American Idol talent search unearths the good, bad and scary

It is going to be another interesting year on Fox’s “American Idol.”

As expected, there were multiple train wrecks on last week’s season opener. What would the show be without them? I know I wouldn’t watch. “American Idol” is all about sifting through the good, the bad and the ugly as it searches for its next superstar.

Let’s address the ugly. I was scared for Paula Abdul’s safety after Paul the stalker auditioned. Not only was his song offensive, but even Simon Cowell was protective of his fellow judge. And what about Milo Turk? The man who was too old to audition in the first place sang “No Sex Allowed.”


Nothing tops Renaldo Lapuz’s rendition of “We Are Brothers Forever,” a song he dedicated to Cowell. The judges were so intrigued by Renaldo’s performance that Paula jumped out of her seat and began awkwardly dancing and singing to the camera. The producers of the show will not let Paula live that one down.

The judges bring the same energy and charisma to the show. Paula is still too nice to the contestants, Randy Jackson continues to use unnecessary hand gestures and say “dawg” too much, and Simon is still brutally honest to those who are not vocally talented.

Philadelphia sent 29 contestants to Hollywood. Joey Catalano opened up the show by stating he had lost 204 pounds. His choice of song, “Sunday Morning,” was enough to win him a ticket to the next round. What struck me most was his genuineness and the way he positively interacted with the judges.

Joey’s biggest competition so far is Oregon native Kristy Lee Cook. She trains horses, lives in a log cabin and competes in cage fighting. She is long, thin and beautiful. Guess what? She can sing.

Season seven looks like it will be just like any other. Let’s hope that the contestants bring more to the table than last year’s performers. If not, the show risks losing more viewers.

Via bostonherald.com