American Idol Re-Vamp

Kara Dioguardi has been the topic of mixed reviews in discussion of the changes to America's most watched show. Some like her specific and surprisingly helpful advice, while others feel she is trying to be the female Simon, but comes off bitchy. It is in human nature to reject change, especially of something many people make the staple of their work week. The change comes not because the ratings are bad, but because the producers felt the show could be getting repetitive. They throw in this chick, who is younger and better looking than Paula, in the hopes of either a cat fight or a blow out with Simon. The producers lie through their teeth when they say they thought Kara would have an easy transition to the judges table. A quiet transition would be the worst thing that could happen. Sell some tabloids, create some buzz, get people more interested in the show - that was the point of adding the new judge. Also, rumor has it Paula is not looking to renew her contract at the end of the season, and if nothing else, the addition of Kara will help keep Paula's hefty salary from increasing too much in case she wants to come back. If she doesn't, America will already be used to Kara, so the absence of Paula will not be a shock.

As far as the other changes, like America voting in the top 12 instead of voting out the top 24, it really does make it hard on the contestants, but it also adds to the drama. True, the selection might have been same no matter what, but I suspect the grouping was done with the intent to get a diverse cast. It's about time the producers start admitting they try and manipulate the voting. The judge's choice stipulation not only adds to the emotion of elimination night, but ensures the producers won't have to lose a key player early. It's too early to tell whether the addition of the judges choice will be beneficial or not, but as long as Simon gets a say, I can't imagine them squandering it on someone who doesn't deserve it.

The contestants this year are full of talent but lacking impact. First off, there are way to many guys and not enough girls. I'm already confused between Matt and Kris and Tom and God knows who else, and with the way the voting is going, it might be eight guys left and no girls. The only eye candy on the show Megan Joy, who oozes sexuality despite her hippie dancing and obnoxiously huge tats ... tattoos that is. So far the stand out has to be Adam Lambert, the not-so closeted punk rocker who despite anything that has been said, makes a lasting impression. The widower Danny can really sing, but he could suffer a backlash due to how heavily they played up his wife's death. Ditto with Scott, the blind contestant who can belt one out, but unfortunately makes me tense any time he is on screen. I'm waiting for Seacrest to try and high five him again, or for someone to forget to grab him during the group song and he takes a header off the side of the stage.

Yes, the show was getting stale, and yes the re-vamp has made it more interesting. If that was the only goal, mission accomplished.