American Idol: Stars on the Horizon

American Idol, the hot new, or should I say, return "reality" based show that millions of viewers watch every Tuesday, Wednesday and sometimes Thursday nights on Fox Channel 11. I have been a fan of the show, but can now say I am a "Recovering Idol Addict". The first season had everyone screaming for more, the second season had us hooked, the third season made us search out recovery for a musical addiction and 4-6th season had us eagerly waiting for the new American Idol. Now here we are today, This is Season 7 and I believe most of us are waiting for the eliminations. I must say that after last night's episode, I am even more disillusioned.

Paula, Randy, Simon and Ryan most definitely make the show, if it were not for them, I probably would stop watching by now. I used to tune in immediately, it was like a Super Bowl Pre-Game, I needed to be siting on the couch when opening credits and songs came on. Now, I "skim" the show, not everyone is worthy of my attention, sadly. Last night was no exception.

As like many things, all good things must come to an end. I believe this holds true with American Idol this year, the year of 2008, the season of "fake talent". If you have not noticed yet, most of the contestants have already had Record Deals, been spot-lighted by Talent Agencies, or have been involved in the Music Industry to some degree already. Granted some of them have been eliminated due to voting by now, but they should have never made it on to begin with.

Should this be allowed? Absolutely not! American Idol is supposed to be all about "new talent". What is so new about a singer or songwriter that has already traveled this road before, and apparently was turned down or ran his or her course? I want to see fresh faces, new talent that has never before been heard, and I want to laugh at the endless casualties that they put on there to grab our attention. I do not want to see professional artist's, professional bands or professional comedians.

After watching last night's episode (2/26/08) on Fox 11, I have my favorites, This year I think that Jason Castro should be given a serious chance. He has the look, the personality and definitely the pipes for the job. We have had blonde beauties, good looking guys and even the crazy off the wall rocker look...never the Reggae/rocker with talent look or sound. Last night he was truly amazing. He came out mesmerizing everyone with those deep blue eyes and innocent smile. His song choice was perfect, however Randy and Simon did not believe so, Paula and I did.

We watched the guys rock out on this episode, some more of the rocker type than other's but all in all, they have a tight competition going. David Archuleta can sing but I am not too sure if he is actually the next big thing. He is adorable, but not really star quality, not in this current line up. David Cook did a fantastic job not only showing us his "rocking style" but also standing up to Simon. I loved the smug look on David's face when he politely but confidently told Simon how the show works, brilliant!

I truly believe the top contestants for the men will be David Cook, Jason Castro, Michael Johns, these men being the last standing throughout the eliminations in the coming weeks. Michael Johns has me a bit confused though, anyone that can pull off "Queen" is a self made star, but there is something too "pro" about him that I do feel is not right for the American Idol, time will tell I suppose.

Last night was the " Guys night out" and I will be anxiously waiting for the elimination on Thursday night. We have one more to go tonight which will be "The girls night out". With eliminations following on Thursday.