IDOL MANIA BEGINS

First things first. I know you all want to know my reaction to Simon's impending departure. I'm angry at him. I love this show and he is a big part of it. But someone wants to be master of the universe and get more and more power. Arrrgggh - I am not watching X-Factor, so go find your blogging commentary on that show somewhere else next year. Heard he is hiring Paula, so all of you who watch it can enjoy. Enough anger, for now, I am well at least I can enjoy this season with Simon and Randy and Kara and ELLEN before I have to worry about his replacement.

Oh and sidebar on another television scandal - how cool is Conan for telling NBC to shove it? If you haven't read his letter to the American People, please click on this link (and then come back!)
http://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/conan-obrien-says-he-wont-do-tonight-show-following-leno/

Okay so on to tonight -- they dealt with what was the big news before Simon's news right off the bat -- the opening addressed Paula's departure and showed a clip of Ellen announcing her hosting appointment. Brought tears to my eyes right away. Something about last season was disappointing (the contestants?) and TV has been kind of lackluster since the end of Idol, so the return this season feels especially exciting to me. Oh Idol, I have missed you!

Weird that the opening moments of the show referred to Simon steering the ship multiple times, right? Of course now I am going to notice everything about Simon and his involvement in the show.

Guest judge Victoria Beckham -- I am a fan of hers because I have met her in person -- she is sweet, funny clever but the public rarely gets to see this. I was definitely more into her look on Day 2 and she didn't necessarily "make" the episode (point that the show is about the contestants more than the judges), but I liked that she was there.

So now onto some contestants that caught my eye --

Maddy - Hallelujah brother with Down Syndrome
Jess Wolfe - nerdy glasses looks older sang some folky soul a train is coming song

All was okay, then WOAH, HOLD YOUR HORSES, a trio of boys were singing Matt Nathanson in the waiting room -- pan to the guy in the black knit cap with jeans who is playing the guitar. Can we say hello Luke Shaffer? HOT, HOT, HOT - the little black cap, the perfect shirt and jeans, and the voice, it didn't matter much what he was saying, but the voice was GOOD. And his partner Benjamin Bright got through singing All My lovin - really good.

As always there are some terrible moments that stick out -- Andrew Fenlon who was annoyed by the wait. He sang House of the Rising Sun - Michael Buble'ish and actually okay, but so angry. Kara tried to be Simon by getting angry with him. I know she used a lot of repetitive phrasing last season, but the woman is talented -- she penned several of this year's top hits by Kelly Clarkson, Pink and Carrie, gotta give her some props.

Ashlee singing Alicia Keys - I didn't think she was THAT great -- she looked good and has it together, but...

Then there was Tyler - hippie, Al Green song -- will be a transformation candidate. Not my style, but he sang well and could be interesting.

Just saw the 24 commercial -- Amir Khan (major Bollywood actor who was the host in Slumdog) is on it? And it is in NY? And Jack is yelling? Already love it. God January is a good month for me.

Katie Stevens with the grandmother who has Alzheimer's - oh my god, so sad. She sang At Last - I know Kara is digging it. Needs a little makeover and will be gorgeous. I hope she can keep it up!!

Justin WIlliams -- he had cancer at age 20, but at age 27, he is ready to do big things on Idol -- great looking guy, vocal coach so he knows singing and he did that New Dawn, New Day song. I was blushing at how good looking he is.

Bosa -- nice soul singer who caused Victoria to fight with Simon. He really can get on everyone's nerves. Bosa may disappear, but we will see.

Did you notice hat there was much more of a slant on positive uplifting stories and less of the weirdos? Nice sign of good things to come.

Leah Laurenti -- insecure girl singing Blue Skies. Big voice, old quality, but she could be great. When Kara gets into something, she shakes her head, so funny.

Overall, excellent opening episode. Can't wait til tomorrow! I won't be blogging it, but you'll here from me soon!

Remember my friends, especially when your obsession is Idol, don't be ashamed of your obsessions and also remember, GTL!