judge IMO.

Randy is definitely the 1st judge who should go.

Happy Dance!!!!!!!!!!!!

WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT

But they need to get rid of Randy.

Oh man. I’m not sure how I feel about this at all. On one hand I have to give it to Nigel for coming up with new ways to keep SYTYCD fresh. On the other, if he is choosing judges – forget it. He sucks at choosing judges. Lets look at his track record:

For starters, HE (and his ego)is the worst judge on SYTYCD. I watch the show for the dancing, but he is nails on a chalkboard for me (and we won’t even get into his treatment of the contestants).

Next, he puts Mia in as a judge…brilliant choreographer yes, but a trainwreck for a judge.

And while we are at it, when Adam “just watch the tape back” Shankman critiqued first last week, he showed how weak of a judge he is too.

I guess on the positive side though, he can’t really do any worse than the current Idol judging panel, although Nigel may make me eat those words with his selections. IDK.

BTW, I am suprised nobody is mentioning Ben Folds for an Idol judge. He would be fantastic.

Haha, they all tie for who should be the first to go, IMO. I like the idea of Paula coming back. I think the show missed her alot. I’m just excited to BE excited about Idol again

MJ – I agree with you except for the fact that the camera work still sucks on SYTYCD. Actually, it’s worse than on IDOL. But other than that, @dizzyfeet rules!

Plus Nigel has stated several times in interviews that he would not have added a 4th judge…

Not sure what I think about this. I said good riddance when he left as I thought he had too much say in what went on with AI but after he left AI did flounder , & the judges had too much air time. So maybe the programme needs to be produced with a firm hand. I do like the way they do SYTYCD which has a good balance of judges comments. So I don’t really mind who judges – if Nigel can get more air time to the contestants singing & less time with the judges , then I am all for him returning!!

“BTW, I am suprised nobody is mentioning Ben Folds for an Idol judge. He would be fantastic.”

Zuper I’ve said all along- after seeing Ben Folds judging on the other music show – he would be fantastic. i good blend of humour & toughness. Plus he has so much talent with writing songs – he could be a great person for the idols to go to for advice.

One thing that concerned me this year was that the judges said they weren’t allowed to mix with the idols much until after the season is over. I think that is a mistake . I am not saying they should become great buddies but at least they could see them after the performance show to give advice & encourage them.[ At least from the Top 12 onwards]

mj:
07/26/2010 at 7:43 pm
Plus Nigel has stated several times in interviews that he would not have added a 4th judge…

Yet he occasionally does that on SYTYCD LOL. I thought Elton John refused this job numerous times. I’d love to see him judge, though! I’m also on team Paula and would love to have her back, but Nigel was unsuccessful in getting her onto SYTYCD and now she’s producing and judging her new dance show. I don’t know if she would ever consider returning, TBH.

It can’t be worse than it is now, and that is with Simon. So I say go for it Nigel, mix it up!

I would absolutely love Nigel to come back to AI and see him bring it back to where it used to be. Wouldn’t that be something? I think it would be much harder this time around than starting from scratch like the first time. Oh, this could be fun!

For starters, HE (and his ego)is the worst judge on SYTYCD. I watch the show for the dancing, but he is nails on a chalkboard for me (and we won’t even get into his treatment of the contestants).

This for me. I think he really has kept sytycd fresh, but I don’t like him in front of the camera. I guess anything is up hill at this point.

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!! BEST NEWS EVAH!!!!! And he likes adam yay!!!!!! Lol !!! I’m actually EXCITED for AI now!!!!!!!!!

YESSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!

I hope he doesn’t replace Simon though!!!

No reason to throw out Randy when I think his contract is only for one more season anyway, plus it would be nice to have some continuity with the past for the upcoming tenth anniversary season.

As for Ben Folds being a judge, he might be good at the job, but the idea is to find a hit artist and Ben never had a Top Ten song. At least Paula had six number one hits. I say we could only be so lucky if Elton John would do it. Amazing career, top performance and songwriting skills, very witty and always truthful!

Well, the story headline says “Near Deal” a touch more ambiguous than definitely returning – I suppose the Hollywood Reporter wants plausible deniabilty to go along with the Breaking News.

But, say it’s true – like a losing sports season, they fired the coach – and rehired the coach they had previously dumped,…odd way of showing that ‘nothing was off the table’ to make changes. I’m so lukewarm to the whole idea….if it turns out to be so. I suppose it was “Better the devil you know than the devil you don’t”. Nigel at least owns a stopwatch, to go with his other ‘quirks’?

Make Kara a regular mentor who works with the kids to help them develop as commercial artists through covers if you don’t get rid of her as a judge. She’d overcome her likability problem if she got to work with the contestants without having to judge IMO.

