Friday, July 13, 2012

Judging American Idol's Judges

I used to love American Idol. I loved the judges - Simon, Paula and Randy. In season 8, they added Kara DioGuardi. I was not a fan of hers to say the least but still enjoyed the show. Season 9, they made the terrible decision to replace Paula Abdul with Ellen. Paula was a bit wacky but that was a positive. You never knew what kind of nonsense she would spew out. Ellen, although a really likable and popular celebrity, simply didn't work as a judge. It was a nightmarish season, and it started Idol's decline.

In season 10, Simon Cowell, the star of the show, left to focus on his other projects. Ellen was gone, and nobody cared. Idol decided to bring in major star power with Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith's Steven Tyler. I was stunned that both of those musicians signed on to be a judge on a show that was openly mocked by numerous entertainers in its early seasons. I gave the new judges a chance but quickly lost interest in the show. Jlo was nice enough, probably too nice but lacked backbone. Steven Tyler was often in his own, bizarre world, fantasizing about sleeping with any contestant wearing a dress.

Over the past 2 days, it has been confirmed that Lopez and Tyler are done with Idol. Good riddance, I say. I'm just surprised they stayed for two whole seasons. They're big stars who still have active careers, making music and/or movies. And for that reason, I believe bringing in Mariah Carey, which is the rumor, is a mistake. Carey is personification of diva. I can't imagine her being a judge is a long term solution. If I was Idol, you need someone with some star power but it doesn't need to be at Jlo or Carey's level. Even a star from the 80's or 90's who hasn't been heard from much lately, would be a fit.

IMO, Idol will never be the same until Simon Cowell returns.