Well, holy cow ! There went a speedy eight months of time, eh? Lots o' 'American Idol' stuff happened, too, in that blur of weeks. Paula quit (and perfected her twittering skills all at once), Simon announced that he WILL quit (and perfected very little in doing so ~ it came as no real surprise, at least I thought it wasn't), Ellen DeGeneres got hired to replace Paula (and perfected insight into *some* sort of thought process on behalf of television executives ... but I, for one, am not sure what that is just yet), Adam Lambert took the media by the rattle-every-cage-in-sight horns (perfecting two things: that he's, well, Adam Lambert AND that coming in second works nicely, especially when you offend TV audiences on Sunday nights before 11PM and then make clever statements in interviews like: "I'm a little different, a little different. My Dreidel spins the other way ..."). And so forth. Imagine it? Adam has a Dreidel! Not that I knew what one even was, mind you ... but once I found out, it was certainly a relief to learn that Lambert has one. And also came as NO shock to learn that he's not shy about discussing it publicly, either, evidently? Without question, it was the most action-packed off-season in "American Idol" history, don't you think?

But here we are now, kids. Season 9 landed in Boston last night (well, actually it landed there several weeks ago - but that's a mere technicality). Victoria Beckham kept Paula's seat warm (and was OK, as far as guest judges go, I reckon --- albeit that she seemed unduly chummy with Kara, which I think indicates poor judgement overall ). I came prepared for these (not my favorite things) 'auditions' this year --- did some homework and reviewed clips of what I heard were to be folks trying out. I only looked at a small fraction of 'em, o' course --- I'm an enthusiast, and all that, but I ain't about to track down eight zillion strangers. One of the stand-outs that I found, and had written down as I climbed through YouTube (and the like), was a girl named Jennifer Hirsch -- who was awesome. And she made it through last night. Too bad you likely have no idea who I mean, since we got to see a whole 2.6 seconds of her and her jazzy vocals . One must surmise, then, that she has no Grandmothers besieged with Alzheimers and/or no siblings astruggle with Downs Syndrome? Those types we got an eyeful of, times ten (imagine such a strategy , huh?). Another fave (and I really liked this one, too, AND he got some screen time, to boot) was the 70s throwback dude named Tyler. I loved, loved, loved his broken-wristed self ~ he sang "Let's Get It On"! Different, and fresh! Even though that Ashley girl put me in mind, somehow, of Lil from last year in demeanor, she was entirely lovely and auditioned very well. Luke, Benjamin, Mike (*Codzilla* boat guy) all sang good but better yet? They already started filling out the 'Boy Band' white-bread quota that every season needs. And, clearly, it would seem that Miss Kara is on the same track as she was last year. Her tongue fell out and she unashamedly drooled when all three of those guys were up there sharing their, um, skills. But, really, they all deserved their yellow tickets. And nobody quite deserves Kara's horniness, if I may weigh in on the matter ... but rumor has it I have "issues" in her direction. Some of the hype-my-back-story-and-gag-you-with-melodrama singers were actually (ala Gokey last year) pretty great raw talents, too, last night. Katie Stevens (the Alzheimers Granny back home) was f.a.b.u.l.o.u.s. The cancer guy (whose name I forgot to jot down) was another much better-than-average singer. His "gag factor" was jacked-up just a bit way too high for me, though. Kara got all worked up about him, too --- and he was a handsome fellow, I reckon --- but I can already predict he'll have her saying how 'inspiring' he is, and forever will be, as he cruises into the Top Ten. He might be deserving finalist material, though. It's hard to tell so soon in. But Katie Stevens? Definite contender there.

And so it all begins again, Idolooneys ? Will you be joining me as Season 9 travels? I hope, hope, hope so! Aside from just the talent, we've much to dish about, don't you agree? Recently departed judges, soon-to-depart judges, brand new 'talk show host' judges on the way, misguided and cougar-ish judges, a parade of different judges to get things started! Ol' Randy needs to get to steppin' up, too, if you ask me. I kept forgetting he was even there last night . Make some noise, dawg!

OK. I'll be quiet now. Did anybody else have a look at the show last night ?