Interesting idea, windmills. It’s not that she’s not knowledgeable and talented musically, and it seems that she is an A&R in real life, so she’s got real life tips to offer these kids. But, yeah, as a judge that you have to listen to after every single performance, she seriously grates.

Mix it up. . .but to a point. For instance, I would not like to see the elimination format that is used on SYTYCD on Idol (america votes the bottom 3 and the judges choose who goes home). I am certainly open to some changes though to freshen things up .

I don’t know if Nigel has the power to expand their cleared music database, but that should be his number one priority.

I’m not jumping for joy over this. Sure it could be a step in the right direction but the show still needs to evolve, not try to jump in some time machine and get back to the ghosts of Idol glory. It isn’t going to be 2005 again no matter how hard anyone wishes. Was there anything that said Ken Warwick would be out? Because I’d be more excited about that news if anything. Nigel coming back does not automatically imply Warwick is out. Nigel is still responsible for many of the things that went wrong with Idol from the beginning and he isn’t magically going to bring Simon and Paula back. I also don’t think SYTYCD is the greatest show on earth either. They spend way too much time focusing on the judges and choreographers. Granted they keep trying to reboot the series with new ideas but so far they are not keeping ratings up. If Nigel can do things such as loosen up the ancient themes and introduce original music then I’ll be excited. If not then this is a whole lot of nothing.

the only thing i liked from AI after he left was the ditching of the top 24 and making a top 36. the top 36 format with the wild card proved to work for the most part. other than that, the fourth judge, the judge’s save, the one-minute performances, etc… it all has to go. why did everyone fall in love with AI in the first place? it had more of a reality feel to it. more time in the mansion. more backstories. that’s what the show needs. it needs life outside of famous people (judges).

if Nigel can get more air time to the contestants singing & less time with the judges, then I am all for him returning!!

Whoever can do this – whoever they are – I’m all for it.

This is big news. I am all for it.

I’m also all for a clean slate but with Simon gone, Paula gone, Ricky Minor gone, there needs to be some continuity in the 10th season. I’m guessing one of the girls is out, which would probably be Kara because Ellen has more clout. Randy is not going anywhere unless he wants to go and Paula has her own show so I can’t imagine how that would work.

I wouldn’t mind Nigel doing some judging. I know people have a love/hate relationship with him but so did Simon. I think it might be worth a try.

Hmmmmm, Yeah, I sorta think it’s a good idea, but only if he could buy out Ellen’s contract, buy Randy a thesaurus, and rehire Paula. I don’t like Kara, but she does bring a bit of bite to the show. I hate the fourth judge. So as far as I am concerned Simon wouldn’t have to be recast. Since getting Paula to return is out, I think that Chris Isaak would be a good addition. So Chris, Kara, and Randy. That’s the ticket.

Well Nigel coming back, well ok, just so he isnt judging with his stupid comments. Now back to 3 judges, yes, give the kids more time to sing please. Keeping Randy, yes, keep one of the cornerstone of the beginning of the show, he is useless yes, but so is Ellen, I love her on her show, but as an AI judge, more useless than Randy. JT yes, someone younger with music experience that will work. Nooo to Elton John, to old, not up with now music. Kara can stay, if she shuts her mouth and just gives musical critques. No to Usher, yes to HCJ. Well thats all I got, waiting to see whats gonna happen. What about SYTYCD, is it still a go????

Yes…glad Nigel is coming back! Wishes…back to 3 judges..Randy, Paula and Simon lol. New music themes number one thing to fix.

“Ben never had a Top Ten song. At least Paula had six number one hits. I say we could only be so lucky if Elton John would do it. Amazing career, top performance and songwriting skills, very witty and always truthful!”

Well he did in Australia. He was at one stage married to an Aussie girl & so was probably more prominent here than in the US!! I would also like Elton to be on as well but he has rejected this many times. [ maybe he would agree to being a guest judge?]

I agree Mikejam that AI needs a more reality feel but not with backstories – more to do with what happens as the show is progressing & how the idols relate together during the week. It needs to get back to the idols being the mainstory & not the judges. Now that we won’t have Simon’s ego there – this might be more possible!!

While there was plenty about Nigel that made some of us cheer when he left the show, the painful producer decision making the next 2 seasons made me think that he was at least better at producing the show than those that remained. It is kind of better the devil you know. Two years without him on idol made me miss him (even though he can come off as a total ass on SYTYCD)

@judes, by backstories i’m talking more about their life outside of idol in terms of family, career, how they are with friends… more about personality rather than “paintsalesman” or “high school student aaron kelly” -_-. judges are always complaining “you lack personality”… no one lacks personality, just some contestants didn’t get a much screen time as others, ex: kris allen = no personality?!

no save kara! get rid of randy and ellen! well…if nigel does indeed revamp the judging table, i’d be content with kara being some sort of mentor. maybe songwriting week???

