Ready, Set, American Idol

I've been reporting on American Idol for Associated Content for a few years so I thought I'd weigh in about what I believe we can expect this season. This comes along with a variety of other thoughts I have about American Idol, past and future. As an avowed lover of American Idol; yes I love American Idol. There I said it. Hopefully, I won't lose me any of my comedy street cred. No excuses. No apologies. I love it. Not, so much, the ridiculous auditions of people who are obviously off their meds and tone deaf but what it actually stands for. The idea that someone in pursuit of a dream can work hard and be given an opportunity to achieve that dream. Now I know a lot of you out there may be thinking that us American Idol folk are a little cracked. I gotta say that is entirely possible. I do rearrange my entire schedule in anticipation of the American Idol season. I ready my sharp writing instruments and gear up to cast my predictions as to who will go all the way. With all of the vetting and odds making it often starts to look less like a singing competition and more like a bookie's wet dream as the season progresses. If I understand it correctly, one can, if they have a mind to, wager with real samolians, who will win the whole thing as well as who is going to get the old heave-ho.

Judge, not

With the exit of Paula Abdul and the entrance of Ellen Degeneres one hopes that there will be a more balanced look at the contestants. I do admit openly that I will miss Paula's overwrought and circuitous judging style and the tears; whatever will we do without the tears. Not sure if Ellen is a crier. In terms of the judges, I am anxious to see how Snarky Simon and Ellen hit it off. Ellen has loads of charisma and she dances. I do hope there will be dancing. This is rumored to be Simon's last go round as an American Idol judge. I shudder to think who can replace him. Who has just the right amount of hard male nipplage and chest hair to carry off a V necked T-shirts. It will not be the same with out Simon's homage to no style to speak of. Of course he's simply Simon. When you've got a sharp tongue, what else do you need. I'll just leave that thought lay for now. Add to the mix "Road dawg " Randy Jackson and Kara "Hot Bikini Judge" DioGuardi and we will have to wait to see how this admixture shapes up during the season. But in my opinion, we got us a party.

Chagrin and Celebrity

While Simon's leaving could very well be the death knell for the long lived series, I think that change is good and can, in fact, breathe new life into the show. There are those who feel like the show may have jumped the shark last season. For those of you not in the loop on TV lingo, jumping the shark refers to the point when a show goes so far afield of it's original premise that it is virtually unrecognizable. While Idol has been through myriad changes since season one, it has not become so unrecognizable as to not live up to the promise of its premise. It is still at its heart, a show about the pursuit of the American dream and it is still a reality show. As such the producers are inclined to allow a certain amount of humanity in to seal the deal. I am all for everyone having their 15 minutes of fame. Heck, have an hour but not at the expense of one's dignity and integrity. However, it seems that dignity and integrity take a backseat to instant celebrity. That in and of it self is as much a part of Idol as anything else in the show. And as much as I am chagrined by that notion it helps to keep the show recognizable to its core audience.

Contestants Row

As far as the contestants go, there may not be roles scripted per se, but there are parts that will be filled. The black female belter with the pipes of gold who doesn't ever choose material that's right for her voice. The blue eyed soul contingent of which there are any number and stripe. With the advent of Adam Lambert, one believes that auditions will be run amok with over made up drama queens. One hopes they can at least hold a candle to Adam. Of course with all that make up and hairspray, it's probably better not to hold a candle too close. The demure folk singer with a style all her own and a heart of gold is sure to be in contention. There will be the hard driving rocker chick and the golden voiced rocker a la Daughtry. From the phalanx of hopefuls there will emerge those we will come to care about, root for and root against. From this coterie of songsters will come the next American Idol. Perhaps another Carrie or Daughtry; Ruben or Kelly, Adam or Kris. Better even is the Idol who differentiates themselves. The one who carves out a path specifically of their own choosing.

There are those reading this who may see it as a good waste of energy and mental aptitude but in understanding what makes America great you have happened on the most crucial principle in America's arsenal. To each his or her own.