Month: January 2012

‘Big Bang Theory’ challenging ‘Idol’

Posted by seighinger – January 31, 2012

It’s been a long time since American Idol was not the No. 1 network television show, but the CBS comedy Big Bang Theory is closing fast on the Fox juggernaut. Bang is No. 3 in this week’s Nielsen’s Ratings and is narrowing the gap at a rather alarming rate — Idol’s Wednesday’s program last week drew 19.7 million viewers and its Thursday show 17.1. Bang was third at 16.1.

Traditionally, Idol’s ratings sag in the latter stages of the audition shows. This is the final week of those, so we’ll see what happens during Hollywood Week.

Here are this week’s Nielsens (sports and specials not included):

1. American Idol (Wednesday), 19.7 million viewers
2. American Idol (Thursday), 17.1 million
3. Big Bang Theory, 16.1 million
4. CSI, 14.3 million
5. Criminal Minds, 13.8 million
6. Undercover Boss, 13.2 million
7. NCIS, 12.5 million
8. Touch, 12 million
9, Rob, 11.5 million
10. 60 Minutes, 11.2 million

Erika holds No. 1 position going into week three

Posted by seighinger – January 28, 2012

Right now, from the auditions we have been shown, there are four legitimate threats to No. 1 in the American Idol rankings. The top four are all intriguing and can sing, but we have only seen a couple of minutes worth of their talent. That’s why it is impossible to ever pick a real fave to win the title at this point … but that doesn’t mean we don’t try every year.

Here’s our top 10 going into Wednesday night’s round of auditions:

Erika: No. 1

1. Erika Van Pelt (Pittsburgh): The mobile DJ and wedding singer is the best I’ve heard over the first two weeks of auditions.
2. Ashley Robles (San Diego): I’m still impressed with her take on the Whitney Houston Classic.
3. Baylie Brown (Galveston/Houston): She might be the most polished of the top three, but I want to see a little more in Hollywood Week before I consider her for No. 1.
4. Shelby Tweten (Aspen): I hope the pressure of Hollywood Week doesn’t devour her. She is the girl dealing with bipolar issues.
5. Ramiro Garcia (Galveston/Houston): I cannot wait to hear more from him. He is the worship leader who when born doctors said would not be able to hear or talk.
6. Jason “The Wolf” Hamlin (San Diego): There’s definitely talent here, but I’m uncertain how refined his talent is.
7. David Leathers (Savannah): This year’s David Archuleta?
8. Phillip Phillips (Savannah): He’s either extraordinarily talented just too far out there. We’ll soon find out.
9. Kyle Crews (San Diego): He’s one of those “kids next door.” Fun, semi-talented, but is there enough in the tank for the long haul? Probably not.
10. Gabi Carruba (Savannah): Ditto.

Simon still the king, but Steven’s a solid No. 2

Posted by seighinger – January 27, 2012

Only Simon has been better than Steven.

Let’s be honest. The top judge in American Idol history is Simon Cowell. There is no questioning that. Simon “made” the show the megahit it is today. We had never witnessed anything like what he offered the first nine seasons.

That said, who would you rank No. 2 among Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez, Kara DioGuardia and Ellen DeGeneres? Of the seven judges in Idol history, I think it’s safe to say Ellen would be the bookend to Simon. The woman was atrocious, so much so it was hard just to watch — or listen — to her. Her one-year stint seemed like a decade.

So who fills in Nos. 2-6? Here’s one man’s opinion:

ALL-TIME IDOL JUDGES RANKINGS

1. Simon Cowell: We will be forever grateful to him. And it truly pained me this fall watching him on X Factor, Simon was a shell of his former Idol self. I’m sure he’ll never admit it, but I would guess if he had it to do all over again he would have never left the mothership.

2. Steven Tyler: In just over a year, Tyler has established his place in Idol history. Everyone loves the guy. He has that “crazy” gene and knows how to use it. No one in Idol history has played to the camera better than this guy. The only possible better selection might have been Rod Stewart — who is even older than Tyler.

3. Paula Abdul: Yes, she was a goofball. Yes, she seemed on another planet in the latter years of her Idol gig, but the truth is she was the perfect foil for Simon and that combination of Cowell/Abdul was a winner. Was it time for her to go when she exited the show? Most definitely, but that should not diminish her place in Idolannals.

Ellen: The worst

4, Randy Jackson: The Dawg has his moments, but if this were college basketball he would be the Mountain West. Good, but never great.

