"American Idol": Off to a Sorry Start - Ed Martin - MediaBizBloggers

What on earth is happening to American Idol? Once the most popular show on American television has worked its way through its annual audition episodes and the miseries of Hollywood Week and the revelation of its Top 24 competitors, isn't it supposed to become an exciting showcase for young people of obvious talent? Further, aren't its four beloved and very well-compensated judges supposed to bring their best to the program every week, especially once the Top 24 begin competing in live telecasts?

I saw no reflection of any of the above last week during the first four hours of the live 2010 competition. The kindest word I can use to describe the twelve young women who sang on Tuesday is unremarkable. The only word I can think of to describe the vocal abilities of the twelve young men who sang on Wednesday is unbearable. There came a time during the guys' competition when I actually began moving around my home from one TV to the next to see if they sounded better on different equipment in other rooms. They didn't.

Among the Top 24, the only young woman who stood out for me was Katie Stevens. She didn't exactly shine, but she demonstrated definite potential. The only guy who didn't have me fantasizing about my mute button was Casey James. His voice wasn't great, but it wasn't bad, either. I can see him maturing over the next few weeks into a young country artist of some promise, even if he doesn't win.

But what a terrible group of performances overall! Judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi and Ellen DeGeneres must share the blame for this alarming situation, along with those many annoying celebrity guest judges from the audition weeks. Together, they put together the worst batch of Idol finalists ever!

What is it with the Idol judges this season? In last week's low point, Casey's moment in the spotlight, modest as it was, was completely overshadowed by an unwelcome bit of nonsense involving Kara, who seems to have a crush of sorts on the poor guy. Kara grew increasingly flustered talking to and about him, eventually reminding herself and the audience that she is a married woman. Throughout, the other judges only fanned the flames, acting for all to see like silly little children in a schoolyard. They are paid enough to comport themselves as thoughtful grownups, even if they have to act the part, and they should take matters at least as seriously as the young contestants who see their participation on Idol as the opportunity of their lifetimes.

Of additional concern, the judges appear to be having trouble paying attention to what is happening in front of them. Last week, they often didn't know which of them was supposed to speak first or in what direction the judging was to proceed along the panel. Ellenseemed particularly bamboozled from time to time. I realize she's new to this, but her nervousness strikes me as strange because she has skillfully hosted mammoth live awards shows and had no problem keeping on top of them. Further, she has always kept the conversations on her daily talk show going at high speed and in high spirits with seemingly effortless wit and grace. So why does she frequently look so startled when it's her turn to talk on Idol?

Meanwhile, Simonseems to have his head uncharacteristically in the clouds, as if his time on the live Idol telecasts now serves as a break from his otherwise busy schedule and allows him to daydream about the upcoming American version of his British hit The X-Factor, which will debut on Fox in 2011 with Cowell as executive producer and top judge.

While Simon visits his happy place, Kara is busy doing something Paula used to do – offering actual critiques of the singers' techniques. But spooky-kooky Paula was great fun to watch and listen to. Kara isn't. Still, I'll cut her some slack, because she is improving, and she'll improve even more once she moves past the Casey James thing.

And then there's Randy, who seems to be trying a little harder this season to make original comments about each contestant, rather than repeat the same few phrases over and over. No complaints here, but it seems to me that he has lost his edge -- a consequence, perhaps, of the ongoing attention given to Simon's impending departure and Ellen's high-profile arrival.

This is as good a place as any to give Randy fresh props for his participation as executive producer in the MTVsensation America's Best Dance Crew, one of the best talent competition series on television. I think Crew judges Lil Mama and JC Chasez could bring a lot to Idol, should additional seats on the judges' panel open up in the years to come. But I'm not suggesting that either one be considered as a replacement for Cowell next season. I'll name my choice for his successor in a future column. Chances are you haven't heard of him, but the guy I have in mind would be absolutely perfect!