Why on earth did they give Ellen a five-year contract?

buy Randy a thesaurus

Hahaha!

Should be interesting with Nigel back. But, oh please, don’t bring Paula back. She’s a sweet person, but I can’t take her nonsensical babble on the panel.

Eh. I think that Nigel has done a pretty crappy job this year on SYTYCD, not a fan of the All-Star format, and actually last year as well, with his trying to take the show out of summer. Nigel is as bad as anyone on AI for manipulations, he’s just usually better at getting who he clearly wants to win, to win. And thew way he has treated Billy about his injury, has been pretty crappy to me, and I’m not even a fan of Billy’s. Not to mention Nigel’s notorious not wanting men to dance ‘effiminately’ and his rightful blowback about it. Hmmmm, the gay ‘theatrical’ guy was able to do well on a season he wasn’t around for. Hunh. I get that Nigel seems to be fine with Adam, but his history as a whole? sucks. And I always find it funny that he ribbed AI over making it too much about the judges, when he, and his fellow judges do the same thing on SYTYCD. Though I guess they haven’t talked so much the show’s gone over, so I guess it isn’t as bad as AI, but that’s about all I can say on that one. And yeah, getting rid of Mary as a judge and adding Mia? was dumb.

All that being said, if he comes back and somehow gets rid of the 4 judge format and the three they have now as part of that, I’d be all for his coming back. But I don’t see how he is going to get rid of Ellen, who is THE most useless and annoying one to me. Yes, even more than Randy, and yes, that is saying something, because I think Randy should be fired as well. Just not as much as Ellen should. But she has a multi year contract that was expensive, and not sure how her contract is structured, but they might still have to pay her some amount, even if they do get rid of her. Randy only has one more year, and isn’t nearly as spendy. Plus he is the last original judge, they’d probably want him around for continuity sake.

I dunno, I’m just not terribly enthused about Nigel and what he could do for the show at this point. But he can’t be worse, right?

mikejam:
07/26/2010 at 8:18 pm
@judes, by backstories i’m talking more about their life outside of idol in terms of family, career, how they are with friends… more about personality rather than “paintsalesman” or “high school student aaron kelly” -_-. judges are always complaining “you lack personality”… no one lacks personality, just some contestants didn’t get a much screen time as others, ex: kris allen = no personality?!

I do get what you are saying Mikejam – I suppose I want to know more about the person they are today & how they relate to the others rather than hear a ‘sobstory’ about how much someone has overcome , which is usually overdone. They always only showcase a few when they do this – whereas if they show interactions between idols off stage , it might be a fairer way to showcase more idols.

The main thing I hope Nigel can do though , is to make the show about the idols .This last season shows that we really didn’t get to see the idols as they were until after the season finished but we got to see a lot of what the judges were like!! I don’t watch the show to see the judges – I want to see more idols less judges!!

Don’t know if it’s a good idea although I agree that the show is getting worse since he left.
AI needs a huge makeover with Simon gone, AI 10 could be the last or the first of a new series.

And to be fair, this past season, Ryan made it even worse by instigating and adding unnecessary comments. I didn’t have a problem with him until Season 9. Hopefully with Simon gone, Ryan will stick to hosting rather than being a fifth judge.

Yeah, I’m not sure how I feel about this. I am really unhappy about the way Nigel has been running SYTYCD recently – esp. around one, Billy Bell. I want to see SYTYCD improve, and it needs some serious attention as its ratings have been declining. I’m not sure what would happen to SYTYCD if Nigel returns to AI. And itt’s hard for me to judge how Nigel would effect AI. Basically, right now, the jury is still out.

This is not exciting. The only thing that can save this show is a catalog of new music. Nigel doesn’t have the clout for that. I actually think Clive is the one who was able to get that. So I would bring in a big name record executive to help. Next they need a brand new panel of unknown judges, as Randy, Simon and D list Paula pretty much were when they started but be careful cause Kara was a huge mistake. Put the bulk of the money in new music and a music director who is fresh and creative. Let the contestants work on the music more and do promotional stuff less. Maybe then they can revive this show. If Nigel returning means he will be too busy to judge SYTYCD then I’m for it, otherwise find somebody fresh.

Idol has been going down the crap-hole ever since Nigel left. Check out Nigel’s show, So You Think You Can Dance–it’s so much better than Idol in just about every way.

