Wow! Is anyone else seriously impressed? What a refreshing change. The judges seem to really have it together, Randy doesn't even irritate me, JLo I like and Stephen too. I was not expecting it to be at all watchable without Simon. I am enjoying even the early rounds.
Where are you Gats?

I think I'll be sitting out the American Idol stuff this year for the most part... such a change on the judging panel, and I don't really care for Steven Tyler.. but I usually don't watch the audition rounds or Hollywood week anyway, I find it boring, so I may tune in by the time they get to Top 12 or so, to hear the theme performances.

I don't normally bother much with the early rounds either, but there do not seem to be so many really awful, embarrassing entrants.

The preview for next week hinted that may change. Like guitargoddess I avoid the audition weeks. The awful and embarrassing people just irritate me.

I have watched a few minutes of it though and thought JLo and Tyler were alright. I'm just wondering who is going to be the voice of truth...that was the role Simon served so well. I hated how contradictory he was, but at least he was truthful if someone was terrible. Since you've watched more than me, ren, is there a voice of truth yet?

No, not yet! I think you are right. We have to wait and see.

I watched the first episode and it is just not the same without Simons rude remarks.

I've only been able to watch tonight's episode - the one in LA - and *ugh*. I pretty much stopped after the first girl screeched out her song after apparently thinking that Idol was sent to LA just for her.
AM I the only one who thinks that Tyler is a tad creepy?

I'll pop back when the auditions are over

It's taken me some time to warm up to Idol this year, but I'm really enjoying it now. I was extremely jarring at first, not having Simon on the panel ~ and I miss, and will continue to miss, his honest critiques. The wonderful thing about Simon was that if he complimented someone, you knew that he really meant it. This year is definitely a softer, warm-fuzzier Idol. But it's growing on me ~ I guess because the essence of the show remains, even without Simon. The audition episodes were a completely different experience, with very few of the usual hideous auditions ~ with the exception of the L.A. auditions. If L.A. was the only one you got to see, Copago, you missed out ~ it was the exact opposite of all the others. I kinda got the feeling the producers got nervous midway through the editing process and realized there had been very little fodder for those who watch the auditions primarily to see the trainwrecks ~ and so the L.A. audition ep was born. The upside to the focus of the show being on the good singers: we got to know a lot more of the contestants before Hollywood Week started.

Our new judging panel is growing on me as well. I didn't like Jennifer Lopez at all during the auditions, but now that we've gotten to Hollywood, it's obvious that she's emotionally invested in these kids in a way that no judge has ever been. It's kinda refreshing. Steven Tyler was very quiet at first, but I've watched him find his place in the show and grow into it. He's not emotionally invested but he's seems to be having a good time. A lot of folks have been offended by his lasciviousness, but I can't be. He's a rock star, for heaven's sake ~ that's what they do! (Trust me on this one ~ I used to be married to a very minor one.) In my mind, he's just being himself. And he has some very funny and/or very interesting comments. As for Randy, I find it hilarious that despite the fact that he's now sitting in Simon's chair, Randy is still the third banana on the panel!

As for the contestants, I find it very difficult to judge during Hollywood week. It's hard to really know how contestants will turn out once they hit the big stage. Some that were really good in Hollywood seem to wilt under the big lights. So far this year, my favorite has to be Casey Abrams, whose rendition of "Georgia" was phenomenal. Lots of folks think he's too screechy, but I also like James Durbin. If he could learn to have some control, he could sing like Adam, but right now he's a Siobhan Magnus with even less control. And for some reason, I'm liking Robbie Rosen, but I haven't a clue why. The girls just aren't wowing me this year, although several are very good. Lauren Alaina's constant sucking up to Steven Tyler has worn thin to the point of transparency. I think she thinks she's the next Crystal Bowersox. She isn't.

Not many folks have been posting on this thread ~ hope that's not a sign of how you're all feeling about Idol this year. I'd hate to have to sit here and talk to myself all season!