5. Jennifer Lopez: She may someday climb to No. 3. I like what I see. (No pun intended.)

6. Kara DioGuardia: Only because I can’t put her No. 7. Even Kara was better than Ellen.

7. Ellen DeGeneres: Ugh.

THE HIGHS OF TEXAS ARE UPON YOU

Here were the best from Thursday’s auditions from Houston/Galveston, Texas:

1. Baylie Brown: She made it to Hollywood Week five years ago. She’s 21 now, and she’s great. She also had the craziest blue high heels I’ve ever seen.

2. Ramiro Garcia: I’ve said it before, I’ll say it again. This is why we watch and why we love this show. As an infant, doctors felt Garcia would never hear or speak. He was born with many physical problems, but 28 years later before all the world, he belteed out “Amazing Grace.” There’s something about this guy I really, really like.

3. Kristine Osorio: She’s a single mom with three kids who took out a loan to pay her divorce lawyer, but used the money instead to buy a plane ticket to the American Idol auditions. She’s also 28, so this was her one and only shot (28 is the age limit for Idol competitors), and she made the most of it. Her voice has an interesting little rasp, so you know what that means. I like her.

4. Cortez Shaw: I’m anxious to see him at the next level. He gave us a little Adele and it was a nice surprise. Very nice. There’s definitely some potential here.

5. Skylar Laine: She was the fesity little 17-year-old outdoor girl from Brandon, Miss., who sang “Hell on Heels.” She has no chance to advance past Hollywood Week, but she’s very likable.

What’s that sound? Fingernails on a blackboard?

Posted by seighinger – January 25, 2012

It happens every season. There is one American Idol contestant that puts me over the top, the human equivalent to fingernails on a blackboard.

I think we found the 2012 Most Annoying Contestant during Wednesday night’s American Idol auditions from Aspen, Colorado. Unless I miss my guess, this year’s pain the Idol rear is 24-year-old Jenni Schick from Sterling, Va. She’s an elementary music teacher, and if I had a kid in Sterling Va., there is no way he or she would be allowed within 100 yards of this goofball.

On the plus side, Jenni had plenty of energy. On the down side, it is the kind of energy that makes you want to beat your head against the wall. She’s the one who has to be the 800-pound gorilla in the room.

Jenni’s audition song choice was Pat Benatar’s “Heartbreaker,” which was borderline at best, but Steve, J-Lo and The Dawg sent her to Hollywood in unanimous fashion. In my heart of hearts I am convinced they simply want to see her on the Hollywood Week stage for pure entertainment value.

Jenni Schick

Also on the plus side, she wore thigh-high, black leather boots.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN HIGHS

Here are the best from Wednesday night’s Colorado auditions:

1. Shelby Tweten: Like me, J-Lo loves “the little raspiness” in a voice, and this girl has that. In addition, she has a tremendous story of overcoming bipolar and depression disorders, but her voice overshadowed all of the peripheral material. This girl will only get better as the competition continues. Mark down this name.

Shelby Tweten

2. Jairon Jackson: He was the lover, not a fighter. If anyone reading this remembers the old ’70s group, the Stylistics, Jairon brings back definite memories of their sweet, soulful sound. Smooth. Very smooth.

3. Haley Smith: A real surprise, Haley is an 18-year-old who lives in a log cabin, is a vegetarian and all that outdoor kind of thing. She was extremely impressive with her own take on the Rufus and Chaka Khan classic “Tell Me Something Good.” She’s an interesting one. Definitely interesting.

4. Angie Zeiderman: She thought she was Lady Gaga II. Enough said about that idea. And then she showed us she could actually sing. I did a 180 on her in a matter of 30 seconds. Count me as a fan.

5. Richie Law: Can someone say Scotty McCreery? Teenager with a deep voice who specializes in country? Here we go again.

6. Devan Jones: Some smooth R&B sounds, with some potential. But he kind of looked like a martian. The shaved head does not work for everyone.

7. Curtis Gray: This was his last chance at age 28. To me, he was only so-so, but has a strong musical background which might prove beneficial in the next round.

Honorable mention

Alanna Stone: Only because she worked in bar that served Rocky Mountain oysters.

Dishonorable mention

Tealana Hedgespeth: She’s the one who had the ring in her nose. I think it affected her voice … a lot.

UP NEXT: Thursday night auditions from Houston.