Wow. What the heck is your problem? This is still a great show. Way to throw idol under the bus. Are you from that stupid site VFTW? If you hate idol so much, why do you continue to blog? Seriously, I hope you re think some of the things you say on here. Saying you think idol is crap, and complaining about these contestants? I remember you even said this was the worst group ever. Umm, did you forget about Season 3, Season 1, and Season 6? Yeah, think before you speak. It really wasn’t any different from Season 8′s top 12. We had the fodders(Sarver, Jasmine, Jorge, Anoop, Scott-Lacey, Paige, Andrew, Tim), the ones with the big voices(Allison, Adam, Danny, Alexis-Mike, Katie, Siobhan, Crystal) and everybody in betweem(Lil, Megan, Matt, Kris-Aaron, Casey, Lee, Didi). UGH people make me sick.

Saying you think idol is crap, and complaining about these contestants?

Erm. Where did I complain about any of the contestants in my blog? Sorry, but I think Idol has deteriorated since Nigel left. No need for me to rethink that at all.

YES. Come back, Nigel, and save my show!

Season 8 had some incredible talent, but that was the year they brought on the fourth judge, along with the stupid save, and made a top 13. It was also the year the show ran over so long one Idol’s entire performance was missed by a large portion of the viewing audience, they had one night when they only allowed 2 judges to critique each contestant, and Simon and Paula were so OTT with their childishness it was infuriating. After season 8, it occurred to me that Nigel was the one who ran the tight ship and is the one who truly understands what makes for good TV. Also, I don’t believe Nigel would have let Paula go.

Nigel saying he favors bringing back brain dead Paula to be once again teamed with worthless Randy destroys all his credibility in my book. This is a HUGE step backward.

What nobody seems to realize is that judges need to be DE-EMPHASIZED. Shit, if it were up to me there would be no judges at all, just a host who gives out phone numbers after FULL songs are performed.

Fuck this shit. Stop trying to recreate 2002.

Usher and Justin Timberlake? For real? You must be dreaming and no way would they be “judges” unless you offered them Simon’s salary, which was like $50Mil a year, or some impossible amount. Yeh, then Usher would stop recording and touring….and Justin would give up his movie career.

With Ellen’s big and unnecessary 5 year contract, they would have to buy out and that’s expensive. She’s not going anywhere.

but let’s be real for the judges. You need a Clive Davis sort — someone who owns a record company and produces (Randy, Tommy Motolla, LA Reid), a musician/entertainer (Bret Michaels, Sheila E.,) and a songwriter (maybe Kara?).

The person who should be augmented is Seacrest. Man needs help on the side, like Tom Bergeron on DWTS. Get Seacrest a female partner (Kim Caldwell?) so he can rest a bit.

Most of all the show needs a bona fide BIG STAR, like Carrie or Kelly or Jennifer. Someone who’s really hungry for it and has the goods to deliver. Also, personality. The winners are lacking personality.

The chemistry of the judges can’t ever be underestimated. I think the lack of it on Season 9, for a multitude of reasons, is what made the show so lackluster. There was so much agreement between them, so much blatant favoritism… the judges need to have their own opinions and then express them. They need to fight and argue with each other and honestly judge the performances, not tow what is obviously the “company line”…

Can’t believe I’m saying this, but the judging change on “America’s Got Talent” – and the ensuing chemistry – has made that show summer’s guilty pleasure. And proved to me that the Simon + Randy + Paula + Ryan chemistry is what made AI tick.

My big hope was all new judges who would approach this fresh… Who’d have thunk this?

Man needs help

Seacrest has too many irons in the fire and he is not handling his Idol job the way he should. He was yet another reason this year was lacking.

So You Think You Can Dance–it’s so much better than Idol in just about every way.

really? I do not think so. I was a passionate SYTYCD viewer of season 3 and 4. But not so much since season 5. This season is the worst and I do not even want to what it any more.

Can I put in my request to Nigel for a three contestant finale? That would be fun.

Maybe they can let us vote out a judge? Then Ryan could say Kara you are leaving us tonight……. Then she could sing No Boundaries and we would never hear from her again?

This show NEEDS Randy Jackson. Believe me. First, his “useless” words to the costestants balance the judges’ table. Second, his eyes know talent. Just watch Adam Lambert’s audition and compare his words with Simon’s.
The judges’ job is choosing the best talent from thousands of people. They don’t show that hardworking on TV. When it gets to top 24, viewers should stop caring about the judges and trust their own ears. Randy’s useless words are useful because they don’t drive us crazy like Simon. Crystal didn’t win Season 9, remember ?
If there were no Randy, my idol Siobhan wouldn’t have passed the audition. So I’m grateful to him.

Personally, I would love it if Nigel came back to AI!! When he left, AI went into a downward spiral in my opinion. Without Simon, it could get even worse. Sooo, imo Nigel is exactly what the show needs to get it at least close to what it was in it’s prime. One thing is for sure, he tells it like it is and that’s one thing I love about him.

What nobody seems to realize is that judges need to be DE-EMPHASIZED. Shit, if it were up to me there would be no judges at all, just a host who gives out phone numbers after FULL songs are performed.