Like you Starfish I have been biding my time and getting to see what the new judges are like
Yes Jill, I do find Tyler a tad creepy, but he is growing on me
I think Randy is showing a bit more strength and Jlo is bringing a new slant to it, she comes over as very caring. Nobody stood out for me yet except, of course Casey Abrams (wow). Some of the groups were sensational I thought. I am really enjoying it. I look forward to Beatles Week . I dont think there are so many who are kept in for their sob stories, thank goodness.

Yeah, it's true that there aren't too many of the sob stories still remaining, but it's obvious that they kept the psycho girl Ashley in for the drama. I was shocked that they put her through. If she can't handle the pressure of Hollywood Week without cracking, how could she possibly handle the stress of performing live before millions of people?

Would it seem a little cynical to say she is now through though?

Whew! I finally sat down and "did" a full episode of Idol last night. An unduly complicated real-life month over here - watching the show, with focus, was actually a nice break in the scheme of things at my house. I don't like these 30-youngsters-per-frame auditions (I'm thinking, after reading, that most of us don't), and never have in years past. But I watched in spurts as the sob stories, screeching delusionals and occasional flashes of brilliance showed up these past few weeks. Ultimately, though, I fell in line with the masses. We'll sort through these thousand zillion young vocalists later! For now, it is entirely urgent that we scope out these two new judges, eh? I'm pretty well shocked to say that, especially after watching last night, I'm seeing a nice *click* amongst 'em -- one I didn't see when I had a quick look that first week out. I totally agree that Mr. Tyler takes on the almost knee-jerk role of 'dirty old man' (I'm kinda thinking that, truth be told, he pretty much IS one whether Idol is in the mix or not, so he's not posturing for the TV cameras ... but it still bordered on 'creepy' there, at first). Also, at the beginning, I kept thinking: Good grief, if one more auditioner waltzes in immediately blurting about how J-Lo was not only their inspiration since childhood but also the most beautiful and talented creature to ever fall from the heavens above, I might have to throw something at the TV set! Sigh. The gushing didn't stop and I broke no appliances, but I was very nearly ready to skip on "The J-Lo Show' after about 30 minutes of that. Luckily, as was almost expected, the judges seem to have 'simmered down' into their respective zones where it seems to work, in my opinion. As a combined force, I'm liking it ! Who knew? Seems like Steven Tyler might be the most keen eye of the trio (all lechery aside). He spots some important things to make note of, as the singers try out/perform. He seems helpful AND focused on what's being sought out. Jennifer, on the other hand? She's getting better at her 'spot', too, o' course ~ but the "afraid to say no" bit got old after app. the first ten minutes of it. I did, and do, find it hard to believe that she came onto the panel not knowing that saying no was not only a possibility, but a solid likelihood. I thought she was moving on from that, until last night when she had a few crying jags that would have given Bette Davis a run for her money. Buck up, sister! Of course, it'd help if she could give someone the boot without all the accompanying 30-minute Shakespearean-like monologue, too, wouldn't it? Trust me, Miss Lo. It's easier just to get it done and over with ASAP, no drama attached. But that's just my opinion. She really is a stunningly beautiful woman, it seems more evident every episode. And I think she's a genuinely nice soul as well. And there's nothing wrong with that. Randy? He's acting like everybody's grandpa this year, yes? But he's coasting a bit less than he's done in the past. He's been shooting off the occasional spot-on critique, too, I'm noticing. So? We've got two old guys who are casting what looks like it'll turn out to be a very good season and then the femme fatale over there ... doing a nice job, wearing fetching dresses, making everybody love her more by the minute AND, by the looks of it, suffering from spiked blood pressure and multiple ulcers when she's forced to share the hard facts with misled singers. The looming question about all of it boils down to, I guess, can the show survive without salty ol' Simon? I'm of the mind that it definitely can. After paying attention last night, I found that I hardly noticed his abscence at all. I *miss* him. But not to the point that I'll jump ship because he's no longer there. Heck, I (for one) will make an extra effort to STAY on ship simply because that horrendous Kara is no longer on it. After that, Simon Cowell is not so important. To me, at least.