 

Idol rules the ratings — as usual

Posted by seighinger – January 24, 2012

American Idol’s first week in the Nielsen Ratings picked up right it left off in 2011 … and 2010 … and 2009 … and so on …

The following table does not include sports events or specials, only network programming:

1. American Idol (Wed.), 21.9 million viewers
2. American Idol (Thur.), 18 million viewers
3. Big Bang Theory, 15.8 million
4. Person of Interest, 14.4 million
5. The Mentalist, 14.2 million
6. NCIS, 13.2 million
7-tie. Criminal Minds, 13 million
7-tie. Two and a Half Men, 13 million
9. Off Their Rockers, 12.3 million
10. CSI, 12.0

Idol on a Sunday night … what could be better?

Posted by seighinger – January 22, 2012

Steven Tyler sang the national anthem at Sunday's Baltimore-New England NFL playoff game.

This was weird, wasn’t it? American Idol on a Sunday night had a bizarre kind of feel to it. Not necessarily bad, just a little strange. But overall, what could have been better — a couple of NFL playoff games capped by an hour of Idol? What a great way to end the weekend.

A friend of mine pointed out early Sunday evening that it seemed unusual that Steven Tyler sang the national anthem prior to the first NFL game of the day, Baltimore at New England, televised by CBS. Why wouldn’t Tyler have vocalized before the second game, New York at San Francisco, which was on Fox? I can’t imagine the Idol hierarchy was too thrilled by that turn of events.

In recent years, there seems to have been a building sentiment to reduce the number of auditions shows aired by Idol, but before you hop on that bandwagon think about this: The auditions, followed by Hollywood Week and topped by the weeks and weeks of finals are why we become so entrenched in this show. We develop emotional attachments to so many of these wannabes it hurts when some of shown the door (way too) early. I am still grieving over A’siah Epperson and Amanda Overmyer.

I hope Idol never reduces the number of audition shows. If anything, increase them and cut back on Hollywood Week. But that’s another subject for another blog.

SAN DIEGO’S SUNNIEST

Here are my top picks from Sunday night’s San Diego show, followed by the first overall Top 10 of the season:

1. Ashley Robles: She is one of the few in Idol’s11-year history who has legitimately nailed Whitney Houston’s “I Will Always Love You.” She’s 26 and a single mom from San Diego. Yo go, girl. I’m rooting for you.

Ashley Robles

2. Jason “The Wolf” Hamlin: He’s a golf-course mechanic, looks like a (well-groomed) werewolf and plays a “git-fiddle” — and he can sing. He can definitely make the final round. Definitely.

3. Kyle Crews: A real surprise. The frat boy from Cal-Berkeley can sing, and he’s a likable sort, too. This is the kind of contestant all the moms in the audience will love. He could be a real sleeper.

4. Aubrey Dieckmeyer: This girl has me intrigued. She’s just 20 years old and has an incredibly interesting voice, but I think she may be one of those one-trick ponies who shines in the auditions and has little else left in the tank come Hollywood. This is a puzzler.

5. Jane Carrey: The daughter of Jim Carrey seems like a nice kid. She gave us a little Bonnie Raitt and there is definitely some potential there. Just keep her annoying dad out of the picture.

6. Jayrah Gibson: He was full of energy and did possess some R&B talent, but not enough to make any sort of deep run. The judges liked him a lot, but Stevie Idol disagrees. He says he’s 26, but I’m guessing he might be a bit older.

Honorable mention: Ali Shields was the 19-year-old white girl who rapped and did the ghetto dance. She was interesting. Not extremely talented, but mighty interesting.

Special mention: Jennifer Diley, 19, of Columbus Ohio, who led off the program with … umm, how do you say … very little on. She was terrible, but we’ll give her an “A” for effort, even though she was a bust — as Ryan said.

Just wondering: If we will ever hear one of Steven Tyler’s limericks in its entirety?

Top 10 for the Season (includes Savannah, Pittsburgh and San Diego auditions)

1. Erika Van Pelt (Pittsburgh)
2. Ashley Robles (San Diego)
3. Jason “The Wolf” Hamlin (San Diego)
4. David Leathers (Savannah)
5. Phillip Phillips (Savannah)
6. Kyle Crews (San Diego)
7. Gabi Carruba (Savannah)
8. Shannon Magrane (Savannah)
9. Schyler Dixon (Savannah)
10. Amy Brumfield (Savannah)

UP NEXT: Idol heads to Aspen on Wednesday night.