See, I disagree. Paula, Simon, Randy, and Ryan were the show’s main characters. They were the constant. But, they needed to be handled properly by a producer so they didn’t abuse their screen time, and I believe Nigel did that. It was obvious in season 8 when Kara was allowed to ramble on and on and on, and Paula and Simon got away with extended bickering that none of the other producers knew how to deal with the judges egos. Also, it was season 8 when Ryan started going over the top. He brought about the judges intro and had the segment added where he, himself, would strut down the staircase at the beginning of each show. I think Nigel would have nixed that, for sure.

Nigel is not a saint. But, if he can fix the show, I’m all for having him back on board.

Nigel is not a saint. But, if he can fix the show, I’m all for having him back on board.

my thoughts exactly. production wise, the man ran a really tight ship during his tenure, and if he can somehow bring back those standards, i’m all for it. idol must have done some serious groveling to approach him with the idea of returning, which signals to me they are acutely aware they are in trouble, and need to get back to some fundamentals that made idol into must see tv for millions. whether they can recapture lightning in a bottle remains to be seen, but it appears they are dropping some pride and at least trying to right their sinking ship.

The reason I miss Paula so much, is that she was the only one who could tell someone their number sucked without the contestant being left on stage feeling nothing more than a pile of steaming crap. She had a way of saying that didn’t work yet make them feel encouraged enough to brush it off and work it out. The other judges (especially Kara) are down right mean about the negativity and even condescending, sucking the dream right out of the contestant. They were all good enough to make it into the top 36? by the judges, they can’t all of a sudden suck as bad as the judges would want them to believe (okay most of ‘em, anyway

Hmmmm. Nigel as a judge, Sheila E as judge #2 and Justin Timberlake as judge #3

HOLY SH@T. This is really a surprise. Not a bad idea though.
They have to get rid of Ellen. She’s horrible. Just eat her five year contract and be done with her.

The reason I miss Paula so much, is that she was the only one who could tell someone their number sucked without the contestant being left on stage feeling nothing more than a pile of steaming crap.

I agree, and I think that is one reason why people thought this season’s contestants were bad-nobody to sugarcoat, and everybody listens to the judges, so they assume it was terrible if nobody was sugarcoating. Ellen tried at times, but it also seemed like she tried too hard to be honest and less like Paula. And I think Kara got really mean this season and didn’t know how to have fun-she took everything so seriously. She even told Paige she gave the worst vocal of the season which is one of the rudest things I have heard a judge say on a live show.

See, I disagree. Paula, Simon, Randy, and Ryan were the show’s main characters. They were the constant. But, they needed to be handled properly by a producer so they didn’t abuse their screen time, and I believe Nigel did that. It was obvious in season 8 when Kara was allowed to ramble on and on and on, and Paula and Simon got away with extended bickering that none of the other producers knew how to deal with the judges egos. Also, it was season 8 when Ryan started going over the top. He brought about the judges intro and had the segment added where he, himself, would strut down the staircase at the beginning of each show. I think Nigel would have nixed that, for sure.

I agree with your premise, but I do believe Simon is the one who wanted the big judge intro & the staircase, ala his XF.

They have to get rid of Ellen. She’s horrible. Just eat her five year contract and be done with her.

I can’t believe they would have been stupid enough to give Ellen a five-year contract and leave themselves with no options to get rid of her if she didn’t work out. She hasn’t worked out! Employees should be fired when they don’t perform satisfactorily.

I love Randy, I hope he stays around. If they are going to get rid of any of the judges, then I would rather they get rid of Kara and Ellen. I don’t care for Kara, and having Ellen around isn’t necessary, IMO. Having these two around has not made the show better, IMO.

Are you from that stupid site VFTW? If you hate idol so much, why do you continue to blog? Seriously, I hope you re think some of the things you say on here.

LMAO! MJ has an alter-ego!

I don’t see how Nigel can toss the current panel as they all have contracts and it would cost a mint to buy them out. Why AI ever thought they needed multi year contracts when so many people would kill to judge on the show is beyond me. It’s part of a syndrome right now in the business world where people think they “deserve” all that dough whether they yield results or not. Throw the bums out! (Actually I like Kara so go ahead throw the tomatoes!)

ETA: Agree with previous poster, Ryan was out of control last season. Reign him in Nigel!

jpfan:
07/26/2010 at 10:21 pm

HOLY SH@T. This is really a surprise. Not a bad idea though.
They have to get rid of Ellen. She’s horrible. Just eat her five year contract and be done with her.

I’ve been a big Ellen fan for a long time. Even back in the days of her stupid scandal. I was her fan all the way and super thrilled with her success on her morning talk show. She is awesome there. But she is just horrid on AI. (mega grumbly noises for emphasis) lol….

