February 21, 2008 11:46 PM
American Idol - first thoughts on Season 7
Maddy, Jonny and I have been true blue fans of American Idol since it began, with other family members joining us here and there through the years.
I think this season is looking pretty good. I appreciated that the auditions were much more family friendly this year. Lat year there were just too many uncomfortable and ugly moments.
This year's batch of contestants seem overwhelmingly likeable. Some are absolutely forgettable, but there are a few whose charm and charisma have already made them standouts.
My favorite by far:
.......David Archuleta
What a great kid - 17 years old with consistently great vocals. Confident enough to turn in a superior performance but always surprised to hear how well it was received. Never stops smiling, but genuinely - like he loves life.
Others I like:
.......Brooke White............Jason Castro...................Syesha Mercado
.......Amanda Overmyer.............Asia'h Epperson..............Michael Johns
You can see from my choices - which include the sweetest-ever Brooke to the Janis Joplinesque Amanda - that my taste isn't limited to a certain type. What all these contestants have in common is a strong sense of who they are as individuals. Even when given a theme to work with - as this week was the '60's for instance - their choose wisely (choosing the wrong song can ruin everything for a singer) and they make the song their own. When they sing, they make it seem effortless even though you know on some level how far most of us are from that kind of talent. And they have a great time doing it.
But above all they are authentic. You really feel like they've opened the door to who they are. And what you see is enough to amke you want to know more.
In the kind of age we live in that kind of authenticity and joy in the mmoment can be a lot of fun to watch. I still recommend American Idol for family viewing - especially for anyone interested in music, singing, and performance. But it's also a great way to teach without words how we deal with correction - it's easy to see how those who are defensive and self-protective set themselves up for failure while those who listen and work to improve rise to the top.
I know some people have written this show off as fluff or boycott it because their religious sensibilities are offended by the word Idol in the title. All I can say is, you're missing a good thing - and one of the few ongoing TV shows that is truly family-friendly. Your kids would love to watch it with you.
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Comments
When I first saw David Archuleta, I knew I had seen him somewhere before. He was a winner on the first season of Star Search on CBS when he was 12! That would have been 5 years ago now, and he was a brilliant singer then, too. Only more like a soprano. It is wonderful to see him still singing and performing so well. Apparently there are other alumni of star search jr. on American Idol this year and in years past. We enjoy watching it with our children as well.
Posted by: angie | February 22, 2008 8:55 AM
I'm not so offended by the word idol as I have been by some of the behavior I saw on that show last year. I am glad to hear it is better this year. I have an absolutely incredibly God talented 19 year old singing daughter who would love to be on that show, and would probably do well. But I just can't be pleased with the thought of her turning into a Hollywood Idol. Maybe after another couple years if it keeps getting more family friendly. I will try to take a look again. Can you watch it online? Thanks Barbara!
blessings, Penny Raine
http://www.pennyraine.com/blog
Posted by: Penny Raine | February 22, 2008 9:47 AM
oooh, we have very similar tastes!
Posted by: Regina | February 22, 2008 5:48 PM
