Yes, I know it’s hard to believe, but "American Idol" is still surviving. First airing in the year 2002, this will be the show’s 12th season. Although this talent show is beginning to feel more like a joke, it has produced some of America’s biggest stars such as Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, David Cook and, most recently, Phillip Phillips.
Billboard wrote, “'Idol' has spawned 345 Billboard chart-toppers and a platoon of pop idols.”
It all started with the classic three judges: Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson.
Since then the judge’s panel has had a rotation of replacements, including Jennifer Lopez, Ellen DeGeneres and Steven Tyler. This season brings three new judges, Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj and Keith Urban, alongside Randy Jackson, who is the only judge to have remained since year one along with the emcee of the show, Ryan Seacrest.
This year’s auditions began in New York City on Wednesday, Jan. 16. Unfortunately, it appears that the big drama on the show will be more about the judges rather than those auditioning. The episode began with Minaj and Carey bickering back and forth so much that the first man auditioning had to enter the room by stomping and loudly singing his song just to get the attention of the judges. The constant name-calling and insults between the two divas took away from the real purpose of the show, which is discovering the diverse talent New York has to offer.
Out of all the auditions, only 41 got to walk out with the golden ticket to Hollywood. Among these amazing performers is Sarah Restuccio, 17 years old, who seemed to be a little country girl, singing “Mama’s Song” by Carrie Underwood for her song. The judges were only mildly impressed until she busted out into Minaj’s own “Superbass,” even replacing some of the lyrics with rhymes of her own. Needless to say, Minaj was in love with Restuccio and loudly expressed it to all the judges until they were all in agreement.
It wouldn’t be “Idol” without a heartfelt story moment, which was delivered in New York’s last contestant, Ashlee Feliciano. Feliciano’s family fosters many children who suffer with mental disorders and after they heard her version of “Put Your Records On,” she was quick to earn her own golden ticket.
Day two of the "American Idol" premiere held auditions in Chicago, Illinois. Thursday night on Idol showed a lot more of the Minaj and Carey catfight, a sure sign of their drama becoming prominent in this season. The show is looking more like a battle for screen time between the auditioning singers and the female judges.
After many good and bad auditions, one bold 15 year old girl stood out by having Keith Urban duet with her to “Baby It’s Cold Outside,” getting an all- around "yes" to Hollywood.
Once again, they save the tear inducing performance for last with a contestant named Lazaro Arbos. Arbos struggled with a strong stutter that causes him to mess up nearly every sentence when speaking. However, when he sang “Bridge Over Water” every word was crystal clear. Arbos was brought to tears as the judges all give their "yes," and most of the viewers were probably wiping their eyes at home as well.
Chicago wrapped up their auditions with 46 lucky singers clutching that yellow piece of paper.
Sadly, the two-day premiere ended with more memories of Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey than the actual singers. Let’s all hope for the sake of good television that the talent will stomp out the drama as the season continues.
