American Idol Watch #9:

I like seeing the insaneness of Americans and American Idol never seems to disappoint me in this area. Last year, no matter how bad the show got, I could always count on Taylor Hicks to come through with a spastic dance or a soulful but whacky tune.

In 2005, there was Scott Sabol, a contestant who looked like a cross between a gummy bear and the Notorious BIG. In '04, Idol featured a guy who looked like he was 40. It is contestants like these that make Idol so enjoyable.

While I was watching all of this season's contestants in their debut performances, I kept waiting to be entertained. However, after each contestant performed, I still felt bored and as if I was wasting my time watching Idol. I figured that someone or something would eventually have to refuel my internal Idol flame. Sadly, as last night's show ended, my flame slowly died out like the ending of a cheap sandalwood mini-mart incense stick. Where have all of the show's great characters gone?

Though we all say that we love to see great singing, the bottom line is that crazy contestants make the show worth watching. Hopefully, as the season progresses, someone will show some quirkiness and some personality.

Next Episode of American Idol:
Thursday, February 22nd
Fox 8:00 pm Pacific