American Idol - Season 10
 

Is anyone watching?

What do you think of the judges?

I know it's early, but do you already have any favorites?

I watched on Wednesday, but not Thursday.

There were one or two people that were "really good," but overall, I thought the "OMG MOST TALENTED SEASON EVER" line was a lie.

I may stop watching until the finalists are chosen.

This is usually what I do… watch the awful people in the beginning, then wait until it’s down to about 5 people at the end before I pick it up again. I did, however, watch a good bit of last season. I just don’t think it’ll be the same without Simon.

And is it just me, or was 51 a huge number of people to take through to Hollywood from just Jersey alone?

I watched both days and I thought there were a lot of people with a lot potential.

I am REALLY enjoying the new judges and I keep seeing people posting on FB that they miss Simon and stuff but I like the chemistry between these three. Then again, I had stopped watching auditions years ago because I thought they were too cruel and nasty to people. Some people watched them precisely for that reason. I found this really enjoyable. I laughed out loud several times.

I won't remember names or anything but I love the southern girl with the long dark hair. She was very funny and seemed to have a lot of heart. She made a comment about her outfit saying that it was skimpy enough to get the attention of male fans but appropriate enough that she was still a lady. Liked her a lot.

Oh! And the singing waitress! I loved her!

#teamsingingwaitress

I agree with you here. I am watching the second episode on DVR right now and I'm enjoying it a lot. There's a lot of talent out there and I like that they're not just focusing on the wack jobs. I also like the chemistry. Jennifer Lopez isn't vapid at all (which I expected) and Steven Tyler fits in really well.

I will usually watch the first few episodes, then wait for the top 10/12/whatever. I don't like all of the "behind the scenes" stuff, so getting to the meat of the show is better for me.

Jennifer was better than I expected, too. I thought it was weird to have her judging anything singing related, but I can't deny that this woman is a great entertainer (and they apparently want the winners to have the whole package). And Steven Tyler -- no comments necessary. Such an amazing artist.

Even though I swear at the end of every single season that I won't get sucked into the next go-round, I always do. I truly had not planned to watch at all, but wanted to tune in for just 10-15 minutes to watch the judges. I knew that there would be much commentary on their performance so I wanted to see for myself.

Steven Tyler has me hooked.

Surprisingly, I am also enjoying JLo, though she does need to get more comfortable dashing dreams so that those kids can pursue vocations more realistic for them. And yes, kids. My word. Is the entire top 12 going to made up of kids in high school?

Someone above asked if the sent too many through from Jersey. The answer is yes. Because it was the first time for the judges, JLo and Steven weren't yet ready to dash those dreams and they let waaaaay too many through. I suspect that number will dwindle the more auditions they hear and they become better at knowing who truly stands out among the thousands. That is where Simon's role was so important.. he thought like a producer wanting to find "the one" and not like an entertainer who wants to support everyone in their pursuits. Much easier mind-set to send the wannabees packing.

I'm curious to see how the new judges will handle their roles once it gets down to the semi-finals/finals. Hopefully they won't be as lame as Ellen was, and instead find ways to have actual critiques of the performances.

Final question... does anyone thing that JLo really remembered that girl from her previous audition? How many years ago was it? Or, is it more likely that she was tipped off with that information? I honestly can't decide. I do know that there are bio sheets in front of each judge, and I do suspect that type of information is on there. HOwever, neither of the other two judges seemed clued in.

Anyway, if she did remember her, that is an amazing memory and a true compliment to that singer.

I'm liking the new changes. Steven Tyler is most definately the best judge they've ever had. I usually just watch the auditions and then the finale, because all that Hollywood crap is ridiculous. (Sidenote: Please get rid of the Ford commercials in finals, they drive me bonkers) All of the contestants seem like they lose their origionality when they'e forced to sing during themed week. But maybe with this new look and new judges they'll have something new in store for Hollywood rounds.

I was pleasantly surprised by the new judges. In fact, by the end of the first night, I think I developed a crush on Steven. I know his music, duh, I graduation from college in '83 but really had never 'seen' his personality. I loved his sensitivity! Plus, his musicality is so great.

I hope this continues to be positive.

