Friday, February 18, 2011

American Idol: The Heat Is On

I don't really watch TV and I don't follow any particular TV show. Except when the American Idol is on. Yes, I follow American Idol from the auditions to finale.  I love watching Idol hopefuls try their luck for the golden ticket to Hollywood, up to the top 24, down to the 2 final contestants.  This year's season is specially interesting for me.

Why? Because one, there's a new breed of judges (well, except for Randy Jackson, who's been a fixture there since season 1). I love Jennifer Lopez since her "Selena" days and her hit songs like Let's Get Loud and Love Don't Cost A Thing, among others. As for Steven Tyler, I don't like rock music and except for "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing"(which is one of my all time favorite songs), I didn't really care if I missed everything about him. Until he joined AI. Seeing him on the judges table utter his uhhs and ahhs and hearing him hum with the contestants when he's pleased, is for me seeing a refreshing side of this rocker. After the first episode of this season, I've become a convert. Yes, I'm a fan now.

I have no doubt in my mind that they will bring new flavor to the show, and yes they did!   I thought I'd miss Simon (Cowell), but these three judges delivered! and I've totally forgotten about him (sorry Simon, I thought I was loyal to you, guess I'm more loyal to AI).

Two, the talents this season are really amazing. I already have my favorites this early, but it broke my heart to see one really great talent go in the Hollywood week. I'm speaking of Travis Orlando from the New Jersey auditions. I was hoping to see him until the final 12, and I was disappointed his journey came to an end abruptly.


Moving on, I am so excited because there are two Filipino hopefuls in the Idol who apparently are very strong contenders - Thia Megia and Clint Jun Gamboa.  The girl Thia is amazing. She already had her shot at America's Got Talent and has appeared in David Foster's shows. Why, as early as now fellow Filipinos see her as the next Charice, and with good reason.  I hope she'll make it up to the finals.

When Clint Jun Gamboa first auditioned, I immediately thought he is a Filipino, and to be sure I asked my ever-reliable friend Google and presto, I found out he's half-Filipino. I liked him until he ditched 15 year old Jaycee Badeaux in the Hollywood group performance. I felt it was so mean of him to do that to young, adorable Jaycee. But then again, the fact remains that he's a really good singer, so I'm forgiving him and would root for him in the days to come.

Speaking of Jaycee Badeaux, this boy is a darling who never fails to charm the judges. But I don't think he'll make it far enough, he's just not ready yet. Maybe in a few more years he'll be able to hone his talent and come back to AI with a vengeance.


Aside from the two Filipinos, I would also like to see cutie Lauren Alaina whose rendition of "I Don't Wanna Miss A Thing" made her an instant celebrity. I won't be surprised if she makes it to the top 12 and beyond.


And yes, Carson Higgins. He's good, he's hilarious, and he's a stand-out. I wanna see more of him and look forward to seeing more of his "funny" antics. As for Chris Medina? Well, I'm not a fan.


And the biggest mess? Who else but Ashley Sullivan. She forgot the lyrics and was nervous all the time. While there's no doubt she can sing, those nerves are not doing any good on her bid for the AI title. I wonder why she was able to make it through to the next round.

So what's next? As most AI fans out there, I can't wait to see the Vegas episode.