The momentum is building

Posted by seighinger – January 19, 2012

Just when you think American Idol could not get any better, it has. If you have watched most or all of the first two nights of this year’s competition, have you noticed or been drawn to special, wacky kind of of vibe, or is it just me?

I can’t put my finger on it, but I think it is connected to judges Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. The difference a year has made in them is almost cosmic. Their is a great, great chemistry emerging that we haven’t felt on this show in years.

The effervescent Tyler, the Rag Doll of Rock, seems more natural and not as forced as he was a year ago. The wit, the semi-off color remarks, the wink, the smile … it all seems so much more natural. And J-Lo? She was way too structured and nervous at the onset of 2010, and she never really loosened up. This year is a new J-Lo and that has made Idol that much stronger.

I can feel the momentum starting to build. I just love this show.

Erika Van Pelt

PITTSBURGH’S FINEST

Round two of the auditions moved to Pittsburgh, which for diehard Cleveland sports fans is akin to hell on Earth, but we’re talking Idol, not the National Football League. Here were the creme de la creme from the Steel City:

1. Erika Van Pelt: What a great, smoky voice, almost a modern-day Dusty Springfield. I’ve got one of my early favorites right here. And I will be shocked if Idol friend and watcher Kelly Wilson finds this as a surprise. Erika’s 25, is a mobile DJ and wedding singer and from Rhode Island. I think Erika Van Pelt is definitely a name to remember.

2. Hallie Day: A 24-year-old waitress from Baltimore, the judges went ga-ga over her, and while she definitely has a voice and a great story (left home at age 15, eventually attempted suicide, etc.) I’m not convinced she’s in the same class as Erika Van Pelt. She sang “I Will Survive,” after which Randy asked Steven, “What’s wrong with this girl, Steven?” To which Steven answered, “Absolutely nothin’!”

Travis Orlando

3. Heejun Han: What a surprise. He was the 22-year-old nervous native of Korea who stunned us with a little Michael Bolton and a lot of personality. We might have our first dark horse here, but I’m afraid Hollywood Week might eat him up.

4. Evan Franckewitz: He’s 15 and looks like he’s 12 … and what a voice. So smoooth. He’s from Ohio, which gives him an added advantage, of course. Seriously, this kid looks like a quality talent in the making. He provided us with “Ain’t No Sunshine.” I’ll be shocked if he doesn’t excel in Hollywood.

5. Reed Grimm: He was the 26-year-old with the infectious smile who has been performing since he was 2. He sang the theme song to “Family Matters” and was unexpectedly entertaining. He was part of an impressive mix of style and talent in Pittsburgh.

6. Samantha Novacek: She was OK, but I could only concentrate on her sister and her “planking.” That was almost too weird.

7. Travis Orlando: He is one of the reasons I love this show so much. Travis lives in a shelter with his dad, and yes I had to wipe away my first Idol tear of the season when watching his story. Is he going to be the next American Idol? No, but he made it Hollywood and I will be rooting for him.

SUNDAY: A special Sunday night edition of American Idol after the NFL playoff game. The auditions move to San Diego.

– After the San Diego auditions, we’ll have our first Top 10 of the season. (Hint. Hint. Erika Van Pelt is No. 1 right now.)

It was like Christmas in January — Idol’s back!

Posted by seighinger – January 18, 2012

Somewhere on Tuesday I read the first night of a new season of American Idol is like Christmas morning.

Whoever wrote that was right. Absolutely right.

The Season 11 premier was worth the eight-month wait. There’s only one American Idol, which is everything X Factor wasn’t and everything The Voice would like to be.

Some initial thoughts from opening night:

– The second-year judges, Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez, appeared much more at ease and much less stilted than a year ago at this time — especially Lopez. Randy Jackson rarely wavers from being … well, Randy. The Rag Doll, J-Lo and Randy have the feel of a super team this season, unlike the awkward four of L.A. Reid, Nicole Scherzinger, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell on X Factor. Hey, even host Ryan Seacrest seems more at ease this year.

– I also liked some of the new graphics, which had gone unchanged for years.

The Fab Four

– The were a few other subtle changes, including the flow of the show and a toned-back (anti-X Factor) approach. Idol is like an old friend and realizes it does not have to try and dazzle us with bells and whistles every second of every minute.

SAVANNAH SUCCESS STORIES

The first set of auditions were from Savannah, Ga. Overall, a quality cast of candidates. Here’s my take on the first-night standouts, and please notice the ages of many of the first-night leaders in the clubhouse:

1. David Leathers: This 17-year-old from Fayetteville, N.C., emerged as one of the early faves following his “Remember the Rain” by Century 21 and “Never Can Say Good-Bye” by Michael Jackson offerings. Rarely does the “leader” at this point go on to win, but this kid deserves the gold ring on opening night.

