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'American Idol' Hollywood Week
The new Hollywood Week format showcased on Tuesday (Feb. 12) night's American Idol had some odd consequences. On one hand, it was almost completely devoid of the sort of suspense and histrionics viewers have come to expect. That's bad. On the other hand, I felt like I actually saw some super performances over the course of the two-hour episode. That's good.
To some degree I missed the old Hollywood structure. I missed the ridiculous trio performances that forced the hopefuls to display collaborative skills they'd never use again in the competition. I missed the late nights of fighting, I missed the one guy who couldn't find a team and ended up making awful music with two discordant gals, I missed the flirty twit who would rather party and hook up than learn to harmonize. I missed the frequent freak-shows and the occasional unexpected alchemies that the episode used to often feature.
And perhaps because of the new format, the stakes on Tuesday's episode felt lower. Yes, there were nervous tears. Yes, there were people on the verge of collapse from psychosomatic colds. Yes, there were one or two confused people who said that they wished they'd been given a fair shot. [Fair shot? Goodness gracious. If you want a fair shot, go out and make it in the industry without American Idol, without the advantages of this television exposure. American Idol is all about cheating and skipping steps.] But nobody stood on the stage and refused to leave. Nobody swore at Simon, on stage or off. Nobody ranted about the specific people who made it through versus the people sent home.
Heaven knows some of the contestants would have been justified in ranting. After the Philadelphia audition episode, I saw Angela Martin -- beautiful, talented and caring for a seriously ill daughter -- as a sure-thing Top 12 contestant and a possible winner. On Tuesday's show, we found out that in addition to her previously established sob story -- already effective in my book -- her father was killed between the audition and Hollywood. She still sounded good. Very good even. But she was rejected. That's pretty cold.
You want to know what's colder than that? She was called forward and sent home, while Kyle Ensley, aspiring governor of Oklahoma, was put through despite a rendition of "My Love Grows (Where My Rosemary Goes)" that could have been inserted in any audition as an example of the worst in any particular city. He was a bit better later in the episode, but if you ask me to say who has a better chance of ever earning a nickel for singing in public between Angela and Kyle, I wouldn't hesitate. The judges, though, went a different direction.
They also like David Cook, with his middle-of-the-road voice, floppy hair and soul patch a lot more than I do. Ditto with David Hernandez, whose performance featured grunting, groaning, an unexplained falsetto and all manner of pointless vocal acrobatics. I'm also concerned for Syesha Mercado, who lost her voice less due to sickness and more due to her unceasing shouting. Remember how Gina Glocksen and Chris Daughtry were both at least somewhat undone by raw, over-worked voices? She's going to have the same problem.
And who would have guessed that the over-hyped Cardin McKinney, who had the Internet Idol tom-toms beating in her favor since the fall, would get less screentime in Hollywood for her singing (she forgot the lyrics at some point) than for her flirtations with Borat of Venezuela Ghaleb Emachah. Not only am I convinced that Ghaleb is 40, but his guitar accompanied take on Bryan Adams was very nearly William Hung-bad. If he was truly one of the 164 best people Idol saw in the audition rounds, then Ronaldo Lapuz deserved a courtesy Hollywood invite as well.
Don't get me wrong, though. I know I sound negative. That's what I do. The new Idol format helped give us some fantastic performances.
The decision to let the singers perform instruments only unearthed a few versatile musical threats, but some people just seemed better with a musical instrument as a prop. Is Brooke White -- the R-rated movie avoiding nanny -- really going to go on the road with her piano? Heavens no, but the keyboard channeled her energies and she was like a whole different singer.
The same is true of poor formerly homeless Josiah Leming. His version of "Grace Kelly," complete with keyboard, was haunting, a contrast to the rather excessive polish exhibited by many of this season's ringers. He puts something personal into every song, even his version of "Stand By Me," which the judges correctly panned. My concern with Josiah is that I think the kid has problems and not the sort that would be improved by the bright American Idol lights. I watched his night-before meltdown and his last performance and I kept thinking of Daniel Johnston, which will only mean something to a few of you. It's usually a cop-out for people not-named Jennifer Hudson to claim they were better off without Idol, but I really think Josiah may be better off without Idol.
Who else do I like?
While I agree with Simon that Amanda Overmyer may become predictable in a hurry, I love that biker-nurse's voice. Her reborn Janis Joplin shtick is a gimmick, but it's a splendid gimmick and I love how it puts the otherwise fine Carly Smithson's somewhat similar mannerisms to shame. I'll root for her as long as she's around. Or until I become sick of her.