Yes, but tonight with us, ten minutes ago actually. I enjoyed tonight much more than other "first nights" in the past, there didn't seem to be so many loonies(hope I haven't spoken too soon).
Tonight had me thinking about the judges more than the contestants, although I agree, Gats, Tyler was lovely and Katie yes, and also the girl who sang last (forgot her name). Several possibilities there I thought.
I think when Simon leaves it will be a complete tragedy. The showman of the century in my opinion. Kara is such a predictable self opinionated PITA. Randy , well really it would be nice if he upped his vocabulary skills a little .I dont think there are any more combinations of the 12 words he has at present. Finally , thank heaven Victoria Beckham is temporary, a smile or two wouldn't have caused her to run for the Botox would it? Dear me!
Let's hope Ellen brings some of her charm and intelligence to the sad quartet.
On the whole, though I enjoyed the show. Not as ghastly as some of the early rounds have been in the past anyway.

Oh ... yes, yes, yes. That last girl was just terrific, too (her name was Leah), I agree. Watching her "get going" was tres cool -- she started out so meek and unsure of herself, but once she warmed up and felt more confidant? Those notes and lyrics flowed out of her, with her own interpretation of them no less, like honey . That was kinda the *theme* of Boston, maybe? Jazz vocals. And a little snappy Retro, too .

Not to mention (too) rambunctious and (too) Italian-ish Italian guys. Jumbo ones, too! That dude sang OK, but what was UP with him? He was just a bit too much "gusto", somehow, I thought. One of those that I enjoyed, but can not imagine getting past the rigors of Hollywood Week ....

Oh now, this is rather good It helps geriatrics like me who cant remember much about the programme and its contestants at all "Check id owt,Man"

What! It started last night? Why didn't anybody tell me?

I watched it and Gatsby summed it up pretty good. To me it seemed Simon was bored with it all. I was kind of glad that Ellen didn't make an appearance. I don't know how I am going to handle American Idol with her as a judge because I find her very annoying. I know many of you like her and think she will add to the show, but I'm not sure.

You know what, I LOVE Ellen. If I'm awake and at home at 10 a.m., I watch her show and enjoy it. That said, I *don't* think she'll add to American Idol. I like her on her show, I don't mind when she talks about Idol there... but really, what qualifies her to be a judge? I don't know, I think it'll be kinda weird. I guess I just don't see her taking it seriously. A couple jokes here and there would be fine, but I think she'll be worse than Paula was in the being-too-nice department.

Yuk! Clearly Boston was only Part 1 of a cruel AI 'Bait & Switch' ? Those auditions in Beantown kept me interested. Last night in Atlanta? Not so much, not so much at all - it was the traditional pre-season circus of oddballs, mostly. I don't think I saw anybody that I might realistically expect to still be seeing two months from now. Some guy named Jermaine was pretty good ~ smooth vocals, church kid, sick Mother. I could hear all the Red States perking up and paying attention to him, passionately, the minute he walked into the room. I hate to say two things about that chick who showed up (yikes) dressed like a guitar. First, even though she put me in mind of Kellie Pickler in a mostly disturbing way, she popped as one of the most interesting (and not menacing about it) singers in the Georgia episode. AND she, to my surprise, sang pretty much well -- if you could get beyond those bizarre and distracting eyeglasses, etc. and pay proper attention. There was another girl who had a Dolly Parton-ish *thang* going on, too ... let me check ... her name was Vanessa, that's her. From Tennessee. I liked her bunches, for some reason (probably 'cuz I like Dolly so much). Needless to say, that last 'legitimate candidate' fellow (jumping parole, I'm sure of it) Jamar was a scary piece of work, yes ? Recommendation to him: if you're going to get on TV, behave in a homicidal and/or psychotic fashion after screaming Seal songs at innocent people, then go postal on snippy Amercan Idol judges? Kindly do this 'postal-ing' to the right judges next time. Leave poor (and temporary) Mary J. Blige alone and go after Kara, OK? Doing that would make you popular. Jeesh, I thought that dude would end up arrested!

And, for the biggest treat (ahem) of Atlanta? Yep, I woke up this morning with this perfectly weird (but catchy, somehow ) tune rolling through my sleepy head. Pants on the Ground? Get the feeling we'll be hearing THAT song, sung anthemishly by THAT guy, more than once as Season 9 develops?

