Minutes before the clock strikes eight and I'm stuck in Seattle for a couple of hours, listening to obnoxiously terrible voices and belligerent rebuttals. I start to wish that Idol would shorten their time slot to 90 minutes. That would never happen, though. Not with 57 million viewers the night before! Crazy. And, after the first few moments I was pretty glued to the TV screen anyway and was reminded why it's the best reality show on television.
It's real. No one could ever script something like it. No one would believe it. We all know to expect really terrible singers and off-the-wall characters in the audition episodes. But, I'm constantly blown away by the people who show up for the audition. Sometimes I feel like I need to tell my friends in foreign places that those people occupy less than one percent of America's population ... I hope ...
The best of the worst for me this episode was Nicholas Zitzman, the guy from Utah who sang "Unchained Melody." As he was reaching for his high notes in the song, he reminded me of Mathew Broderick in The Producers when he starts screaming for his blue blanket. I felt really bad for him actually. He seemed like a pretty nice guy, and I can imagine his "friends" at work who encouraged him to audition having a good laugh at his expense over this. Not cool. Not. Cool. Definitely funny, though. Just at the point I was starting to think he might seriously be mentally challenged he quoted Forrest Gump, and I lost it.
I didn't see any favorites to win in this one. There were definitely some great voices, but as time goes on having a good voice won't be enough to carry you through. Our favorite artists on the radio certainly don't always have the best voices. From tonight, the only one I felt like could be placed somewhere in the music business when the show is over is Tommy Daniels -- and he seemed like a douche bag. So, I don't want him to win. It is only episode two, though, and that was filmed last summer. So, who knows? Time can change a lot of things.
I was in a much better watching mood tonight than last night, I don't know why. Maybe because the judges seemed to have more fun despite all the no's. Or maybe I'm just numb to the Idol formula now and past all the intense singing and weirdos. Maybe it was just funnier.
[Jon Peter Lewis was a contestant on the third season of "American Idol." He has just released his debut album, "Stories From Hollywood." Visit his Web site, jonpeterlewis.com.]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
1-19-2007 @ 7:58AM
Kaya said...
Paula Abdul is being paid well but is being used. This woman needs help. It is painful to watch what she has become. I could not watch more than 5 minutes of American Idol. The way they treat the men and women who are attempting to sing is a disgrace.
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1-18-2007 @ 6:40PM
Hermie said...
Just have one comment and as much as I love Simon, Paula and Randy last night's show was really a gruelling night for the judges ears and so were the viewers. Everyone was awaiting for Simon's comment however, I think he went a bit too far when he commented on the persons appearance looking like a sea monster. That was really out of line and FOX should have bleep him on that one. I believe that he owe that person an apology not for commenting on how bad he sang but the comment on an individuals appearance. It was just plain ignorance and insult. thank you
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1-18-2007 @ 2:06PM
Melissa said...
Hey, great review. Very to the point and funny.
There is something so lackluster about this season that I can't quite put my finger on. It just doesn't have the same kind of magic that it used to. Maybe we are both numb to the formula of Idol, or maybe the producers and editors need replacing. There was a point where someone got through, and the judges were half-heartedly like "welcome to Hollywood," and the person was like "thanks" and it was just very unexciting and weird.
There definitely hasn't been any spectacular talent though. And I agree with you about Sir Douchebag. Excellent pipes, piss poor attitude.
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1-18-2007 @ 4:06PM
m .taylor said...
what is happening to American Idol ? Last year it was an exciting event ..so we understand it's a talent search ..I can't believe the rude behavior of the judges this year ..so sad ..alot of people will leave with scares ..I just don't care to watch any longer ..
You would expect the judges to show more class rude behavior is not class...
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1-19-2007 @ 9:13AM
fc2grimm said...
In reply to "m .taylor" - the only scars that will be left over are on the viewers who will sit through these first few episodes includeing me. I have watched the first episodes, and I know what is shown in the begining, but enough is enough. And do these people really think that they are going to make it. I can't sing and I know enough to NOT go try out for AI. They are really only subjecting themselves to the jokes and harshness. I am still laughing from the whole Bush Baby part.
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1-20-2007 @ 11:05AM
Pat Roggendorf said...
I Think the people trying out for American Idol are rude and unattractive. If you are going to an audition one would think getting cleaned up, bathing, fixing hair makup, eyebrows, nose hairs, teeth and trying to look as nice as possible would be a plus to the judges. Also using manners like Thank You, Yes, No, Hello. And trying should be able to do some singing not squeeling or jumping around. I think American Idol should pick people who look like they really want to try out and are serious about it. The judges should be rude to them when they look and act the way they do.
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1-18-2007 @ 6:10PM
Lacey said...
hahahaha, fantastic. I didn't watch the episode, but your review made me laugh.
I like your writing style, It's energetic and funny.
Keep up the good work :)
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1-19-2007 @ 12:34AM
Tomas Servomoteur said...
You can probably stick a fork in Sir Douche for AI:
http://www.tmz.com/2007/01/18/american-idol-wannabe-already-has-a-record/
Every season has to have one, don't they?
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1-19-2007 @ 12:39AM
Lyrik said...
LMAO...John, you're hysterical!!! Now I remember why I loved you in Season 3!!!
I'm on the same page as you are. I usually don't leave the TV while AI is on but I was actually goofing off during much of the show, so DANGIT! I missed Mr. Douchbag! DAMMIT!! Figures! Now I'll have to look him on MySpace! Grr...
But I do love ya! I hope you start writing this full time because your blogs are a HOOT!
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1-19-2007 @ 5:30AM
Kat Okon said...
