Idol Nation

This is why we watch. This is why we love this show more than any other.

On a Tuesday night when Ellen DeGeneres’ debut as an American Idol judge was supposed to be the big event, that storyline became little more than a backdrop to a scintillating lineup of singers.

Admittedly, I had grown weary — like most of you — of the auditions, but I’m completely rejuvenated following the first night of Hollywood Week. More about the individual performances in a minute, but first, we’ll give Ellen her due.

Ellen is going to be good for the show. She has already contributed more than Paula did all last season. For those worried about the future of Idol, fear not. Instead of a regression, we actually may see a rebirth of the show’s popularity at an entirely new level. It’s going to depend largely on who is Simon’s replacement next season, but the second generation of Idol seems like it will be in good hands, I believe.

Ellen was witty, but not overbearing. She was succinct, not wordy. But most of all, she was entertaining without trespassing or stepping on any of the other judges. Did you notice that? Instead of having to put up with Paula’s constant interruptions, we actually had the opportunity to hear what each judge said. I hope it stays that way all season.

And now, on with the analysis.

THE GOOD

There were seven knockout performances Tuesday. These are the singers I would think are a lock to reach the round of 24, barring a complete collapse during Wednesday’s group round. Judging from their inaugural Hollywood performances, I don’t see a weak link in this group.

1. Andrew Garcia: Is there any doubt this incredibly talented father of one is the man to beat?  Tell me you were not impressed by that unplugged version of Paula Abdul’s “Straight Up.” For this early in the competition, that was … if not incredible, at least borderline amazing. What has me a bit concerned, though, is his immediate future. Was it just me, or did it appear he might get cut following Wednesday night’s group round? I’m hoping Fox is just playing with out minds with that promo. Key comment:

Kara: “That was genius. You just owned that moment. Great job.”

2. Janell Wheeler: We did not see any of her during the auditions, but what a revelation. Her breathy, almost sultry styling was intoxicating. I think she’s in this for the long haul. Key comment:

Ellen: “That was amazing.” (It really was.)

3. Lilly Scott: Another wow. Lilly torched us with an old Ella Fitsgerald offering and mesmerized everyone in the process. She’s this wacky, platinum-coiffed combination of Jason Castro and Allison Iraheta. As Randy might say, “We got a hot one!” Key comment:

Kara: “Everything about you is refreshing.”

4. Didi Benami: I loved her in the auditions and I love her more even now. She nailed Kara DioGuardi’s “Terrified” in style reminiscent of Shawn Colvin, for those who were big watchers of VH1 in the early 1990s. Key comment:

Simon: “That was terrific.”

5. Crystal Bowersox: Oh. My. Gosh. I considered the Ohio girl little more than an afterthought during the auditions, and then she shows up and belts out Aretha Franklin’s “Natural Woman.” Another member of a powerful lineup of females from Tuesday night. Key comment:

Simon: “People like you.”

6. Casey James: He promised following his audition he would show us what he could he do — and he did. Casey unveiled a bluesy guitar and Bo Bice-esque voice that impressed everyone. Key comment:

Randy: “Yo, I loved that.”

7. Katie Stevens: She took a major step toward the final 24, wowing the judges — and me, too — with “For Once In My Life.” I actually liked her better Tuesday night than I did during her audition. Key comment:

Simon: “Actually, you’re quite good.”

HONORABLE MENTION

Mary Powers: Remember the “rocker mom”? She’s another one I liked better in Hollywood than I did during the auditon process. She still reminds me of Pat Benatar, minus the overbite. I’m not sure — yet — if she’s final 24 material, but I’m rooting for her. She has that infectious kind of personality. Key comments

Kara: “You have an amazing voice, and you were really ‘in’ that song.”

Mary: “My life, my family’s whole life … is going to change.”

NEW IDOL POLL STARTS
Who is your favorite non-champion over the first eight years of American Idol? We’ve selected who we believe are the 10 most successful for you to vote on: Clay Aiken, Bo Bice, Kat McPhee, Kellie Pickler, Blake Lewis, Jason Castro, Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Jennifer Hudson and Chris Daughtry.

