'American Idol' - Season 8 on FOX HD - Page 63

It seemed to me that she had just blacked out for the past few minutes. If you're going to be a judge, then judge! If a judge doesn't like a performance, they should say so. It's their job!

TCA: Peter Rice Weighs In On 'Idol' Post Paula

Fox Entertainment Chairman says Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham will serve as guest judges

By Stephanie Robbins -- Broadcasting & Cable, 8/6/2009 1:26:41 PM EDT

Fox Entertainment Chairman Peter Rice immediately addressed Paula Abdul's departure from American Idol and confirmed that Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham will be guest judges on the show, during the executive Q&A at Fox's portion of the Television Critics Association summer press tour Aug. 6
"Everyone is aware Paula will not be returning to Idol and it's something that's been very saddening to us," Rice said.

Abdul was the only member of Idol whose contract was up this year. Rice says he wanted her to renew her contract, and he believed she got a fair offer, which included a substantial raise.

With the news occurring only 36 hours ago, Rice said he didn't have any major announcements to make about the show, but did reveal that Katy Perry and Victoria Beckham are confirmed to be guest judges on the upcoming season.

"It's been 24 hours [since] getting these dates done," Rice said. "Katy's dates are still being worked out. There's a lot of logistics in that."

Rice said the intention is to have guest judges at each one of the auditions. Other guest judges have committed, but are not yet confirmed.

"The current focus for Idol is the audition process taking place," Rice said.

"The live show starts in January and in the meantime we'll come up with solution and replacement for Paula," he said.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/art...Post_Paula.php

How many other countries have their own Idol edition (42 or so)? They appear to be surviving rather nicely.

Rumor has it that Gordon Ramsay is in the works as Simon's replacement after next year.

Did anyone catch where Alexis Cohen was killed by a hit-and-run driver?



http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/200...ant_alexi.html

Sigh. Much as I like Ramsay, it seems AI will go the way of so many other shows in putting some random celebrity with no experience in the field on as an "expert" whose opinion is supposed to mean something.

Simon is an a-hole that knows the business. Ramsay is just an a-hole. Won't work.

Pop Idol only ran two seasons before X-Factor was created. Once Simon leaves Idol he'll be free to bring X-Factor to the US. If Idol were to continue without Simon, he could take X-Factor to another network. IMO that show could be as big or larger than Idol as it's more engaging with a broader range of talent such as group performers. The judges as mentors adds another element to the competition. Simon already has a good relationship with NBC on AGT. Imagine the major bounceback for NBC if they got it. What would happen to FOX without their cash cow?

Paula leaving could just be the beginning of the much bigger story to unfold in the next year or so.

For one, we wouldn't be subject to having good shows moved all over the place to accomodate it. If having AI die means that I can watch House (and others) without having those programs on at a "special time" or going on hiatus for 2 weeks, then back for 3, then off for 4.7, then... Let's just say having the cow dead would let me enjoy the few morsels of tasty meat that TV has to offer.

Entertainment Weekly reports that Simon Cowell signed on for another 3 years.*

*Nothing "official" about the statement, it's just a blurb on the last page (target image) of the mag.

Two thoughts wander through my mind this morning.

1. Ellen? Crap. Another sign of the Apocalypse.

2. It's 10:30 Eastern and nobody else has dredged up this thread yet?

I agree. Not a good choice. Might be an "I won't be watching any more" choice.

But, I'm guessing Kara will be happy - she will no longer be the most despised judge on the panel.

It's the best reality show on TV. Nothing comes close. I'll miss the distinct drunken nutjob vibe Paula brings to the show, but Ellen won't change the fact that the singers make the show. Not the judges.

Ellen did a terrible job on SYTYCD because she tried to be funny all the time. My wife and I watch this casually, which will be even less casually with her on it.

Ellen? Really?

I don't have anything against her, per se, but in relation to this news: when she did a guest appearance on So You Think You Can Dance, she wasn't; funny, insightful, entertaining, or engaging in any way. She tried a few lame, forced, and poorly delivered jokes in regard to the phenomenal performances such as, "Oh, I can do that maneuver," but her efforts came up waaaaaaay short and simply detracted from the show, rather than add anything to it at all. This isn't a good match, imo.

If you're looking for a TRULY amazing, classy, and personable singer, check out Barbara Padilla from America's Got Talent:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p6sUaRagfDA

Completely agree. That appearance just seemed to kill the shows vibe. Of course everyone had to do the polite laugh for each forced joke as well, which just made it worse.

"You must be a carpenter, because you nailed it"... polite laughter, eye roll...

And then she repeated the joke later. Ugh.

Every season I contemplate quitting Idol; they sure made it easy for me this year!

Ellen??? Just one more reason to DVR the show ... could they have made a worse selection?

no not really. this has to be the beginning of the end for this train wreck. They have gone circus now. Ellen is little more than a clown with a legion of lesbians that will watch her "goof", she knows nothing about the music industry or singing as did Randy, Simon and Paula.

That's actually pretty funny reading that Paula knew something about singing. Thanks for the laugh. I needed it.

"Her six number one singles on the Billboard Hot 100 tie her for fifth among the female solo performers who have reached #1 there."

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paula_Abdul

While I'm not exactly a fan, the above says Paula just might know something about singing whether you believe it or not. Ellen knows zippo, period.

I like Ellen and I think she may be a thoughtful voice on AI. It'll be interesting to see if she calls it like it is. Maybe she'll have a take on things that more reflect what I like rather than the artsy hoo ha that the judges fawned all over in the past.

The question I ask is, "When it comes time for serious critique, can Ellen put aside her schtick and do the job." She did not or could not on her appearance on SYTYCD. I like her and find her hilarious at times, but the job calls for much more than that.

Paula (IMO) used to be able to carry a note fairly well; she was never what you'd call a great singer. What mostly got her over was her then looks and excellent dancing. She's not much different from Janet Jackson.