Well it is a show... I think you sum it up really well for those who are tone death that haven't gotten the point of the American Idol yet. They are there to find the best vocal talent. And I have to agree with Jon, none this season so far. Although I think that Jordan girl for only being 16 did a knock out job. Maybe the Memphis Audition will find us the stars that we are looking for and improve the slow and what seems to be meaningless start.
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1-19-2007 @ 8:39AM
GrumpyOldMan said...
Anyone who doesn't know what they're in for if they audition must be living in a box somewhere. If anything, the judges are too nice to people. The truth may hurt sometimes....but in the end, it is the truth.
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1-19-2007 @ 9:18AM
Jenn said...
Well, this is the first time I've ever ever ever watched AI. My daughter (10 years old) wants to watch and feels a bit out of the loop because on the school announcements each morning (after AI really gets going - not this early) they talk about who is still going strong, who's off, that sort of thing.
I am not really a reality show person and never watched because of the reputation of show- how harsh it can be and the idea that it is considered entertainment to watch people make fools of themselves. So I told her perhaps when the show is down to the real contenders it would be ok.
But I put it on the first night to get a sense of what I was agreeing to. I really couldn't stick with it. I found it painful to watch people really have their hearts broken, and so ruthlessly with these judges laughing at them. Even if they are completely in la la land about their singing ablity. It was too much, I literially would turn my head and mute the sound- as if I were watching a slasher movie. I am an actor, and have auditioned many times, I have directed children and teens in theater. I know what it is like to be on both sides of the fence. I absolutely know what it must be like for these judges to sit through basically a waste of their time but the rub is- and the reason I have some issues with the show- this is part- not all- but part of what they get paid to do cuz that's entertainment.So is Simon really appalled at this one or that one because they have no business being there? Or don't seem to even know what the show's purpose is? Or is it an act, because he know everyone is watching these first days to watch the "superfreaks" do their thing? I know many people love the show and I mean no disrespect to anyone out there. This is just one nonwatcher's first impressions.
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1-19-2007 @ 9:57AM
richard said...
i am not a huge idol fan, but watched it a few minutes the other night. making fun and ridiculing obviously physically/mentally challenged performers is a new low for idol. they should be ashamed of themselves. maybe one day, they will have a child and it might have a disability. know that would never happen. paula will never find a man, randy is probably gay, and simon, well anyone who would be with him for any reason other than his money is nuts to begin with. remember judges, what goes around comes around, and that's the truth
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1-20-2007 @ 10:28AM
Angel said...
Getting down on yourselves because you looked bad or you did not sing the way you wanted too, is not the issue here. It's the fact that you were determined that you felt that you had enough of talent in you to go in front of Simon, Paula and Randy even though they might insult you! That is more than the guts, then the people at home have sitting at home laughing. I could not do that! Who says they are laughing at you. They could be laughing at those 3 clowns at the table that think they know it all. In my opinion some of you that were made fun of did have a good voice and did sing well. With some proper clothes, different hair styles and some singing lessons you will not be noticed next year. If you decide not to come back start small then aim big. They did not build Rome in a day!
Have Faith and Believe!
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1-20-2007 @ 7:28PM
Dan said...
According to Kelly Pickler, who co-hosted on the View on Thursday and Friday, the contestants audition for producers before they ever go before the big 3. If this is true, then the powers that be at AI are putting these people up for public humiliation on purpose. The "bush baby" guy and his friend should never have been on the public auditions. The friend had obvious mental disabilities. Why are the being cruel this season? I've always loved AI and have watched every season and I'm sure I'll continue to watch this season. However, I have lost respect for the program.
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1-20-2007 @ 10:17AM
Debby Heavey said...
Hey Guys...Whats going on with the show this year???? It feels like the WHOLE show is devoted to the unfortunate ones who have no clue!! Lets see the good ones who made it through...I am curious though with all this brew ha ha going on...Is there a casting process in which the no talent ones get boote4d before the auditions with Paula, Randy and Simon..Do the ones that get through who have no talent know they are going through to be laughed at????? I love the show and wait for it all year...Don't ruin it!! Loved seeing JEWEL!!!
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1-20-2007 @ 8:58PM
Cindy said...
The show does not have quality anymore. My perception is that the show is setting up weird people to appear and make fun of them. Maybe they think like Ugly Betty, where ugly needs to show. I am not saying ugly , ugle but Different people. It is sad that the show is used to make fun of people that are different. I will be happy so see a different person with a super voice, so the producers can eat that.
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1-21-2007 @ 4:53AM
Denise said...
It is a definite shame that Seattle was portrayed as a piss poor city without talent. I first hand was able to listen to contestants who had amazing voices that should have been given the opportunity to get through and be given a chance to get to Hollywood. As a society though, we need to remember, this is a show. Show business thrives on DRAMA, weirdness, and things that will make you go hummm.. So of the singers that could potentially be an "American Idol" only half of them (at most) are chosen to sing in front of Paula, Randy, and Simon. While the other half chosen are those who sound like trash or look like trash, because we will watch the show!
The funny thing about it all is that before attending the event with a friend of mine who tried out and made it to the top 60, I never understood why the singers who were awful beyond belief, had no clue why Randy, Paula, and Simon thought they sounded like trash because they had the understanding (in their own little world) that they sound AMAZING! The secret is that because these people get through 3 panels of judges telling them that they are amazing and getting the opportunity to sing for Paula, Randy, and Simon that these people end up heart broken and pissed off because they are made to look like a fool on national television. It's sad but true, but that's the breaks, when trying to make it into Hollywood. No one ever said it would be easy, if it were, we'd all be famous.
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