This will be the third season I've watched. The first season I watched I skipped watching the audition weeks. Last season I did watch the audition weeks. This season...i'm skipping them again. It is by far my least favorite part of the show, so it was a pretty easy choice. I'm not looking forward to Ellen. I find her humor unoriginal, predictable and repetitive. I think it'll only be worse on a show that is out of her element (the music business) when she needs to critique so many people.

Anyway...I did catch the Pants on the Ground guy. Just helped me realize I made the right choice skipping the auditions again.

O, my! American Idol has tricked us, it seems ! Imagine such a thing ? Remember the "cancer guy" from the Boston auditions this week? The nice-looking one? Good voice? Alarmingly perfect teeth? The one Kara shot many goo-goo eyes at? He with a nicely placed op-shot of himself in a hospital bed, no less? In fact the judges ALL acted as if he was a fresh-breath-of-air drop-in, and acted it well enough to trick me, I'll tell ya. Have a look at this, though. It's a clip from Hollywood Week last year, the act being one of the better groups called "White Chocolate". I remember it from then --- I was already a (rather obsessive about it) Matt Giraud fan, but I thought the girl (India) really popped, too, in the quartet. Never mind that the eventual winner, Kris Allen, was in there as well. It took a good long time for me to start noticing him, I admit it. Many weeks, actually. But check out that fourth singer up there! By golly, it's Justin Williams! "Cancer Guy"!

And the three regular judges acted as if they'd never seen the likes of him before! Bah! Not that auditioning in multiple seasons is wrong to do, rest assured. But it seems a little funny that nobody was up front about it, at least as per what we saw of the show Tuesday.

Sneaky, eh ? I guess he's just a bit more "inspiring" this year than he was last year, or something? But don't tell anybody ...

pants on the ground,pants on the ground,gold teeth in your grill, hat turned sideways,looking like a fool,pants on the ground,pants on the ground

Well, it looks like The General is quite an interesting guy!

http://new.music.yahoo.com/blogs/realityrocks/301708/general-larry-platt-a-real-american-idol/

Hopefully "Pants On The Ground" becomes a huge hit, he deserves it.

I have just caught up with all the auditions over here in Australia and I can't say there is anyone (yet) who stands out for me. It's pretty hard to remember someone from a 20 second clip unless they stand out anyway. I checked out your link Gats and it sure was that Justin guy alright! He wasn't too bad either...

I can't believe they put the guy through that split his pants tonight. What the? He wasn't that good. The two sisters? They were funny though. Cannon fodder and Hollywood entertainment value for the show (ala Normund Gentle/Tatiana/Bikini Girl) I presume.

Note to self: "This show is not all about who is the most talented, remember?"

There is a spoiler list (as usual) for the top 24 as they have apparently almost wrapped up the Hollywood stage already. I've peeked.

From what I have read, Randy Jackson keeps telling anyone who will listen that the winner is going to be a girl this year. There are the usual rumors that the males are a lot weaker this year so as to push their female agenda through.. Hmmm.. Not sure if that would be true now.

Four more shows before we get down to the good stuff. Roll on Hollywood, I say.

I believe I prefer "Pants On The Ground" to "No Boundaries".

I'm starting to salivate in anticipation of Thursdays (of which today is one ). I hate, hate, hate these auditions every year --- but this season is one of the dreariest string of 'em on record, if you ask me. Thursday mornings only mean that the last two of them is out of the way as we get closer to getting into the 'real' show. Where people actually sing for 90 seconds in a row, same lot time after time, no more dizzying 'judges switching', lesser attention to those CNN Heroes-like back stories/film clips that interrupt the chain, chain, chain of fools every ten minutes. I'm even done with seeing those contestants flying out of the door waving their golden tickets, squealing like wounded jackrabbits and going airborne in generally shameless ways (I'm happy for the youngsters, mind you ... but always a little less so after having to view the gymnastics, while watching the spittle fly). Will it be better seeing those upcoming shots of the kids on that elevator, pondering life as they know or knew it, as they approach Simon and crew (as if their next stop was an audience with St. Peter?) after Hollywood week? Not sure --- but it's less noisy. As usual, all I keep thinking, at this stage every year? By God, let's get on with it, can we?

