American Idol – Recap & Review – New Jersey

photo: fox

American Idol
New Jersey

Original Air Date: Jan 19, 2011

Patricia Morris Buckley – Sr. Staff Writer
pmb@thetwocentscorp.com

It’s an amazing when a nine-year-old show suddenly feels as if it’s in its second or third year instead of its tenth. In other words, welcome Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez! Welcome a gentler, more talent-centered Idol. Welcome to a whole new crop of singers – here’s hoping you are better than season 9.

Before we talk about the judges’ reviews, let’s review the judges. I think the real winner – and a surprise — of the night is Tyler. He made sharp, insightful comments and added several entertaining quips. Most of the time he seemed supportive of the auditionees, even saying to one, “We oughta let her in the door, water that flower, because it’s gonna grow.” Only once did we see a nastier side to him, when he asked a loser of a singer if he’d eaten lead paint chips as a child. The hurt look of the contestant’s face said a lot.

On the other hand, JLo had a lot of trouble saying “no.” It didn’t help that so many of the contestants were so nervous about meeting her. By the second day, she had buckled up a bit. But she made good choices and fought for a few marginal contestants. I like her. She’s the non-dippy version of Paula Abdul — supportive, sweet and professional.
Interestingly, the two new judges brought out a new side to Randy. He’s now in the Simon seat (the last to talk) and having more open peers who treat him as an equal certainly brings out better critiques from him. And he even took a stand a few times and voted opposite of the other judges. You go dawg!

But what I liked most about this debut was how so little time was dedicated to the really bad singers and the judges trashing them. Out of the 15 auditions shown in full, 11 went through. We only had back stories on a few, and most of those were briefer than in years past. Still, we really didn’t need a singer showing us how to tease our hair “Jersey style.” Or a contestant who burped when he got nervous. Or another coming out of the porta-potty or another telling us about his Eagle Scout project. Others, such as a singer who had spent his early years in a wheelchair, were done tastefully and given minimal time.

I’m not going to review all the individual singers because by this time next week, you’ll have trouble remembering them. It’s not until after Hollywood week that we really get to know them. However, a few stood out, some for good reasons, others for being something else.

Rachel Zevita returned after being cut in Hollywood Week in S6. She’s less operatic this time, but she’ll have to do better to go further.

Tiffany Rios, who wore stars on her breasts and taught us to tease our hair (yuck!), had a surprising good voice.
Robbie Rosen, the 16-year-old who had been in a wheelchair, is one of my favorites right away. He had a pleasing sweetness to his voice.

Ashley Sullivan was beyond manic and I wonder if she wouldn’t be a problem later on. I can just picture the mess she’d make of a group number when she’s in Hollywood. She actually got down on her knees and begged the judges to let her through.

Sixteen-year-old Victoria Huggins seemed way too full of herself, yet she made cut. Fifteen-year-old Kenzie Palmer showed more maturity and a much better voice. I’m against lowering the age (I thought it should be raised to 18), but Palmer’s someone to really watch.

My other favorite was Travis Orlando, who had lived in foster care for two years as a kid. He has a mellow, rich voice and really knows how to color a song. Plus, he made me cry as he hugged his twin, so happy to make it to Hollywood.

All in all, 51 Golden Tickets were given out. That’s a lot. Tonight, it’s time for New Orleans to give it a shot.
What did you think of the new judges? Did you see someone who might be a favorite? Did you like the fewer bad auditions? Give us your TwoCents…