Paul Abdul of American Idol

    I have to admit I am a big fan of the hit TV show, American Idol. But then, who isn’t? Maybe I don’t fit the ideal profile of an Idol-izer (Get it? Idol-izer!), but let’s not forget that musical competitions are not all that new to television. You can go as far back as the 1950s to see such shows as the “Original Amateur Hour,” which showcased America’s young musical talent.

     Idol reminds me, too, of some of the variety shows that used to be a staple of early television (much like reality shows are today) such as “The Ed Sullivan Show” and “The Carol Burnett Show.” Those shows presented some of the hit acts of the day (Idol does, too, with their guest celebrities) and sketch comedy (don’t tell me that you aren’t amused by the antics of some of the so-called Idol wannabes.)

     In an effort to cut down on some of our television watching, my wife and I (well, I did, really) made a decision to watch Idol this year and skip another one of our favorites, “24.” I just didn’t think I had it in me to try to keep up with two high-powered television shows at one time, especially with other considerations (like trying to find a job.) I chose Idol because it is more fun and it is less stressful. I have found in the last few years that if I watch a stressful TV show with lots of action and upsetting scenes, then I have a restless night. I don’t think it is just coincidence either. 

      One show that bothers me a lot in that regard is “Criminal Minds.” I think the reason for that is that they concentrate on hideous crimes to woman and sometimes children and some of the images just really aren’t pleasant to watch. It is one of my wife’s favorite shows (mine, too) but I am going to try to avoid it if I can. She has a new favorite show now, “The Mentalist.” I am not sure why she likes it, but it may have something to do with its star, Simon Baker. I am told he is quite a good-looking man. I wouldn’t know whether he was myself, you understand. I’m just saying.

      We didn’t watch the last hour of the first episode on Tuesday because of Mr. Baker but that is OK. At least we didn’t miss the Jacksonville auditions, which come up next week. I know you are wondering why we don’t just tape one or the other for viewing later. I would if we had either Tevo or DVR, but we don’t. In a cost-saving measure, we have reduced our cable subscription to the cheapest available, one that doesn’t support taping. Just one of those sacrifices of being retired. 

      I wish Idol had come along about 10 years ago. Maybe my son Joe could have had a run at it. He is a singer-songwriter who I think is pretty good. (You don’t think I am biased, do you?) Even though he is 38 (Oh, my!) he could pass for under 30 as easily as Taylor Hicks did two years ago. At least Joe doesn’t have any gray hair (yet).

       It will be interesting to see how good the show’s ratings are in this its eighth year. Most programs have worn out their welcome by now but Idol doesn’t show any signs of slowing down. Ratings were down early last year but rebounded once it moved to the Hollywood rounds. The new girl (Kara DioGuardi) seemed to fit in well and might have had a positive affect on Paula Abdul. I didn’t notice Paula stumbling over her words like she has been prone to in the past. But it is early and there is plenty of time for her to exhibit the behavior that led you to believe at times in the past that she must have been including prior to going on air.