I want to like American Idol, really I do, but after episodes like last night’s Hollywood round, I feel like poking my eyes out with a fresh set of forks would be less painful.
First, I don’t see the point of the group numbers. I mean, when the contestants continue on in the competition, they’re billed as soloists. The only other times they sing as ensembles are in those cheesy group numbers used as filler between the competition and Coke ads.
Second, I’m convinced that Idol is just trying to manufacture drama to compensate for its dipping ratings. Heck, did you SEE the over-the-top intro producers conjured up, complete with a Hans Zimmer-type soundtrack? Where’s the kid who sees dead people?
And then there were the catfights. Naturally, since the contestants were forced to practice all night, there was more hair-pulling, eye-scratching and droopy jazz hands than there needed to be. (And that’s saying a lot, since I’m a big proponent of jazz hands.)
Of all the singers, giggly Tatiana had me fuming. Frustrated with her group, she tried to jump ship to Team Compromise, milking their sympathy. Then she ran back to her original group – granted, she did admit she was wrong to do that, but she had this big grin on her face when she apologized. Argh!
Then there was Bikini Girl’s group, The Divas. After hours of practice, Bikini Girl inexplicably went to her room (later we found out that her high heels and medical condition had exhausted her), but her group wasn’t sure what to do until hours before the audition when she showed up asking to learn what she missed. Double argh!
Of all the group performances, I dug White Chocolate the most. India’s rap plus sweet harmonies equals a crazy-fun hip-hop and du wop mash-up. The a cappella group also rocked the house. Of the flops, the Action Squad had me shaking my head in bewilderment.
Standout individuals of the night: Adam and Jasmine. Thank goodness the Hollywood round is nearing its end. ‘Cause what producers probably thought would be California dreaming is quickly degenerating into a screechy, tear-filled nightmare.
Thoughts? melissa@tvguide.ca
American Idol airs Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 8 p.m. ET, CTV/Fox.
