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.