Did anyone hear that family member outside the audition room tell Ryan, " You look taller on tv" ?? I cracked up!

ETA - my only complaint is the sob story that is played out each round. The last person to audition always has a story that is supposed to pull at our heartstrings. It feels so manipulative. (but I did like the people who immigrated from Bosnia. That felt real)

I always watch idols for the train-wreck, but might keep on watching because JLo and Tyler seems to be able to keep me interested.

Thoughts on the way Idol aired the story of Chris Medina, the young man whose fiancee suffered a traumatic brain injury just 2 months before their wedding?

Given that he has become her caretaker for the past 2 years, I dont (want?) to believe that he brought her to the audition for sympathy votes or in any way to exploit her. He genuinely seems like a good guy, and it is believable, to me, that where he goes, so does she. Thus, I had no qualms about her being in the holding room.

My concern is the idol producers. Yes, this made an emotional story, and yes, as much as they proclaim that this is a "singing competition" they are clearly in the business of ratings and these types of stories boost ratings and also get America talking about their show. So, when these types of stories surface, I guess I shouldn't be surprised that they would exploit a lovely young lady for the sake of ratings/pub.

As someone who spent over 10 years working with individuals with brain injuries, I obviously am coming at this from perhaps a different angle. I certainly never want the individual, nor the family, to be destined to a life confined at home. However, broadcast on national TV, when I have my doubts that she herself could have legally consented to such, does give me pause. My guess is that Chris and/or the mother serve as POA and gave the consent. Obviously a 10 sec clip on TV is no formal evaluation, but certain things were noticeable to me in terms of what level of cognitive function that may be functioning in. It does leave me wondering how her previous self would have felt about this.

So, while AI left me feeling a bit uncomfortable with the whole thing, mad props to Steven and how he handled it. I swear I love him more and more with each episode. I'm also glad that Chris was a good singer, so that the vote part was moot.

Here's hoping that he doesn't turn into the next Danny Gokey.

I really don't think he meant it "that" way, but damn, at the look the tattoo artist got for the vanilla/chocolate comment..... wow.....

What does everyone think about the top 24?

I think it's going to be a great season! Some of them have very unique and different styles and stick to those styles instead of just "covering" other artists. It could make it difficult for them with the fan audience voting, but I think a lot of them are just incredible and could make it big whether they win or not.

I tried watching it yesterday, but it looks like they're still doing the "reality tv" thing vs the "singing competition" thing. I'll wait until they narrow it down to the top 12 or whatever.

I LOVE Casey. I think he's amazing.

BUT...... last night after the show, one of the previews for the news said something about, "Chris Medina might not be done..." I figured maybe they were going to have a 25th contestant or something crazy like that...

So then this morning I went online to figure out what that was all about, and I found THIS!:

'American Idol Finalist Hospitalized'
http://www.tmz.com/person/casey-abrams/

I guess Chris would take his place??

My favorites are Casey Abrams, Scotty McCreery, and Lauren Alaina, although I don't think the first two have any chance to win.

There are a LOT of people that I don't like. A lot of shriekers.

I REALLY don't like Clint Jun Gamboa and Jordon Dorsey. I don't think either of them really stood out vocally, and they're both mean/annoying/obnoxious.

I'm also not fond of Jovany Barreto. Between him taking his shirt off during his first audition, and not even thanking/hugging/shaking hands with any of the judges after they told him he was in the top 24 (a move that Jordon also pulled), I think he's way too cocky.

Clint is such a jerk. I was so pissed he was put through.

I've been impressed this year. I really like JLo and Steven, contrary to what I'd have guessed. I do have a gripe with their continued insistence on picking the same number of girls as boys. Some years it's the girls' year, but this year they could have easily taken 5 more boys and 5 fewer girls. The girls aren't anywhere near as good. I also like that they aren't focused on a type. Several of the great ones (stand up bass guy - sorry, I'm lousy with names) don't have any chance at a pop career, but AI should still give them a spotlight. It seems like talent is winning out over look or style, at least so far this year.

Interestingly, my husband, a former musician and generally a huge annoying music snob, is hooked. He was getting all gushy right along with me and the judges.