Cast your vote on the poll at the right.

IDOL THOUGHTS

Remember Danelle Hayes, one of our favorites from the (Seattle) auditions? The Seattle Times has reported she was never a part of Hollywood Week. Nicole Gonzalez, a spokesperson for American Idol, confirmed that Hayes did not, in fact, compete in the Hollywood round, which was taped a few weeks ago began airing Tuesday night. Gonzales indicated it was the show’s policy to not comment any more than that.

Talk about gloom and doom. Sandra Deane, editor for AOL Television, said Tuesday, “I definitely think Idol is in a period of transition. Every week we see that the ratings are stable and still unbeatable, but this may be the last big easy win for them. People will stick around for Simon’s last season, but the transition to next season will be a huge, huge challenge. And I don’t know how they’re going to pull it off.” Oh, come on, Sandra. It’s American Idol.

A total of 181 contestants were a part of Hollywood Week and 95 advanced to the treacherous group round.

It was painful to watch country girl Vanessa Wolfe, the bridge jumper from the south. She was nervous, and her song choice was horrible. As it turns out, she was not the reincarnation of Kellie Pickler.

FROM AROUND THE IDOL NATION … all Howard, all the time

From BusinessWeek: Shock jock Howard Stern likely gave Sirius XM executives a shock on (Monday), when he told his radio listeners that he is considering leaving Sirius to become a judge on American Idol when his lucrative Sirius contract expires at the end of the year … Stern may be trying to up the pressure on Sirius to offer him another lucrative deal. Sirius currently pays Stern, his agent and his staff $100 million a year to air Stern’s radio show on Sirius exclusively. But in the years since that contract came into effect, Sirius’s growth has slowed. And its renewed focus on financial performance may forbid writing another large check. So, if he wants to make as much money in the future, Stern may, indeed, have to look elsewhere. American Idol would certainly offer a lot of money — and tons of exposure.

From Billboard: More from Howard Stern …
– “I’ll do that for $100 million. For $100 million a year, to judge a karaoke contest? Ok. Why not?”
– “Name a person who could bring more excitement to that show than me.”
– “If I was the judge on American Idol, looks would play into the judging, too. I would be honest with them. I would say, ‘Look at you. You’re out of shape, go work out.’ It would be sort of like The Biggest Loser and American Idol combined.”
– “Can you imagine me sitting there with like a little ping-pong paddle, and I smack Randy Jackson’s belly every time he opens his dopey mouth?”

From MSNBC: One hitch in the Stern-to-Idol scenario would be the King of All Media’s fear of flying. Stern said he turned down an opportunity to appear as a guest on the Tonight Show during Conan O’Brien’s last week because he didn’t want to fly to Los Angeles. On Monday, Stern said his fear would not prevent him from taking the Idol gig, despite the disparate auditions. “It would be the best thing that happened to me,” he said. “What a cush job — $100 million for four months. Who wouldn’t take that?”

From USA Today: First of all, more possible replacements keep getting floated, like Madonna manager Guy Oseary, Second, when American Idol got serious once before about replacing a judge, namely Paula Abdul, nobody had a clue Ellen DeGeneres was coming in until she actually made the announcement. Third, Stern’s throwing around numbers that are way beyond the Idol judges’ pay scale — even Simon’s. “I’ll do that for $100 million.” Stern said. “For $100 million a year, to judge a karaoke contest? Ok. Why not.” Remember: Simon Cowell reportedly was making just $50 million. Stern is used to making a $100 million. I don’t see Stern as the kind of guy who takes a 50 percent pay cut. Do you really think Howard Stern brings twice as much value to the table as Simon Cowell?

From Cheri Robertson, Seattle Times: At long last, it’s time for the real American Idol to begin. Between the grand debut of Ellen DeGeneres and whittling it down to people who can actually sing, now I can get excited to watch the show … I am ever-so-grateful that auditions are over.