New 'American Idol' judge, let's raise the bar
The growing backlash among viewers and critics this year made it plain: Fox needs to upgrade "American Idol" before the franchise becomes seriously stale. So why have the first two changes announced for the network's top-rated reality TV singing competition focused on stuff that doesn't need alteration -- the departure of savvy producer Nigel Lythgoe and the addition of a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi?
The arrival at "Idol" 's New York auditions Monday by DioGuardi a singer-songwriter who has worked with the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Paris Hilton and fellow judge Paula Abdul is particularly puzzling. Given that the judges' remarks are often the show's most leaden part, that's the last thing that needs expansion. Here are five ways we hope DioGaurdi improves the show.
1. Pick better contestants.
Due respect to David Cook and Jordin Sparks, but the past two "Idol" seasons have felt hobbled by a collection of mostly underwhelming contestants (yes, Sanjaya Malakar and Kristy Lee Cook, that's a swipe at you). Fifteen minutes trolling Greenwich Village clubs would net better singers than "Idol" offers all season.
2. Get Paula off the crazy train ... or on it, entirely.
Stress over competing with DioGuardi (who, frankly, combines Randy Jackson's credits and Simon Cowell's attitude with Abdul's sex appeal) will either push "Idol" 's only other female judge completely over the edge or force her to get it together at last. Ratings-wise, female viewers love a good soap opera and male viewers love a good catfight. Everybody wins!
continue...
The arrival at "Idol" 's New York auditions Monday by DioGuardi a singer-songwriter who has worked with the Jonas Brothers, Carrie Underwood, Paris Hilton and fellow judge Paula Abdul is particularly puzzling. Given that the judges' remarks are often the show's most leaden part, that's the last thing that needs expansion. Here are five ways we hope DioGaurdi improves the show.
1. Pick better contestants.
Due respect to David Cook and Jordin Sparks, but the past two "Idol" seasons have felt hobbled by a collection of mostly underwhelming contestants (yes, Sanjaya Malakar and Kristy Lee Cook, that's a swipe at you). Fifteen minutes trolling Greenwich Village clubs would net better singers than "Idol" offers all season.
2. Get Paula off the crazy train ... or on it, entirely.
Stress over competing with DioGuardi (who, frankly, combines Randy Jackson's credits and Simon Cowell's attitude with Abdul's sex appeal) will either push "Idol" 's only other female judge completely over the edge or force her to get it together at last. Ratings-wise, female viewers love a good soap opera and male viewers love a good catfight. Everybody wins!
continue...
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