Tragic to consider that, really, I'd call the *highlight* of Season 9, so far, some not-even-eligible fellow "auditioning" while singing about exposed butt cracks on young men while they wear geographically-impaired trousers! Well, him and the psycho dude who got hauled out of the building in handcuffs. He stands out, too, for some reason. Not sure if it was the cuffs or that it happened after he botched a version of (is there no decency?) "Amazing Grace", no less! Honestly. What a carnival. Dunno ~ even the singers who really can sing, and get sent to the next Round? No matter how well they did, it's hard to remember much about them the next day. Unless they've broken both wrists shortly before singing Marvin Gaye standards, that is ...

And these guest judges are just god-awful, too, don't you think? Posh tanked, Avril Lavigne should have stayed home. Don't get me started on (ye Gods) Joe Jonas! The best about him was that they didn't show him saying anything. Whew. Even Shania Twain didn't impress me much --- but she fell into the "who cares?" category, along with the majority of them. Thank heavens for Katy Perry, eh? I think she ought to take over Kara's spot, after dumping that Coke on her head, o' course. "We're not casting a Lifetime movie," she said (or something like that), to Dioguardi? Omigod, I nearly fell off my chair giggling . Neil Patrick Harris did OK, too, I think.

Almost done with city hops, though, yes? Anybody else as glad to know that as I am?

Yes, I am as glad to know that as you are. The worst thing for me is those who refuse to leave. I absolutely squirm with embarrassment, and am often very afraid that they are going to physically attack someone. It's horrible.
I am as yet not truly impressed with anyone.

I didn't watch last night (actually got a life and left the house, lol), but I did have Tuesdays show on in the background while I did whatever it is I do on my computer all day. Didn't care for either Avril or Katy Perry. Katy was a bit better at least, but still, seemed to me like she was being a bitch just for the sake of being one. And Avril seemed like she didn't care and came off as pretty immature half the time.

I don't remember a single singer from Tuesday's auditions.

How many of you would stop watching if this happened?

'Idol' producers want Howard Stern to replace Cowell

"American Idol" producers are eager to hire Howard Stern to replace Simon Cowell as the show's tough-talking judge, sources tell Page Six.

An insider said that producers of the hit Fox show say Stern, America's highest-paid radio personality, is their top choice to take over from Cowell, who leaves at the end of this season. They approached the King of All Media after he repeatedly mentioned on-air that his exclusive Sirius XM Radio deal expires next January and he was open to other offers. Cowell was paid $50 million a year.

A source connected to "Idol" said, "It's one of the few shows that could compete with Stern's $100 million-a-year Sirius contract, and 'Idol' bosses think he'd be even nastier than Simon.

"They know he would be great TV and would clash with the other judges such as Ellen DeGeneres and the contestants. 'Idol' will do what it takes to sign him."

But a second source told us Stern hasn't made the "Idol" talks easy, and has been giving out mixed messages about his intentions.

"Despite what he's been saying on-air, Howard isn't ready to leave radio and would like to stay on at Sirius," the source said. "We believe this is a ploy to make Sirius pay up and keep him on his huge contract. But if Sirius can't pay him the money he wants, he may negotiate to film 'Idol' on the side."

Stern is also believed to be reluctant to commit to a show that would require him to tour the US as a judge and spend much of the year in Los Angeles.

He recently said, somewhat cryptically, "I was approached by a major TV network to take over a TV show and leave here and do that next year -- and I did turn it down . . . I'm not even sure if I want to be working. I'm waiting to see what happens."

Calls to Stern's agent and producer were not returned. A rep for FOX declined to comment.

NY Post article

I've been wondering what you've all been saying about Idol!
I have watched religiously and haven't been overly awed but there were certainly some that stood out .. but I can't remember any of them right here and now.

I must say that I did like Victoria Beckham .. yeah, she could have smiled at bit more, but at least she was more positive and would find something nice to say .. usually fashion but at least it's better than having her head together with Kara and giggling behind her hands.

Will take more notice this week so at least I have something more in-depth to say!