And now me not being able to use Facebook on Thursdays and Fridays begins to keep from accidentally learning the results. And can I ask a favor? Don't discuss the results of each week's votes anywhere on GC except this thread. That way I can avoid the outcome without having to shut down this site completely.

Stand up bass guy = Casey Abrams! (basically the one guy's name I can't forget). He's so ridiculously talented, it's crazy.

And I will agree that the caliber of people they have on the show this year beats out any other season of Idol that I've seen, however, there are definitely a few more guys that I would have liked to see stay.. I can't even remember ANY of the girls' names.

I'm loving Casey, too!

Steven Tyler has been a complete surprise to me. I was very skeptical when I heard he was going to be a judge, but I LOVE the way he cannot hide his feelings for a second. If he likes a contestant, he is jammin' right there at the table. So cute!!!! I adore his enthusiasm.:D

Tim Halperin is a TCU grad!

Each fall, TCU partners with the Fort Worth Susan G Komen for the Cure to promote breast cancer awareness and raise funds at one of the football home games. The entire stadium "pinks out" for halftime, and survivors are welcomed down on the field. This past fall, Tim wrote and sang a song for the occasion entitled "We Fight Back."

Here is a clip to the video for the song, which was played during half time. The video is shots of 40 different TCU organizations showing support. If you want some greek connections, then watch for Miss Texas (a Chi Omega) singing with him at a piano. Another campus group follows Miss Texas, and then right after that group are the ZTA actives and alumnae.

http://www.youtube.com/user/frogsforthecure

"We Fight Back" is available on itunes, and all of the money raised is being donated to Susan G Komen for the Cure.

Yay, Tim.

OMG. Jordan Dorsey you are so not qualified to be singing Usher. FAIL.

^^ I can't stand Jordan, and I know this sounds mean, but I'm so glad he did bad. All through Hollywood week he had this "I'm better than you" attitude. /petpeeve

Casey Abrams...marry me?

Casey and Scotty. The rest were meh.

And Paul.

Yep.

Was disapointed in Steven and Jennifer tonight, though I guess not surprised. They weren't critical at all, instead were Paula 2.0. The biggest crime was heaping praise on the red headed kid, who just sounded downright awful. Shockingly, Randy was a bit more spot on.

I pretty much expected this. As with all new judges, I imagine they'll progressively become more critical as the weeks go on.

And I was still a little surprised at all the praise Randy was giving some of the contestants. I thought he'd be a little harder on them.

I also found it interesting that the 3 people I dislike the most were the first 3 to perform. I'm guessing whoever chose the line-up thought the same thing I did.. Because we all know that the worst people perform first, and the better contestants sing toward the end of the show.

Down with Jordan! .. Worst performance EVER.

Very true. And is there any question that they give the pimp spot tonight to Lauren? I actually feel a little bad for her. She is an excellent singer, but they have overhyped her so much that there already seems to be a backlash against her. Wish that they would have just let her shine naturally instead of force feeding her down our throats.

I thought it would be hard to top Jordan Dorsey's awfulness, but Ta-Tynisa Wilson sure tried.

Steven and Jennifer both need to grow a pair.

OMG, what a mess that was! I just don't understand how they thought it even sounded decent. Awful. Not impresses with anybody so far tonight, actually.

I like Thia, and have since I first heard her. THAT'S what you do in a singing competition.

As for the judges.. In most cases, I don't know what the hell they're thinking. They're inconsistent and don't know what they're talking about.

Pia brought it.

Word.

Ok, I like Thia and Pia :)

What is going on with all the bad song choices? The originals may sound great but some of these girls/guys need to understand that they don't work for their voices.

And if one more person sings a Mariah Carey song I think I'm going to flip.

My five would be Thia, Pia, 2 Laurens, and Karen. I was expecting to love Julie, but I was disappointed. Lots of talent, but I agree with the previous poster who said that the gals just aren't consistent. I guess we'll really see as the season progresses.

Can someone clarify for me what's going on tomorrow? Are they narrowing it to the top 12?

^^Yep. The top 5 girls and top 5 guys will move on and then the judges pick two wildcards I think. They're doing it differently this year..

As I understand it, America picks the top 5 guys and the top 5 girls, then the judges pick 1 guy and 1 girl to move on with the 10 that received the highest number of votes.