Video Beat - NEW SEASON - AMERICAN IDOL GONE WRONG

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

What is American Idol up to are they a music show or now heading towards being a comedy show? The hiring of comedian Ellen DeGeneres who lacks a background in the music business makes no sense. As they say NO SENSE IS NONSENSE - Recommended TV Listings

Monday January 11, 2010

IDOLS' DEMISE?

Each season American Idol host Ryan Seacrest and the AI judges claim that this is the best season ever. After viewing the program for some of us it conjures up the thought what are they drinking or smoking as last season was one of their worst. Of course this is subject to opinion.

Last season the changed some of the shows management staff. When all was said and done the favorite of the competition Adam Lambert lost out and finished second to Kris Allen. The next shocker was not renewing long time judge Paula Abdul's contract.

Now the greatest shock of all is the hiring of talk show host Ellen DeGeneres to replace Abdul. You can say what you want about Abdul's shortcoming's as a judge. Here critique to Scott MacIntyre that she wanted to see more projection and movement on stage when he performs was ludicrous given that MacIntyre is legally BLIND.

But that issue aside Abdul does have a background in the music business as a recording artist and production. The other judges Randy Jackson, Simon Cowell and Kara DioGuardi all have a background in the music business. The problem with the Degeneres hiring is that she as NO BACKGROUND IN THE MUSIC BUSINESS. The question is what is American Idol up to are they a music show or now heading towards being a comedy show?

DeGeneres background includes being stand-up comedienne, television hostess and actress. She has hosted both the Academy Awards and the Primetime Emmys. As a film actress, she starred in Mr. Wrong, appeared in EDtv and The Love Letter, and provided the voice of Dory in the Disney-Pixar's animated film Finding Nemo. She also starred in two television sitcoms, Ellen from 1994 to 1998 and The Ellen Show from 2001 to 2002.

On September 9, 2009, it was confirmed that DeGeneres would replace Paula Abdul as a judge of the ninth season of American Idol. Her role will start only after the contestant auditions. DeGeneres also reportedly signed a contract to be a judge on the show for at least five seasons.

The other negative factor is not only does DeGeneres lack a background in music she will be 52 years old January 26. Cowell is also 50 plus, Randy Jackson is not far from the mark and DioGuardi is the baby of the group who is in her early forties. It also raises the question is why is American going OLD when they are judging young talent. Having a background in the music business qualifies one to be a judge but what is the point of an older judge who lacks a background in the music business?

The ninth season of American Idol will premiere on January 12, 2010 on the Fox Network in the USA and its Asian network Star World January 13 (given the time difference of Asia being 15 hours ahead of Los Angeles, California time zone where the program is produced).

DeGeneres will not be present during the audition stage of the show. During that phase of the program guest judges will include Victoria Beckham, Katy Perry, Mary J. Blige, Shania Twain, Avril Lavigne, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris and Kristin Chenoweth. The audition shows were taped during the period of August 5th through September 4th 2009 so that is a done deal.

In summary are we to hear Ryan Seacest and the judges claim that this is the best ever talent American Idol has ever had? OH.... PLEASE...

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TV SCHEDULE

Note: The shows listed are for the Cambodia - Thailand time zone. Check your local listings for time in your area.

NOTE TIMES OF THE SAME TELECAST IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

5:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

10:00 PM - LOCKED UP ABROAD - National Geographic

10:30 PM - CLICK (Internet Technology program) - BBC

Midnight - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

10:00 PM - MISSING PERSONS - Australia Network

Midnight - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

9:00 PM - UFC (ULTIMATE FIGHTING) - True Sport 2

Midnight - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

8:00 PM - FIRST EDITION featuring Richard Keys - ESPN

Midnight - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

6:00 PM - LOCKED UP ABROAD - National Geographic

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