Now to these singers. I'm seeing a great lot of talent so far ! I can tell it's there, especially since they sent a couple home last night that, in any other year, would have cruised into the Top 24. I did scribble notes as I went, but they turned out to be more like hieroglyphs than actual script. Hard to make sense of this AM. There were four last night that my eyes/ears perked up for. First and foremost, the 'polarizing' one (or so I'm reading on various boards) -- Paul McDonald. I think he's pretty awesome, so far. I'll even like him better once I decide whether he's happily confidant -or- annoyingly cocky. Lovin' that tone his voice has, however. He dueted with a girl named Kendra, who I thought was exceptional, too. Both a little different than the 'stock' contestant, but I dig on that.They sang "Blackbird" together Wednesday night. Then there's the one I guess we're supposed to dislike. Clint, or C.J., or something. I caught him briefly the night he threw the kid out of his group audition --- a kid, by the way (and likable/sympatico or not), has no businness having gotten THIS far in the competition. Clint's very good. Strong voice and probably versatile using it. Another name I jotted down was Tim Halperin. I think I spelled it right. Thing is, there's so many of 'em we didn't get to see ~ or at least I didn't, since I've not been viewing adequately so far. My early-on faves mean very little, in terms of how they might pan out. One thing I believe I can say, without hazarding a miss: that one dude, with the deep country voice, is really a fun contestant, somehow. I like him a lot, for some reason. Can he possibly last very long, however? Ye Gods, talk about a niche singer!

Yikes. Looks like, much as I resisted, I'm an Idolooney once again. I think it'll be a really really good season this time.

Wow! My list goes like this Tim, Paul, Jacob, Clint, Naina. I always knew you had good talent spotting skills Gats !
I was sad to see some go . such as the Whitehouse intern, and a girl called EmilyAnn. But really I think we have sound judges, and some really great talent. So bring it on. Head and shoulders above is Casey, Oh Wow!

Darn it! I've yet to see this Casey guy ~ but the raves in his direction are quite large, it seems, all over the place. I look forward to his hopeful appearance tonight. I did have to go and recheck whether Kendra and Paul were as good as I/we thought they were. Seems to me they were better . Paul has a few odd mannerisms as he sings that I didn't notice as much on the show as I did on YouTube just now. But they were still pretty incredible, I thought.
Here's the two doing "Blackbird".

I have to admit I've not been watching so far this season. However, in my defense, I've not been watching ANY television. I usually get the call to go to work around 8:30, so I've been getting showered and dressed starting around 7:30, then out the door by 8:30. *sighs*

I find I am once again taking more notice of the boys than the girls. Casey once again blew the roof off the competition tonight. On the whole I approved of all the top 24. No one I didnt like.

I like 'em, too --- and, so far, have to agree with that the guys are looking better this far in. BUT, it also seems like the guys are pulling out more 'original' punches as thery're going. I'll bet there's a sleeper or two amongst the girls, those ones who will get their start slow and get crazy impressive as they adapt to the stage. Maybe a female version of a David Cook, or something? I kinda hope so. It's been rather "dude dominated" on the show for several years now (Miss Bowersox a notable exception to that). Oh, and let me agree soundly about Casey. Yowza! to him. Whole package there: unassuming, nice, pretty much insanely skilled, musically diverse. AND he even plays a bass while singing brilliantly? That's got 'cool' written all over it! I scratched down a couple o' more names after watching last night, too, by the way - those being James Durbin and Robbie [Somebody]. Both males, once again (sigh). The former has Asperger, I think they said ... but more than that? Wow, what a vocal range! If any problem might get in his way it'll be controlling that range, I'd suppose - not because of any affliction he might or might not have, either. Simply because being able to use that many octaves, coupled with such volume, would be a challenge for any vocalist to keep on top of. And the latter one (Robbie?) is 12, or some such ridiculously young age ~ but he's got a really pleasant (and marketable, by the sounds of it) voice. So-o-o-o young, though . It cracked me up during eliminations this week. The big buzz, at the gate, was about cutting the age of eligibity to fifteen (which seems OK, in this era of Bieber Fever, or whatever) and they sent many of the youngsters through to H'wood. Good Lord, I pictured auditions that looked much like the set of a real-life episode of "Glee"! Then, however, as they're ultimately sending many of these teens home, disjointed and dejected? They're saying the reason is that they're very young, and either need to get more practice under their belt or try back next year *when they're a bit more mature/ready-for-the-pressure'. Simple question, then: why put 'em through to begin with?

