American Idol – The (boring) Big Easy auditions

Holy moley. …

That had to be one of the most boring auditions I’ve ever witnessed on American Idol.

But sometimes that’s what happens. It goes with the territory. It can’t all be pomp and circumstance.

But … there was a bit more investment from this puppy hater on Night Two of the 2011 Idol season. New Orleans native and “Over The Rainbow” singing Jordan Dorsey (pictured at the right), who hails from LaPlace, LA (where I have relatives), was first up on the program and zipped through with the greatest of ease. It was fun seeing someone from somewhere I know get in the running. (Though, to be fair, the relatives I have in LaPlace are more “outlaws” than “in-laws” … but … well … let’s just leave it at that.)

So, we have a couple Idol audition episodes tucked neatly within our belts. What do we think so far? I have a few thoughts:

• 1) It’s not Steven Tyler’s “bleeped” comments worrying me at this point in the show; it’s the dingbat joksters who come out with mirrored stars on their chests who gripe my cookies. It matters not if you have a voice to go with the cleavage – there’s simply no need to ‘put them on display’ to attract attention. Wake up, ladies.
• 2) And don’t think it’s only the girls getting all the blame for “showcasing.” Jovany Barretto (JLo worshiper and ab displayer) is just as guilty. His voice wasn’t that good and he’ll be history quickly.
• 3) Big Gripe: Two shows in and I’ve already lost count of the sob stories and cutesy contestants who have made it through. What? Is? The? Deal? Have the Powers That Be running the big Idol machine gone extra sappy? Enough, already! Raise your hands if you truly believe  15 year-old Jacee Badaux (“Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay”) is going to make it to the Top Ten. (*waits patiently … looks around the room … sees nary a hand raised*) Yep. That’s what I thought. The only — ONLY – sob story worth her salt was Paris Tassin, who’s daughter was born with hydrocephalus. She made it because she’s got the chops to back it up. Sob story notwithstanding, she would have made it through to Hollywood … because she’s got the chops to back it up. (I don’t mind the tears coming out once in a while, but *yeesh*, enough already.)
• 4) The Judges: Randy’s taking a back seat … JLo’s weeping and making goo-goo-eyed faces … and Steve-O’s “delicious”-ing various contestants. The change and chemistry are nice, don’t get me wrong. But it’s feeling a bit too whimpy. Let’s see how we go forward. …

Overall? I’m pleased with the changes and feel of the Idol audition rounds. It’s a departure from the norm and in a good way.

No, I don’t miss Simon and his brashness and impatience to this point. That could change …  but for now? I’m good.

Clacked by Michael Noble
on Jan 21, 2011 @ 22:07 EST5EDT