Make Kara a regular mentor who works with the kids to help them develop as commercial artists through covers if you can get rid of her as a judge. She’d overcome her likability problem if she got to work with the contestants without having to judge IMO.

I kinda like this idea. I’ve seen her mentor Megan Joy and Scott, and she was really fantastic when she wasn’t talking so much. I wouldn’t have added her to the show, but judging from the way she mentored those two, I think she deserves something on the show, even if she does bug me with her inability to shorten her critiques.

I don’t see how Nigel can toss the entire panel. I thought Ellen was an interesting choice of judge. I liked have having an “everyperson” as a judge. Dunno if Ellen really worked.

karenc:Then Ryan could say Kara you are leaving us tonight……. Then she could sing No Boundaries and we would never hear from her again

Bwah! I usually mute the judges, but enough Kara dimwittedness has snuck in before I can grab the remote that I have gotten soooo sick of her — and would be all for this.

I have no feelings about Lythgoe either way, but if he could reverse the trend where I mute more of the show than I listen to, that would be a good thing.

jammasta:

No… I think the “everyperson” idea as a judge sucks. The viewers are the every person. I love hearing what the supposed “experienced in the industry” judges have to say. But you know what??? I always, always have my own opinion. I either happily agree or angrily disagree with their opinions, but never have I changed my mind over a judges opinion. I did not like Ellen’s wishwashyness. Way inappropriate and misguided in my lovely opinion. Yeah, she sucked.

They should get rid of Kara….and Ellen….

iluvai:
07/26/2010 at 11:45 pm
I either happily agree or angrily disagree with their opinions, but never have I changed my mind over a judges opinion. I did not like Ellen’s wishwashyness.

I think this is the reason why Ellen is worse than Randy. Even when I think Randy’s ear is auto-tuned to Pitchy, I can disagree with him strongly. It’s when he says “it was just a’ight” that it veers into wishy-washy territory, but even then he usually says why he feels that way – be it on the vocal level, performance / stage presence / charisma level, song choice level, etc. Ellen rarely defended her opinions with anything at all. Even Paula re-routing the conversation to how a contestant looked was better than “you’re just so good.”

I’d be okay at Nigel coming back but not with his ideas for judges. Paula again? I couldn’t stand to go back to her babbling. Telling someone they look nice or have great shoes because you can’t think of anything good to say about their singing is almost worse because everyone knows. I guess it will be interesting to see what happens at least.

OK, here’s my suggestion for Nigel.

Since they have to keep Ellen because of her 5 year contract, let her take Ryan’s job and let Ryan judge. He is a DJ on a large top 40 station so his opinion on what sells would be valid. Ellen could do a little monologue before each show; perhaps a funny recap of what happened on the previous week’s show or perhaps some funny clips of rehearsals, etc, from the week. I think she could move the show along and would work hard to make it interesting with the themes.

As far as Kara, she is a mixed bag. I think she can give good advice but sometimes she just comes off as bitchy and desperate. I agree with the poster who said Kara could be the regular mentor and work with the contestants throughout the week. This way we have both Ellen and Kara playing to their strenghts. Neither one of them should be judges.

So that would leave Ryan and Randy as judges and then a soon to be announced heavy hitter. If we want to round it out with a woman, then it would need to be someone like Cher. After Randy’s contract is up in a year, then I would replace him.

Go back to the top 36. After the debacle of Season 9, when so many talented singers got voted out before the top 12, it has become obvious that AI votes shouldn’t be the sole voice when it comes to selecting the finalists.

I’m ok with the judge’s save.

I love KarenC’s comment! I would love for Kara to be gone for good! Lol at the idea of her singing NOBO as she exits. I want Paula back too! And 3 judges on the panel are more than enough! I really dislike having 4 talking heads. The idea of a top 3 finale could be very interesting. I am not sure I would like that, but it could be a real nail biter. Oh and to be on topic, I am for Nigel coming back to produce the show again.

I like the idea of Nigel coming back. There are some things on SYTYCD that I don’t like about him (like last week’s nonelimination fiasco), but overall I like him and I think he can see what’s wrong now that he’s stepped away for a bit. I don’t think he’ll ever get Paula back, nor do I really want that.

I agree with those who have said that more attention should be placed on how the contestants get along during the week and more focus on their daily activities, struggles, etc. It really bugged me, too, when they complained that the contestants had no personality, and then they would show snippets of their fellow contestants talking about how funny, kind, whatever that person was, and I wondered why the judges couldn’t see that.

Also, maybe we could do a host swap, Cat Deeley could host AI for a while and show people what they are missing: a warm, friendly, sane person, with a normal sense of humor.

omg that’s news. I’m happy that there seems to be drastic changes for season 10!
Ellen has no place on this panel. Shes wasn’t a good judge at all. Get rid of her asap

undercooked,

It sounds like you are proposing something for a class on what should be done on AI. Any crazy alterative would be great because it’s innovative.

