First, read this: http://popwatch.ew.com/2009/09/10/ellen-degeneres-american-idol-gah/
I agree with the following: We don't need a fourth judge. We need to get rid of Kara and have Ellen be the third judge. I agree that the contestants should be the focus, but how do you plan ahead of time having contestants that are dynamic and interesting? I think it's a good idea to try and get a dynamic judge in there besides Simon (remember, he's most likely gone in a few years) but I do think a harsher judge would be better-advised. Simon is definitely the voice of the people, but it's because Randy is a racist with no imagination who's still riding his former glory and Kara is--well, who the hell is she anyway?
I disagree with the following: Paula gave good feedback this season--maybe because she knew the negotiations were coming up. In addition to that, however, she also was an embarrassment more than once. She was great for watercooler fodder, but she took away from what the show is supposed to be about. I'm sorry, but she belongs on SYTYCD. That's her strength. Critiquing singers never was. I like the idea of having someone on the panel who can simply say "I would buy your album" or "I wouldn't." So often producers and songwriters try to push an artist on the public because they like what the singer can do technically, and it's like a chef trying to convince a diner to eat a meal that's too complicated. You need someone with a broader appreciation for music, and especially pop music, to weigh in.
My final verdict would be that I think if Ellen goes into this as Ellen then it probably won't work out well. The EW writer makes a good point about her stint on SYTYCD, but evaluating dancing is very different from evaluating singing. Plus, I think she recognizes that she'll have to take this gig a lot more seriously. If she goes the comedian route, it won't work. So here's hoping she brings something different to the table, but still manages to be Ellen.
I agree with the following: We don't need a fourth judge. We need to get rid of Kara and have Ellen be the third judge. I agree that the contestants should be the focus, but how do you plan ahead of time having contestants that are dynamic and interesting? I think it's a good idea to try and get a dynamic judge in there besides Simon (remember, he's most likely gone in a few years) but I do think a harsher judge would be better-advised. Simon is definitely the voice of the people, but it's because Randy is a racist with no imagination who's still riding his former glory and Kara is--well, who the hell is she anyway?
I disagree with the following: Paula gave good feedback this season--maybe because she knew the negotiations were coming up. In addition to that, however, she also was an embarrassment more than once. She was great for watercooler fodder, but she took away from what the show is supposed to be about. I'm sorry, but she belongs on SYTYCD. That's her strength. Critiquing singers never was. I like the idea of having someone on the panel who can simply say "I would buy your album" or "I wouldn't." So often producers and songwriters try to push an artist on the public because they like what the singer can do technically, and it's like a chef trying to convince a diner to eat a meal that's too complicated. You need someone with a broader appreciation for music, and especially pop music, to weigh in.
My final verdict would be that I think if Ellen goes into this as Ellen then it probably won't work out well. The EW writer makes a good point about her stint on SYTYCD, but evaluating dancing is very different from evaluating singing. Plus, I think she recognizes that she'll have to take this gig a lot more seriously. If she goes the comedian route, it won't work. So here's hoping she brings something different to the table, but still manages to be Ellen.
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