Ladies and gentlemen, let season eight of American Idol officially begin! Okay, so this season actually began over a month ago already. But to me, the real season of Idol begins next week. It all starts when America gets a say and votes for their favorites. I am pretty psyched for the semi-finals to begin where the top 32 perform live. This year, 12 contestants will perform per week with the three highest vote-getters moving onto the top 12. After three weeks, nine contestants will be selected by America to compete for the top 12. The remaining three singers will be considered "wildcards" and be selected by the judges. This will be an interesting twist to the competition; something that was done in previous seasons of Idol but not in quite some time. I guess I'll have to wait and see how things turn out before I like or hate this new selection process.
So far, no one is really jumping out at me as being a clear-cut favorite or front runner. In fact, I'd have to say that prior to the top 32 performing, this competition is about as wide open as it can get. I mean sure, there are definitely a lot of good singers in this season's semi-finalists. Danny Gokey, 28, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin is excellent. He has a sort of raspy singing voice; but in a good way. He has a voice similar to the lead vocalist of Blues Traveler, John Popper. He has a blusey-soulful sound to him. Simon made a comparison that he's like Elliot Yamin from season five. I can't say I disagree with that assessment. I will say this, however. I was greatly disappointed that his best bud Jamar Rogers got the axe. You can't tell me he was worse than the girl with the annoying laugh, Tatiana Nicole Del Toro or the slapstick comedian Nick Mitchell (who by the way, is very funny). As I said, I was disappointed the judge's didn't move him through. I think the show is being dictated more by the producer's who would rather see contestants that bring the highest amount of drama to the show versus those with actual singing talent. And honestly, what was up with the whole "judge's mansion" location this year? What was wrong with the "elevator ride of agony" like in previous seasons? Has American Idol jumped the shark?
Anyways, more contestants - others whom have a strong chance of making the top 12 include: Anoop Desai - honestly, he rarely ever goes off pitch! Matt Giraud - I thought he got better and better as Hollywood week moved along, plus he's also a fellow Michigander. Lil Rounds - she has major vocal chops; but she better lay off those Whitney or Mariah songs (don't these contestants ever learn?). As for everyone else - they are all equally as good. It's really hard to decide who's the best because they are all pretty decent. What will matter, however, is how they perform when they need to the most. If there's any pitchiness or forgotten lyrics, this year more than ever, it will prove costly.
I will say this - no season will probably ever compare to the joy I had in season seven. The top 12 from last season was probably the strongest ever in the history of American Idol. Last year I couldn't get enough American Idol and when that week's worth of shows was over, I couldn't wait until the next week. It was so addictive last year and although I was hoping I wouldn't get too caught up in the competition this season, I kind of hope something similar happens again this year. But so far, I am not feeling the excitement that I felt going into the top 24 of last season. Right from the start, David Archuleta was my favorite and I rooted him on to win right until the very end. But you just never knew what was going to happen. How can we forget the shocking elimination of Michael Johns? You just never know when that next shocking elimination might happen. And although I was disappointed that David Archuleta didn't win the crown of being the American Idol, I was still okay with it because I knew he'd be fine. His debut song "Crush" has already reached platinum status and is only 500,000 copies away from going double platinum. His debut album has sold 600,000 copies; certified as gold. He's about to emerge on a solo tour across the country - with many stops already sold out. Archie will do just fine, as will just about everyone else from the top 12 of season seven. Obviously the higher up you go in the show, the better off a contestant will be. But seeing how strong the top 12 was last season, I don't really think it matters what position a person was in.
With live performances taking place next week as American Idol moves into the semi-final round, be sure to watch for my Idol recaps next week. Usually they will be posted that night after the show is over or sometime the next day. It's finally here; season eight of American Idol!
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