I’m not buying it. Crazy idea.

undercooked, It sounds like you are proposing something for a class on what should be done on AI. Any crazy alterative would be great because it’s innovative.

Can’t a girl dream!

Can’t a girl dream!

Of course! Anything would be better than this last season.

hee hee. (sorry if I was rude.)

Of course! Anything would be better than this last season.

hee hee. (sorry if I was rude.)

It’s all good.

Yes!!!! Bring Nigel back! I am all for it. I don’t think Paula will come back but maybe?? lol I don’t think it would be the same with Paula and no Simon. Paula belongs with Simon on X-Factor, I hope.
I kind of want Randy to stay because he is the only original judge left and he is right sometimes. If Kara was gone I think Ellen would shine and have more to say. Ellen/Randy/Harry Connick Jr. combo could work. If not Harry then Elton John. The show should be more about the contestants with more SINGING and less fillers.

The reason I miss Paula so much, is that she was the only one who could tell someone their number sucked without the contestant being left on stage feeling nothing more than a pile of steaming crap. She had a way of saying that didn’t work yet make them feel encouraged enough to brush it off and work it out. The other judges (especially Kara) are down right mean about the negativity and even condescending, sucking the dream right out of the contestant. They were all good enough to make it into the top 36? by the judges, they can’t all of a sudden suck as bad as the judges would want them to believe (okay most of ‘em, anyway

I agree with you on this. I think what Paula did is that her comments gave them constructive critism, it was positive enough so they could see what they did right, but she would tell them what was wrong in a nicer way so they understood what was wrong. I think part of the problem this season was that the judging was so conflicting and some negative that the contestants didn’t know what to do. Like they were told to make a song their own, but when someone would do something different with a song, they were told it was terrible, but weren’t really told what was wrong with it. So they lost confidence and were afraid to take chances. And they were more inexperienced to begin with also. Also, at times, a judge would overpraise something, so that they wouldn’t see what really needed to be improved on.

I also think Paula can see star quality early on, also, and that this might have been what was missing this year.

Hmmmm…. or get rid of Ryan and have Ellen host the show…just a thought….:)

starsshella – I’m with you! From reading back through older seasons and including S8, it definitely seems like both the Top 36 and Top 24 formats are imperfect, but Top 36 is more likely to get skewed by Judge & Production Manipulation than Top 24. People need to just deal with the fact that losing Lilly, Katelyn, & Alex all in one night is THE VOTERS’ fault, not the show’s. I’ll admit that the only one I voted for was Katelyn – I didn’t like the style of singing for either Lilly or Alex. Granted, I didn’t like the style of singing for Andrew or Tim or Katie or Paige either – but I also didn’t vote for any of them. The point remains it wasn’t the format’s fault at all, IMHO.

MJ-
“A lot has been written in the Idol press this week about whether or not Season 9 is the worst Season in Idol history. So far, I think it has been”
You said that.

Erm. Where did I complain about any of the contestants in my blog?

Contestants=season.

it definitely seems like both the Top 36 and Top 24 formats are imperfect, but Top 36 is more likely to get skewed by Judge & Production Manipulation than Top 24. People need to just deal with the fact that losing Lilly, Katelyn, & Alex all in one night is THE VOTERS’ fault, not the show’s.

That is the reason I like the top 36. I would like to know that at least 4 singers that remain in the top 12 are considered the best singers in the group. I thought Anoop was one of the best singers and if it weren’t for the top 36, he wouldn’t have made the tour. By the way, why do people think Cook would have been hurt by the top 36 format? I didn’t watch the all of Season 7, but I do remember him standing out with “Hello” but I can’t recall where that was in the competition.

I just want them to keep Kara. She is the only judge that can be useful. She can be annoying, but I don’t have to absolutely love all the judges.

Also, as good as trio Randy-Paula-Simon were as Idol judges, the panel was really stale in season 7, so I was very happy that they brought Kara in.

The thing I don’t like about the top 36 is that the groups could be manipulated too much. There always seemed to be a few that were better than the rest, and they obvously got through. Or there are too many in a group, and some that didn’t get through were better than some that did get through in another group. Also, a contestant only needed to have one good performance to get in the top 12, where, if they do the top 24 without the groups, they have to have 4 performances to get through to top 12.

By the way, why do people think Cook would have been hurt by the top 36 format? I didn’t watch the all of Season 7, but I do remember him standing out with “Hello” but I can’t recall where that was in the competition.