Gats, did you catch Casey's performance of "Georgia" during Hollywood week? If not, click here. You won't be sorry!

I'll go out on a limb and say this may be the best top 24 we've ever had. I have my faves of course (still Casey, James, and sorta Robbie at this point), as well as some I'm not crazy about. But for the first time ever, I don't think there's anyone who doesn't deserve to be there. Reportedly, on this Thursday's elimination show, 12 will be eliminated, and I think it's too soon to get rid of that many. And I don't remember it ever being done this way. Then again, the producers have done a great job this year showcasing every single member of the top 24, so we won't be eliminating someone we're seeing for the first time on the basis of a single performance, as we have in years past. (Anyone have any idea who Kris Allen was before the voting started?)

Gats, James Durbin has Asperger and Tourette's. I agree, control is going to be the issue for him. Hopefully, the vocal coaches are going to help with that. He's got great potential, and is obviously modeling himself on Adam ~ he even referenced him in one of the little interviews Thursday night. And I think that's Robbie Rosen you're referring to. I'm still not sure exactly why I like this kid. He's got one of those boy-band sort of voices that's really not my thing. But I saw a couple of his pre-Idol videos on Youtube and actually like those better than anything he's done on Idol. I happened to notice that all the Top 24 contestants looked sad/disappointed/hurt during the part where the judges fake them out to think they didn't make it ~ with the exception of Miss Lauren Alaina. She looked shocked. Not liking the ego on that one. Completely the opposite of my (humble) guy Casey. (sigh) I'm just a sucker for a guy who can sing and growl at the same time.

I've been watching more and more the longer it goes on but I'm afraid I'm not great with the names yet. Will take more notice now that they've narrowed it down so far!
Steve Tyler has grown on me too - I quite liked Simon Cowell and didn't think it would work without him but it's doing just nicely

Be careful, Copago ~ Jennifer called him "Steve" once, and he turned to her and said, "It's Steven."

Sources on the blogs are now saying that this week 7 guys and 7 girls will be eliminated, but then the judges will each pick one wild card, leaving us with a top 13.

Believe these at your own risk, o' course ... but here are the alleged songs the guys will (or already did or might be?) doing tonight:
Those courtesy of [ahem] 'Vote For the Worst', by the way.

I rarely watch any of these types of shows - they are not really my cup of tea, but reading all your comments in the past few weeks has made me make the effort to tape the show, the last few auditions and Hollywood week. Well I am glad I have, because sheepishly I must admit that I have thoroughly enjoyed them. Another fact that has made me watch it as well, is that I have a special connection with Steven Tyler from the early 8o´s, so it´s quite fun to see him 30 years later being himself. The whole panel seems to make up quite a good team that compenetrates well with each other, we will see who will become the ogre as the show goes on, but I can easily envisage Steven to be the one.

I still dont know their names but for me the ones that stand out are Casey and Scotty, I know he is a country and western type, but not getting to listen to much country and western here, makes him very appealing to me.

Didn´t realize that they eliminate so many so quickly, it will be interesting to see who those lucky 13 are.

Wow, our musings have converted szabs! We must be doing a really good job!

Casey,casey,casey,casey.......