AI: More exciting than ever

Karen Rodriguez is out. The status now is one down 10 to go. Another contestant will be sent home by the end of this week. And it will be another and another and another, until only one man is left standing. He will be the 10th to hold the title of American Idol and I have a strong feeling he will be most deserving. This season’s line-up of finalists is an exciting batch. It must have been serendipity working extra hours to give the once beleaguered show another lease on life. And it worked!

I have to admit that I was one of those who thought that American Idol (AI) would not survive this season. The ratings were down. Two of the original judges, who greatly contributed to the show’s success, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, have left the show. Ellen de Generes, a good addition, judged for only one season. Songwriter Karla Dioguardi stayed for two. Only Randy Jackson was left to hold the fort. Then they brought in actress and pop star Jennifer Lopez and Aerosmith rocker and songwriter Steven Tyler. Great star value, but how will they fare as judges?

Wonderfully. It turned out. They are not only attractive, J.Lo, in particular is stunningly beautiful every week, they are also very articulate and really know what they are talking about. OK, Steven seems to have his own vocabulary but it is thanks to them and Randy, too, that we now have the most talented batch of AI finalists ever. I know Jennifer had this meltdown a few weeks ago over having to send home so many kids who did not make the grade. But she has recovered and is now all business every show.

The talent admittedly, is still very raw. But it is there in big doses. What will make the difference within the next few weeks are the following: Who among the contestants will improve vocally, the singing is most of the time all over the place; who will find the right materials, song choice can make or break a finalist; and who among them will be able to withstand the pressure of competing and facing judgement every week? They should thank their lucky stars that Simon of the acerbic wit is no longer around, although I do miss his comments which can cut the undeserving down to size.

It is still anybody’s ballgame at this point but the guys are coming out strong and the winner could easily come from their ranks. I like Scotty McCreery’s country baritone. So young, only 17 but he already knows his niche. Casey Abrams is always interesting. He does not seem to be Idol material but he is already in the best launching pad for a great music career. Jacob Lusk’s powerful vocals make him a good contender. Stefano Langone seems to be the early favorite with the looks and the voice of a pop star. Paul McDonald had better watch out. He does not seem to be choosing the right songs. James Durbin is a cute rocker with a wealth of showstopping songs to choose from. He stuns every time.

Among the girls, I have a feeling the competition will be between Naima Adedapo, whose presence on stage has so much star power and the young bluesy rocker Lauren Alaina who is so natural. Haley Reinhart has to work on her delivery. She seems to be neither here or there on stage. Pia Toscano is relying too much on her powerful voice. I would like to hear some soft notes. And Thia Megia? While I would like very much to see a Pinoy, albeit American born and bred, become the next Idol, she does not look like she has the right chops at this point. She has beautiful tones but no WOW factor at all. And if she continues to sing those lackluster ballads, she might just vanish into the realm of might-have-beens in the next few weeks.

The Idol aspirants are doing Motown songs this week. That catalogue is a veritable treasure chest of great American music and the chance of any of them choosing a wrong song is almost nil. All of them can shine with a Motown song and I can’t wait to find out who will be outstanding.