It's Television Wednesday here on "Luke's Ponderings", which gives me the opportunity to look back on the American Idol season that just wrapped up last week. All in all, I wouldn't say it was a terrible season. Surely it never lived up to seasons seven or eight, which I think were two of the best in the series. I think early on, when the top 12 was announced, it was easy to see Crystal advancing to the final two. I think it was still up in the air whether or not Lee had a chance to make it to the finale, but he was starting to become more comfortable with performing live on television and on stage. Honestly, at that point in the competition, I thought Siobhan and Crystal would end up being the final two contestants standing. That's what I was hoping for, but Siobhan kind of fizzled until ultimately getting voted out at sixth place. Lee does make for a strong winner of American Idol, but is he, or will he live up to the legacy that Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, or even David Cook have left since being crowned winners of the show? That remains to be seen. As we all know going into this season and watching during the finale, this was Simon Cowell's final year as judge on the show. You really can make the case that Simon was the show. But I really enjoyed his final comments last Wednesday when he said that the real judges of the show are those watching at home. The contestants and to a point, Ryan Seacrest are the show. The judges are replaceable. Even though we all hate to see Simon leave, it presents the opportunity for the show to bring aboard someone else with musical knowledge to critique the contestants and give constructive criticism. Sorry to all of the Ellen fans out there, but she has not lived up to her potential. Week in and week out, I heard her utter phrases such as "you're so good," and "that was great" to many of the contestants. You've got to say more than that. I really hope she brings her "A" game next season (reports say she will be back for season 10 as per the contract she signed prior to this past season). Brett Michaels has been rumored to be a potential candidate to replace Simon, which really intrigues me. He's been a judge on a TV singing contest before (anyone remember "Nashville Star"), he's experienced music success with his band Poison and other solo endeavors, and his recent health troubles make him an endearing figure and people will be willing to root for the guy. Plus, I have a feeling he won't be afraid to tell a contestant that their singing needs work when he needs to. That's not to say there aren't other people who can replace Simon's seat on the panel - it's just that Brett's name is one of the first rumored potential successors. And let's be frank, no one will ever be able to replace Simon on that show. He is one of a kind and it'll be interesting to see exactly how Idol adjusts in the new era, the Simon-less era.
I think the show is definitely in need of a major shake-up, and I'm not talking about new judges or new gimmicks - like the judge's save. Let's bring in some better themes instead of these recycles theme weeks we keep seeing season after season. I like one Idol expert's idea of having a contestant's originals week - in which a contestant would perform a song they wrote on their own. Or let the show feature more contemporary music from the past two decades. I think most Idol fans are getting tired of hearing the same songs performed season after season. The episodes also need to be cut down and condensed, which they are proposing for next season. Less filler during results night would be nice and please, less babble from the judges! Last but not least, let the show be more about the contestants. I think the producers are always trying to promise this but never prevail. How about additional behind the scenes footage when the contestants have some off time? I feel that during this season particularly, we just weren't able to connect to the contestants like I had hoped and often felt bored by them. And from their post-Idol interviews, they've been nothing but enjoyable to listen to.
All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed the two-hour finale last Wednesday. Usually there are some surprises involved, and the finale certainly did not disappoint. Seeing Brett Michaels on stage singing with Casey James, so soon after getting out of the hospital, was pretty incredible. I've been a big fan of the Bee Gees for awhile, so it was nice to see the last two brothers reunite on stage again, performing with Siobhan and Aaron. Such great singing between the four of them! Alanis Morisette was amazing with Crystal and was another highlight of the evening. And what more can you say about Joe Cocker performing his classic tune with the two finalists? What a special moment. That's not to say the night didn't have a few duds, including the "Pants on the Ground" rendition and seeing some of the Idol rejects (along with Dane Cook) return to the stage. But all in all, it was a great night which in turn lead to the crowning of the new American Idol.
So that wraps-up my thoughts on the season that was. I wouldn't say it was the worst, nor was it the best. Kind of somewhere in the middle. And I look back at those surprising eliminations we had during the semi-finals, when Kately Epperly, Lilly Scott, and Alex Lambert were sent home. What might've happened if those contestants stayed on a little longer and attracted more attention from the voting audience? I think the season could've ended up a lot different than it did and Lee may have ended up taking fourth or fifth place. Ah well, it's easy to speculate and to wonder what might've been. This is the hand that we've been dealt and Lee is a decent recording artist. His live performances certainly need work, but not everybody does well singing live. I guess time will tell whether or not America made the right decision. In time, we'll certainly find out.
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