AI keeps the drama alive

MANILA, Philippines –  Whoever said American Idol would not survive or would suffer a dismal rating without Simon Cowell is probably eating his words right now.

When American Idol Season 10 took off last Jan. 20 minus the acerbic judge who sat since the first telecast of Fox Channel’s reality talent show, ratings did not, at all, dwindle. American Idol Season 10 pilot ranked second in the Top 25 TV programs of that particular week.

Moreover, the new addition to the judging panel  Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler  apparently did not have a tough time blending in and developed rapport with original judge Randy Jackson. When the live airing starts with host Ryan Seacrest, the rapport of the three judges will even be evident for the new season.

Simon was undoubtedly the most popular figure in American Idol and was a massive factor in helping propel the popularity of the show across the globe. To millions, it was unthinkable that he would hang his judging hat. But he did  with the plan to bring his British reality talent show, X Factor, to American shores.

At the start of Season 9, Simon confirmed his plan to quit American Idol, following in the footsteps of fellow pioneer judge Paula Abdul, who left last year. Simon’s strong presence and biting remarks will certainly be missed. But the program’s franchise remains formidable.

As in the past seasons, American Idol Season 10 did not disappoint and allowed fans to experience the trademark hilarity, novelty and drama of its preliminary auditions across the US.

Tens of thousands of hopefuls took a shot at stardom and the much coveted chance to become the next American Idol, following in the enviable footsteps of past winners-turned-music superstars Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks, Jordin Sparks, David Cook, Kris Allen and Lee Dewyze.

This season shows much promise among the contestants who made it to Hollywood, if we are to gauge from the early auditions in more than half a dozen American cities. Of course, American Idol has kept the drama alive.

There’s Stefano Langone from Washington who got nearly killed in a fire accident that gave him a slim chance to walk, but was back on his feet after four months and was able to pursue his dream to sing. James Durbin, the unemployed contestant from California, was tagged as “The voice we’ve been waiting for.”

Emily Anne Reed is originally from Virginia but moved to San Francisco only to experience her house being burned down to ashes. John Wayne Schulz was a real cowboy from an eight-acre ranch in Karnes City, Texas and auditioned as a gift for his mom, although it was also his dream.

Moreover, there were college sweethearts Nick and Jacqueline, who both got unanimous nods from the three judges.

This year, new rules were imposed, much to the delight of millions of singing aspirants. For one, the age range was lowered to 15, thus giving way to more talents. But there is a buzz that only 10 finalists will be chosen, instead of the usual 12 (six boys-six girls). That doesn’t mean, though, that the number of finalists this season will be equally divided into male and female contestants.

Noticeably enough, Randy takes over from Simon’s seat and gets to be the last one to make his comment about the performers.

The pilot airing of Season 10 kicked off with auditions in New York and Jersey City and moved to other places  New Orleans, Milwaukee, Austin, Nashville, Los Angeles and San Francisco  to discover talents who will sing their way to the much-coveted Hollywood golden ticket.

At the start of Hollywood week last Feb. 11, more than 300 contestants trooped to the Kodak Theater, but the number was immediately reduced to half at the end of the show, with a lot of hopefuls in tears and self-pity.

The coming weeks will be undoubtedly more exciting as the hit reality singing competition empowers viewers to discover America’s next singing superstar by voting for their favorites to win the much vaunted American Idol title.