2. Phillip Phillips: Yeah, that’s his name, and he killed “Superstition” by Stevie Wonder, which for a southern white boy was genuinely amazing. The 20-year-old pawn shop employee was definitely a surprise. He might be this year’s Casey Abrams.

3. Gabi Carruba: Another teen, 16, who excelled. She was the tap dancer from New Haven, Conn., with the soft voice who loved produced Nigel Lythgoe. She sang “Sunday Morning” by Maroon 5.

David Leathers

4. Shannon Magrane: She’s the 15-year-old daughter of former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Joe Magrane, who was once my No. 1 draft pick in fantasy baseball, but that’s another story for another time. Shannon sang an Etta James song that was good enough to get her through to Hollywood.

5. Schyler Dixon: She made my head turn toward the TV the moment she began to sing. She’s raw, she’s got one of those sandpaper-esque voices I love. She’s an extreme longshot at this point, but she made it to Hollywood and I’ll be anxious to see how much this 16-year-old wannabe improves. She sang “Break Even” by The Script. The judges were also high on her brother, Colton, but I’m not on his bandwagon — yet.

6. Amy Brumfield: Holy cow, the girl lives in a tent in the woods, because that is all she and her boyfriend can afford. This was easily the most interesting back story of the night. How can you not root for her? She sang “Superwoman” by Alicia Keys, which immediately appealed to me because of the raspiness of her voice. Honestly, though, she was probably a borderline contestant, but the judges voted her through in unanimous fashion. She needs some polish, but who knows … this might be the next Crystal Bowersox.

Brittany Kerr, NBA Dancer

7. Brittany Kerr: Oh my. Oh my my. She is a 24-year-old NBA dancer from Charlotte, N.C., who could be Carrie Underwood’s twin. She sang “Spoiled” by Joss Stone. Her voice was nothing special, but if you saw the show you will understand why she is heading to Hollywood. Oh my. Oh my my.

HONORABLE MENTION

Shaun Krisman: He was the 26-year-old Ryan Seacrest lookalike from Mount Pleasant, S.C. He sang “Oh Girl” by the Chi-Lites. As a singer, no. As a Ryan Seacrest clone, most def. This guy was definitely one of the highlights of the show.

THURSDAY: More auditions from Pittsburgh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It’s almost time for another season

Posted by seighinger – January 14, 2012

Hi, guys. We’re ba-a-a-a-a-ack!

It’s been a long and lonely offseason without our favorite pastime, American Idol, the greatest gift to television since color. For those who may have stumbled on to this blog for the first time, there are three ground rules:

1. We love American Idol, but that doesn’t mean we won’t rip on Randy, J-Lo and The Rag Doll himself.

2. We love American Idol.

3. Repeat the first two rules.

For the next four months we’ll have opinions, rankings and hopefully the same amount of reader input that has made this blog so much fun in recent years. Strap yourself in, the fun all begins Wednesday night on Fox. Until then, here a couple of tidbits:

SEACREST TO NBC?

The Associated Press reports both Fox and longtime American Idol Ryan Seacrest say they want Seacrest to stay as host of the No. 1 show in the nation after this year.

“It’s a tough negotiation and one that will come to conclusion, I think, pretty quickly,” Fox Entertainment President Kevin Reilly said.

Seacrest is not signed beyond this season and is also involved in talks with corporate owners of NBC Universal, where he has a contract at E! Entertainment. There have been several reports that NBC is considering Seacrest as a potential replacement if Matt Lauer decides to leave the Today show.

CLARKSON TO PERFORM AT SUPER BOWL

The first American Idol champ, Kelly Clarkson, is set to perform at the Feb. 5 Super Bowl. Clarkson has been chosen to sing the national anthem before the NFL championship game at Indianapolis.

Since winning Idol a decade ago, Clarkson has sold more than 20 million albums worldwide and had more than a half-dozen singles reach the top 10 in the Billboard Hot 100. Among her hit songs are “Since U Been Gone” and “My Life Would Suck Without You.” Her latest album, “Stronger,” was released last year. Clarkson is currently on tour and appeared as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live last weekend.

Also slated to participate in the Super Bowl pregame festivities at Lucas Oil Stadium are country music couple Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton, singing “American the Beautiful.”