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| The Spark? Oh, It's Back. |
Well, yes, and no.
Here's a breakdown:
The first episode started with a performance of Phillip Phillip's Triple Platinum hit, "Home", followed by a montage of American Idol achievements, including record sales (200 million albums sold- same as Mariah Carey alone), Grammy and Oscar wins, Broadway roles and even the upcoming Jessica Sanchez guest spot on Glee. Phillip and Jessica have been integrated into the opening theme (but why is Casey Abrams still on that!?)
"Welcome Home", says Ryan Seacrest. It was a nostalgic and powerful opening, and also showed that Idol is the true star-maker (not those other two copycat singing shows).
The faces of the show were the most hyped and debated aspect of the new season. Reverting to a four-judge format (previously used in Seasons 8 and 9 to mixed reviews) three of the faces are new. The high profile judges (in case you live under a rock and have no idea) are Australian country singer Keith Urban, rapper Nicki Minaj and pop icon Mariah Carey. Veteran judge Randy Jackson returns for this 12th consecutive season. In the past few months, we heard a lot about, well, a little tension at the table. The story was that the female divas Minaj and Carey were feuding, whether that was truly the case or just a means of publicity, we'll never know. But the bickering between the two was clearly visible, as more than half the episode was dedicated to the two exchanging barbs (not Barbz). It started in the most ridiculous way possible: Nicki's hat. When Mariah saw it she asked if they were allowed to bring accessories, because she would have brought her dog. Nicki retorted, but Mariah quickly said "Oh, no, I like the hat!" in the most fake manner possible.
Um, are we back in high school?
Keith Urban was clearly at the receiving end, seated between the two divas. Their constant bickering made him say "I feel like a scratching post!"
All fighting aside, let's discuss the actual judging. Mariah is predictable, positive and warm, although a little too bland at times. She offers diplomatic and well balanced answers and doesn't want to be the one to crush the hopefuls' dreams. Keith surprisingly has a keen sense of humor, which comes in handy at diffusing the tension. He brings a lot of experience from The Voice Australia and that shows. Randy will always be Randy, dawg, although you could clearly see him trying to be the "tough" judge at the table this time around.
The biggest surprise, though, was Nicki. With a combination of industry experience and flamboyant humor, she dominated the entire panel. Her critiques are spot on and she never shies away from speaking her mind. Even when she's silent, her facial expressions and physical gestures are ever entertaining. Nicki shone in Episode 2 (Chicago Auditions) where she seemed completely invested in finding talent and didn't mince words. She even rejected a contestant because she was wearing the same color eyeshadow as her. You know Nicki means business and despite the weird outfits, goofy faces and flirting with the male contestants, she's serious and committed. If she doesn't like a contestant, she will tell it to his or her face. In fact, I'll go out and say the unthinkable: Based on the first two episodes, Nicki came across as the best judge.
After Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler's over-positive and safe, often repetitive ("Beautiful!") critiques, in Nicki Minaj we have someone who won't hold back and will tell it like it is. An unexpected step in the right direction. I hope the other three judges also step up and become 100% active and invested in finding great talent.
Speaking of talent, we did see quite a few memorable auditions, especially on Episode 2. I don't remember names at this stage, but trust me, if you're not watching this season, you're missing out on a lot. there are stories that will make you cry and talent that will give you (does the term still apply?) "Goosies" I don't believe we've seen the winner yet, but I'm really in no hurry.
Host Ryan Seacrest (the true face of the show) is at his best. Seriously, it's like he isn't even trying, he's so effortless.
At times though, the focus shifted away from the singers a tad too much and moved to the judges- especially montages of The Great Diva Battle of 2013. Besides, with Nicki chattering away, it's pretty hard to concentrate on anything else. I was afraid that Nicki's addition might be a little less family friendly, but at the end of Episode 2, we had nothing but nice things to say for her and the judges.
I reserve my final verdict on the judges till the live shows begin, but the way things are going, it looks like that spark we've been missing from American Idol in recent years is finally back- and it's in the form of a firework named Nicki Minaj. The judges have instant chemistry and it looks like a very unique dynamic.
STOP THAT DIVA FIGHT! Whether this feud is staged for ratings or is genuine (I suspect it's fake) I hope they stop it soon. Not only does it distract from the contestants, but it also seems to be turning off a lot of viewers. There were times when even I thought, Enough already! Grow up! Also, having a catfight be the focus of a family show isn't exactly good for the image of the show or the target audience- families.
The judges are a delight and while long-time conservative viewers of the show will hate Nicki, you have to admit, she's the life of the party. The talent is good and will get better, I'm sure.
There's electricity back at American Idol, and if you ask me, you're doing yourself (and the show) a disservice by not tuning in! Remember: we're definitely not in 2002 anymore.
American Idol continues on January 23 and 24, Wednesday and Thursday, with auditions in Charlotte and New Orleans, on FOX.