Kind of a Drag

I’m feeling like I want to dispense quickly with my comments on the performances to get to some other thoughts about the show in general.
So, tonight it was Jorge, Lil and Felicia, in that order for me, although the judges clearly liked Lil the most.

OK, now about the show. Tonight’s show seemed to really drag on. My first problem is that I think four judges are one too many. You know how much I like Kara but I’m wondering how much she has added to the show. It’s not that she isn’t better than either Randy or Paula – she clearly is better than both – but there is way too much distracting and useless banter between the judges and not enough critique of the singers. Also, there are way too many times when Kara states an opinion, then Randy and Simon start by saying they disagree with her and then end up making the same points as her.
But if you go back to three judges, as much as hate to say it, I think you have to get rid of Kara because I believe that both Randy and Paula are too much a part of the fabric of the show – it just isn’t Idol without either of them. And second, as a whole package there is a chemistry between Randy, Paula and Simon that I don’t see as being as good with Simon, Kara and one of the other two.

My other HUGE problem that explains why tonight’s show seemed interminable is that there haven’t been nearly enough stand-up-and-take-notice performances. Danny, Alexis, and Emo-Chic. Maybe Allison, Lil and Jorge are in that category. So six strong performances tops. This is out of something like 100,000 contestants. Then taking 72 to Hollywood. And then giving us “the best” 36 finalists yet. Really?
Maybe I’m being too critical. Diandra reminds me that it seems to be an every other year thing. And maybe it’s just too early yet.

I’m looking forward to seeing if Thursday’s call back show will generate some buzz for me. And I do think that once we get to the final 12, it could be a real throw down between a half-dozen people. And maybe by then, I’ll be more into it. For now, I’m feeling like the Idol engine isn’t running on all cylinders yet.