American Idol returns to television on ABC this Sunday (March 11). I took a peek at the two hour premiere and overall, I liked what I saw.
The mama of the modern singing competition is distinguishing itself from rivals like The Voice by weaving narratives around the contestants. The point isn’t competition between the judges, or nifty spinning chairs. It’s about the singers’ “journey” from nervous hopeful, to confident singing star, ready to conquer the world. The contestant’s backstories are front and center, and can be a bit too Hallmark channel sentimental at times. But remember, when American Idol hit the airwaves back in 2002, the show’s ultimate triumphalism was an antidote in a fearful post-911 world. Fast forward 16 years. And without going all political, American Idol’s return coincides with a new era of fear and loathing. Maybe comfort and sentiment is just what we need right now.
Or not. Show revivals are all the rage at the moment. But it’s one thing for a series to come back after a decade or more off the air. It’s another for a cancelled show to be revived after only a year hiatus. Freemantle and 19 made finding American Idol a new home a priority, because they missed the income, most likely. Making decisions based on economic insecurities doesn’t always have the greatest outcomes.
Combine the fact that the show was barely away long enough for anybody to really miss it, with the improbable scandal swirling around host Ryan Seacrest. Not to mention that Idol will go HEAD TO HEAD with The Voice on most Mondays. I’ve got to admit. I’m a little nervous. If the revival bombs, it ain’t never coming back. Which is why. although I’m a huge fan of the show, and look forward to its return, I wish the producers had waited at least another year or two before bringing it back.
Regarding Seacrest. There are rumors that they edited down his involvement in the premiere. Well, we’ll see after it airs. Having said that, the stars of these auditions are the contestants, along with the judges, Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan. Seacrest’s busy schedule, including hosting Live with Kelly and Ryan kept him off the road during the summer. We see him here and there. But there’s a ton of voice overs too. Will the scandal keep viewers away? It’s hard to say. There are plenty of other factors (competition with The Voice, FOX scheduling a provocative OJ Simpson interview against the premiere, folks just NOT CARING) on which to blame low ratings. I’m just hoping the numbers are high enough to give the show another season.
After a gauzy introduction, that includes voice over by season 4 winner, Carrie Underwood, the energy shifts. Set against upbeat music, a voice through a megaphone declares, “Auditions are now open” as hopefuls emerge, ready for their start at stardom. And OK, I’m going to admit it. I got a little goosebumpy watching the crowds arrive for their shot at the big time.
A few observations about the premiere
- These hopefuls are VERY young. The stats: Fourteen singers perform. Three 26 yrs(2 got nos) two 22 yrs, two 20 yrs, one 18 yrs, two 17 yrs, three 16 yrs and a 15 yrs (she got a no). The contestants skew extremely young. A few of them hadn’t reached the ages next to their identifying chyron yet. Considering that the winner will be signed by the youth skewing Hollywood records, I’m not surprised the show is looking for a young winner.
- But despite their youth there are talented singers in this bunch. One of my favorites, a 16 year old sophomore, truly sang like an old soul. There’s an impressive 16 year old Kentucky farm girl who belts out old-school Motown instead of the expected country. A 22 year old African refugee performs a folkie version of James Bay’s “Let it Go,” and a 16 year old totally redeems herself years later from a version of the National Anthem that went viral for all the wrong reasons. If this level of quality keeps up, it will be a very good season of American Idol, indeed.
- The judges chemistry is palpable. But we won’t really know if it’s real, or the magic of editing until the live shows begin. Lionel Richie is the papa bear. He’s a bit stern, a storyteller. The font of all wisdom. But he’s also kind and fair. I expect he’ll be the one contestants will most want to please. Luke Bryan is the softy of the trio. He struggles a bit with saying no. He’s also really funny and laid back. Katy Perry is a quirky strait shooter. She’ll tell a singer no and why, no problem. She also is the judge most likely to engage with the contestants, resulting in a few fun, spontaneous moments. As far as the panel is concerned, so far so good.
- The”no more joke contestants” headline is FAKE NEWS: When Trish Kinane confirmed, during Idol’s TCA session in January, that singers would not be mocked, entertainment outlets ran with with headlines like “IDOL RUINED NO MORE BAD AUDITIONS.” At the time, Kinane said “It doesn’t feel comfortable to put borderline unstable people up on stage and laugh at them,” and then she added something next that HAPPENS TO BE TRUE, that in later seasons, Idol had gotten away from mocking contestants in a cruel way. Seriously people. “Bush Baby” was SO 2006.
- In any case, there are three hopefuls I would consider “joke” auditioners. One seemed to be in on the joke. Another had inexplicably won X Factor in Russia, and I have no idea how that happened. And another, after performing an ear-splitting original song, had aspects of the classic “bad” Idol audition, which included the singer stomping away while furiously dissing the show and the judges. The judges react with honest bemusement, but are never cruel.
- Critics have been pining for Simon Cowell – Have critics been watching the past couple of years of America’s Got Talent? Even Simon Cowell isn’t Simon Cowell anymore. In Idol’s early years, watching Simon rip apart a clueless singer was novel and new. Now, the mean girl act goes over with a thud. Bringing back that “bite” would not make the show better.
- In conclusion: This new version of American Idol is very much like the old version. But did we really want it to change?
American Idol Auditions Premiere
America Idol Auditions 2
