It's that time again!

New year, new season of American Idol. I can't believe it's the 8th season. I've been a die hard American Idol fan since Season 2. (I wanted Clay to win!) I was quite pleased with David Cook's victory last year and have enjoyed watching him flourish! But, remember what a tool he was in the very begining?! Haha. Gotta love the process and the journey from January to May. Here we go again! Lets talk season 8!

After the first episode last night here are some thoughts.

Judges:
Simon was as loveable as ever!
Paula looked fantastic but still acts a little nutty sometimes, eh?
Randy was wearing so much makeup! Did you notice when he turned his head that his face was a different color than his neck? I found that to be quite amusing!
New Girl! Producer/Songwriter Kara DioGuardi was likeable. I totally had to agree with her a few times and it's really good to have a fresh perspective.

Contestants:
There were only a few standouts for me. At this stage of the competition it seems like they just try to keep it amusing for the audition episodes. Is it just me or are the bad ones actually getting kind of annoying and seemingly more and more contrived. The montage of all the bad singer at the end singing Wanted Dead or Alive by Bon Jovi was awful. I actually felt bad for them. Humilating. I wonder if Idol pays them or they do it willingly just for the face time on national televison.

The stand outs for me were 16 year old Arrianna Asfar who was adorable and sweet and had a Colbie Calliat type voice and vibe. She's the type of person you want to root for and I could see her doing well. Saving the best for last with Scott McIntyre a singer-songwriter who was born almost completely blind. He's another one you want to root for because he's at such a disadvantage and that obviously isn't holding him back. He's got skills with the piano and a pretty voice. Can't wait to see how far he goes.

Worst of the Worst?

A girl in a bikini trying out for American Idol is definately asking for attention. (ok, what idol audtioner is not attention seeking) But, this girl was just annoying right off the bat. She was a mediocre singer and Simon and Randy put her through just because the enjoyed seeing her in next to nothing. How rediculous. New judge Kara decided to take it to another level by actually calling her out on her so-so singing. Bikini girl gives skinny girls a bad rap. I will be incredibly surprised if she makes it beyond the Hollywood rounds.

The other one that got to me was the crying rock star. Such a poser. He really wants to be a rockstar so he dresses the part. He can sing well... kinda. He's actually pretty bad and the judges say so (ever so nicely) and he begs for a chance anyway. Tears up... so pathetic.

Kansas City tonight. Lets hope for some real talent for that is what it's all about folks.