I think Michael Johns' "Bohemian Rhapsody" was a show-stopper on what Constantine Maroulis taught us was a darned hard song to sing. He also did well with "Light My Fire" earlier in the episode.
Like all of this season's ringers -- see also Kristy Lee Cook, Smithson, et al -- Johns is going to make the Top 24 and he'll help save us from the sort of early season embarrassments Idol is known for (Antonella Barba and your racy pictures, I'm lookin' at you... no really... I am... You're about to kiss some skanky chick in a picture... Ew). Does that take away from the charm?
Another ringer, Star Search winner David Archuleta, may be my current prediction to win. He isn't a bad singer and he reminds me of Ryan Pinkston from Quintuplets. You likee? He's not my cup-o-tea, but I think his delayed pubescent charm will play great with the teenage girls, as well as with their mothers, who will think he's like Danny Noriega, only he doesn't prompt the same awkward questions.
Enough of my ramblings... What were your thoughts on the new format? On the performances? And on the Top 24?
And check out all of our Idol coverage over at Zap2it's Guide to American Idol.
Completely agree when it comes to Kyle slipping past while Angela was kicked off. He's our next Sanjaya AND Chicken Little all rolled into one dorky-ass package.
I wonder why so many contestants had blue tongues. Have they been making out (or worse) with Smurfs?
When the hell are they going to admit the Irish ringer had an album out under a label when Randy was associated with it?
Frank Rook | Feb 12, 2008 10:32:06 PM | #Terrific write up! We’re Rooting for Kady Malloy! She’s gonna go all the way! (just so you know.. heh. :P)
Kady Malloy | Feb 12, 2008 10:34:03 PM | #I love the judges, i do, they're great to watch, but when it comes to judging, they can be really dumb: just-mentioned 'Chicken Little' comes to mind...
eahilbert | Feb 12, 2008 10:40:34 PM | #No trio performance? What? Yes it is pointless but come on, who doesn't like to see the drama and awfulness!?? It is when their real personalities show. I will miss that!
I think Josiah is an unusual talent too - I even liked his odd take on Stand By Me - there is something that comes out, but the writer is on point when he wonders what AI fame will do to this fragile personality. Why is he living in his car? He badly needs to get back to family and get rooted or he'll gutter out fast. Don't like the new format - the only suspense came from wondering HOW did he (or she) GET here?
Barb L | Feb 13, 2008 4:07:24 AM | #I noticed the blue tongues too! My hubby suggested it was Chloriseptic spray or the like. Some sort of throat soother.
| Feb 13, 2008 5:49:26 AM | #Totally noticed the blue tounges. Someone was passing out Blue Raspberry Blow Pops I'm assuming. Now was it a contestant or the Producers??? Great show! I love Hollywood Week. I like the playing of instruments. I love how it showed how it helped some people and hurt others. It made so much sense. The guy playing drums was odd, I mean it's still a singing competition and playing drums does nothing for you and impresses no one. And this is coming from a Phil Collins fan. I was worried about the ringers in the crowd this year, but I've seen alot of talent and we'll see how the final 24 shake out. Idol is back!
realgenius | Feb 13, 2008 6:22:52 AM | #Me too...the blue tongues and WHERE is Josiah's family? Makes me sad for him. Didn't miss the trios. Glad they changed the format and showed us some great talent...it's going to be a good season!
Kate 2 | Feb 13, 2008 7:18:54 AM | #Was I the only one happy that pagent queen got the boot? I was afraid that Paula would put her through, but luckily, her annoying personality did her in. Way to go Paula!
Lily Bird | Feb 13, 2008 8:30:37 AM | #That Josiah needs to get over himself. I mean, he *chose* to live in his car (his parents must be thrilled to hear him say he "has nothing"), it's not like he's took to the road because he was forced to pay his dues or something. And dismissing the band, after they stayed up until the wee hours to help him out? I'm sure they're huge fans of his now. I was glad Simon told him he was annoying.
Another note: good move to do away with the annoying stage parents this year. The minors must have had chaperones but happily they weren't on camera.
Shira | Feb 13, 2008 9:45:12 AM | #I think their tongues were actually green...
It seemed like every single person had that issue, I'm wondering if there is some significance to it.