I believe Hello was top 16. Before that it was Happy Together, for 60s week, and All Right Now for 70s, and after that was Elinor Rigby for top 12. I do think he still might have done well, but it did take me a couple of weeks to really like him. I liked his Happy Together, but thought All Right now was just ok. I didn’t get really impressed until Hello. I still think that having them have to have a few performances before top 12 is better because with the groups, one song can really make or break you, unless you get the wildcard.

Regarding Ellen, is anyone else a little put off by her startling blue eyes? If you notice on her talk show she is always slightly turned toward the guest during most of the show, but on Idol they are staring out at the contestant and it’s kind of eerie. Don’t get me wrong, I think she is really cute especially for a lady her age, but her eyes are just, well, startling. I don’t know how to say what I mean without being rude! Anyway that aside, I never thought she was a good pick for judge and stand by my original opinion. Sorry if I am being *shallow* but I think I would have gotten past her baby blues if she had been good.

Contestants=season.

A statement about the season doesn’t necessarily translate into a statement about the contestants. Yes, they are a part of the season, but a season includes everything: contestants, judges, time management, theme selections, everything.

I don’t mind the idea of Nigel going back to AI. Ultimately, though, I agree with those saying that whoever gets the job needs to put the focus back on the contestants. I’ve stopped watching the judges comments on both AI and SYTYCD. They’ve never shaped my opinions of the contestants. I used to listen to the comments on SYTYCD to hear the technical aspects of routines, which I’m unfamiliar with, but they don’t seem to be doing that as much lately, so I’ve stopped listening.

I also feel the judges could learn something from shows like Top Chef and Project Runway. I’ve always felt the judges on those shows are able to give short, to the point critiques that say what they felt about the contestant’s work, while giving evidence to support their statements that don’t involve OTT metaphors(Mia) or the word ‘Dawg’(Randy…obviously).

I agree, SYTYCD has not been as good as it was the first four seasons. No, to Nigel ever being a judge on Idol. I like the idea of Chris Iaask as the new judge. Yes, Ellen needs to go – however, she could have a behind the scenes role as she has her own record company.

If there were no Randy, my idol Siobhan wouldn’t have passed the audition. So I’m grateful to him.

Yes, Randy was very supportive of Siobhan. He was her favorite judge. I liked how he encouraged her for being different. They need to keep the TOP 24, get rid of the Judges Save, and retain Ryan as the host. There has to be less emphasis on the judges, and more on the contestants!

I also feel the judges could learn something from shows like Top Chef and Project Runway. I’ve always felt the judges on those shows are able to give short, to the point critiques that say what they felt about the contestant’s work, while giving evidence to support their statements that don’t involve OTT metaphors(Mia) or the word ‘Dawg’(Randy…obviously).

I agree.. but also if you notice on these shows, they edit the judges comments.

I say YaY for Nigel coming back … if he does. He ran a tight ship and even if I didn’t always agree with him, I did respect him. Plus I miss his weekly Wednesday/Thursday industry interviews on a site that I cannot remember for the life of me.

I’d get rid of Ryan (I’ve been ‘over’ him since season 2 and really over him since season 8). He has other irons in the fire … and is already spread too thin. When is his contract up? Ellen has 4 (?) years left on her contract. Move her into the hosting position where she does shine. Buying her out would be way too expensive

Buy out Randy so he can join Simon on US X-Factor. He’s nostalgia, but so is the the moldy casserole I forgot about in the fridge. Paula brings the crazy, but she also brings the compassion and it appears that all former contestants loved her. She also seems to have an eye and ear for talent that some others may miss.I don’t care if she comes back one way or another. In her best interests, I think she should move on from AI and continue to reinvent herself and her career.

I don’t want Kara back. She annoys me.

I want to know who is replacing Rickey Minor.

ETA: Get rid of Ken Warick. He can stick to America’s Got Talent.

See, I disagree. Paula, Simon, Randy, and Ryan were the show’s main characters. They were the constant.

We’re smart enough to figure out who we like and dislike without any self-absorbed camera pigs trying to manipulate the results to fit their agenda. The show needs to be more about TALENT and less about bullshit celebrity judges fighting for the spotlight.

That is the reason I like the top 36. I would like to know that at least 4 singers that remain in the top 12 are considered the best singers in the group. I thought Anoop was one of the best singers and if it weren’t for the top 36, he wouldn’t have made the tour.

Another reason why the top 36 format was screwed up, was because of the uneven gender balance. The girls in group 3 were clearly stronger than the males, but Jorge still got through instead of someone like Felicia, because they thought he was “cute.” This caused only 3 girls to make it to tour and 7 guys. It wasn’t because the boys were “stronger,” it was because of the tweeny boppers voting for their crushes. I think that is why Kris got through in his group. It should have been Mishavonna, Allison, and Adam. Again, that explains the flaws of the top 36 format-its the perfect recipe for a sausage fest.