Looks like this season is not about the talent very much, so far, is it ? Much news on the internet (and elsewhere) about Howard Stern being touted as a replacement for Mr. Cowell next year (thank you, pyonir, for the *heads up* on that business )? Say what? While I find Stern occasionally entertaining, in all his shock-jockiness, I can't say I'm even a minor fan. Again we're back to: what qualifies him, in the least, to be considered anything musical enough to be a judge in a [is it legitimate anymore, as such, one might be allowed to wonder ] "singing contest"? Then I read buzz that Randy Jackson may not be asked to return after season 9? It reported that, by then, it seems sensible that all three of the original judges might as well all be gone. Time for a *new page* in the "Idol" machine. HArumph. While I'm not going to sit here and say that I think Jackson's contribution has been all that impacting for most of his tenure, I also have to acknowledge that he's been there for 8+ years. And the ratings are still solid. So he ain't hurting anything, is he? I've been trying, for a while now, to accept that the show is driven to "cast" the young singers that end up on stage. Too often it's not about skill up there any more --- it's about the best "character" behind the mic. I don't like it, but I pretty much understand the notion. It's more (maybe less?) than just a 'talent' search, anymore. It's a ratings-obsessed television show that is deliberately trying to do what has always appalled me to see happen, in anything: they're trying to *fix* what isn't *broke*! I'm going to really try to get behind DeGeneres this year --- I think she can possibly bring something to the judges' table that might work. What she lacks in recording career savvy can [maybe] be countered adequately by actual musician types (boy, am I being tolerant there - neither Randy or Kara have a hint of Smokey Robinson or Joni Mitchell in 'em ... but at least they've been around the block, musically, a bit more than never). And Simon's not an "artist" in the biz, really. He just understands how it works, he's a power-driving business man (with attitude, God bless him ). So Stern might fill in the salty parts ... but where's the rest? Me? I think it should ALL be switched up, now that they seem hell-bent on switching. Let's make it a show about a few judges talking about whatever they wish, with the occasional young singer, with a dream and some chops to back it up, singing us into commercials. Discussions about why, or if, said vocalists should have even bothered to show up to begin with will happen when everybody else is done talking about whatever it is they're trying to promote.

Darn it! I'm entering Season 9 discouraged at the gate. But I won't let it suck me under, dammit --- I'll start watching the *real* contest begin tonight watching those kids sing. And rooting (and snorting about, occasionally, of course) them. And their potential. The heck with the pervasive trend and likely new series direction: "American Idol: Who Gets To Be A Judge This Year?" Bah. It's about singing, folks! Not about politics and profit. OK, I'd be a naif to say that those last two things don't matter bunches, because they do. BUT, the singing matters more, doesn't it?

Maybe they'll hold open auditions for judges, and you can try out, Gatsby

Whoa! Write down *Janell Wheeler* ! Just saw her (missed her before --- but I was hardly paying attention to the auditions). That girl has a heckuva *thing* to share --- she sings great, but there's more to her than just that. She was so at ease up there! I was pretty well 'wowed' by her, this far in.

And I'm pretty sure my noticing that now makes me a complete and deserving candidate to fill Mr. Cowell's seat next year, don't you think ? But, really, Janell was awesome!

I rather like that guy whose shirt came off in the preliminary auditions. lol

And the guy whose wife was in labour was good too

(I don't know anyone's name yet)

It is very hard to discuss this when we have trouble keeping up with everyone's names -- but there's so gosh darn many of them, I can never remember, either.

I agree, Gats -- I sat up and took note when Janelle Weaver was singing. She seems like a professional already and reminded me a bit of Carrie Underwood's ability. I'll definitely be paying attention to her in the weeks to come. Hope she keeps up the strength she has now.

I also liked the Hispanic guy who did the acoustic Paula Abdul song. I turned to my boyfriend afterward and said, "Adam Lambert did that with a Cher song last season," right before Simon (I think?) said it reminded him of what Adam Lambert did. The bf said, "See, honey, you could be the new judge."

So, maybe we all should be contenders to fill Simon's (and Randy's?) spots. What do new judges have on us? Fame! That's it! We may not be famous, but I'll bet you we know more about American Idol than Kara, Ellen, and Howard Stern put together!

I really liked the one who did Paula's song too.

That whole group concept though is just to drum up some drama, isn't it? It just appears a bit contived to me. LIke when they give them alcohol on Survivor LOL