Also, this format is annoying. I loved watching the groups fight. And I hate that they spend a whole episode just telling people that they made it.
Julie | Feb 13, 2008 10:27:50 AM | #It's weird that they put Josiah through. I thought both of his performances were terrrible - I'm talking 2 of the 5 worst on the show terrible. I don't understand how they put him through based on past performances but not Angela Martin. I thought that Kyle deserved to be put through for his final day performance, but I would have voted no to him b/c of his terrifically terrible song on the first day of the week. If you can show that much improvement b/w song 1 and song 2 you shouldn't have sung song 1 and as a result you don't deserve to be put through for song 2. I don't believe in 2nd chances on shows like this therefore I thought it was a cop out to give EVERYONE a 2nd chance.
Lastly, I don't understand why the producers feel it necessary to have a 50/50 split for guys and girls in both the top 24 and top 12. If the top 24 should be 20 girls let that be the case. I feel there if far more female talent this year compared to the guys.
Rishi | Feb 13, 2008 10:44:21 AM | #I thought Josiah was a joke. I think he should be named Josaya. The constant crying is getting OLD. You're 18? You look and act like you're 13. Grow a pair.
Siansonea | Feb 13, 2008 10:57:39 AM | #Angela certainly deserved to get through more than several who made it.
And I am glad Paula gave the beauty queen the boot. When it happened, I was stunned because I cannot remember even one other time when Simon said no, and Randy said yes, that Paula did not put the person through.
Mike | Feb 13, 2008 11:13:43 AM | #Maybe I'm beating a dead horse, but I just have to say I hate how Fox rushes through Hollywood Week.
While I always loved the trios, I did not mind their being skipped, but would have loved to see more performances before 164 were cut to just 50. And tonight, those 50 are cut to 24 by the judges, with no new performances (I guess we will see some prior film).
I could have watched an entire hour of the "line-ups" with the quick a cappella songs from each of them. But as usual, many singers go home with our never seeing them at all.
Ann | Feb 13, 2008 11:20:22 AM | #I can't believe you didn't like David!! His voice is very pure, and what a great singer for only 16 years old. I think he will appeal to more than just young girls and their mothers...obviously Simon, Paula, and Randy agree with me.
Jerry | Feb 13, 2008 12:13:41 PM | #David Archuletta was awesome and I hope he goes far in this, I can't see how he won't make the top 24... if he doesn't I'll be very shocked (based on his talent AND how the judges so openly praised him). I agree with Jerry above me here in the replies, he apeals to me and I'm male.
Steve | Feb 13, 2008 12:37:03 PM | #All my friends were vampires. I didn't know they were vampires. Turns out, I was a vampire myself in the Devil Town.
DAN ERENBERG | Feb 13, 2008 1:07:09 PM | #I loove Michael Johns! He has the awesomest voice! I loved how he sang Bohemian Rhapsody. I actually kinda like Josiah too. He has a different voice. But he does need to grow up a little and quit crying every 5 minutes.
Anya | Feb 13, 2008 1:19:17 PM | #Josiah strikes me as the kind of kid who's gotten into a lot of trouble in his life, and gotten out of most of it by 'crying'. There's just something about him that irritates me to no end. It's as if because he's an emotional basket case, everyone should make concessions to accommodate him. I hate that.
Siansonea | Feb 13, 2008 2:37:39 PM | #Mike, the beauty queen leaving was even more of a stunner ... it was actually SIMON who said yes and RANDY who said no. I haven't seen every season, but since I have been watching I can't remember a time when Simon was the only affirmative vote.
Beth | Feb 13, 2008 4:02:45 PM | #Kyle is this year's "spoiler." They have to have one every year. The guy that only a mother could love, who gets the sympathy vote and the votes of people who want the worst contestant to go through. He'll probably end up in the top six or seven as a result, even though anyone could see he should not have gone through. His last performance was good, but only compared to his earlier performances, not compared to other people in the contest.
Yes, I was glad the beauty queen went out, if only because she was told not to start singing again, and she did anyway. Way too precocious. I was glad Jeffrey went. They may have kept painting him as the "life and soul," but he would have got very annoying, very quickly!
Ash | Feb 13, 2008 5:34:17 PM | #Yes, I agree w/most of this ramblings however, what (or who) happened to the girl that sang in the preliminary tryouts; father died en route to that audition? Did she make it or not? Can't remember her name or where from.
ms | Feb 14, 2008 4:47:40 PM | #
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