One of the frustrating things about discussing American Idol with other people who watch is that this show makes us all equal relative to technical music criticism.
I struggle to not play the I’m-a-musician-and-you’re-not card.
But I’ll be honest. I don’t think any of the Idol women are worth a damn. There is not one great voice [...]

For the past couple of weeks, when asked who I thought brought it and who left it on American Idol, I’ve consistently said “the kid” as my pick to beat.
The kid is David Archuleta, and after Tuesday night’s rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine,” I suspect all those who shrugged when I issued those sentiments will [...]

When you’ve got it, you’ve got it.
That’s what Simon Cowell told David Archuleta on Tuesday, minutes before he said the same things to Jason Castro and Aussie expatriate Michael Johns.
So, that would be the American Idol Top 3 from boys’ night, right?
Think again. And this year, it’s not just me judging the talent. My sainted [...]

The ratings have been mostly down this season, but the talent is unquestionably up — and now we have our Top 24 for American Idol Season 7.
Let the games begin.
Instead of recapping tonight’s show, which I don’t need to do because you’re all loyal watchers, I’m going to give you 10 singers who can win [...]

In a slight twist from past years, American Idol allowed Hollywood contestants to play instruments while singing.
I know. What a novel idea.
However, as a pianist of 34 years, it’s easier said than done, and I’m actually pretty damned good at it. On Tuesday night, Idol musicians made some classic mistakes, and I thought it would [...]

Sorry for not posting for more than a week, but there hadn’t been much to discuss on Idol since Tuesday last.
However, we’ve made it past the auditions to one of the most fun parts of the season: The Hollywood Round. Before we get there, a few notes.
First, I heard a number of good voices on [...]

I have to admit that by the third week of American Idol auditions, I get a tad antsy. If the singer is not great … if he or she didn’t bring it, then I don’t really have any interest.
I get bored easily. So, forgive me if I spare you the details of all the crappy [...]

Figuring out who will hit it big on American Idol is not an exact science. However, a bit of sleuthing goes a long way.
Over the years, I’ve found that Google searches on a contestant’s name, in quotes, with the word “Idol” next to it (not in quotes) will provide a fair look at his or [...]

This week’s Top 5 American Idol performances were easier to come up with this week because there were only five worth mentioning at all.
Last week’s bunch was certainly talented, but it’s hard to say where singers like Pia Easley and Chris Watson will end up. Will they even make the Top 24?
I’m still fairly confident [...]

Charleston, S.C., was recently named the friendliest city in America, so says American Idol host Ryan Seacrest. But might it also be the craziest?
Wednesday night’s fourth episode of the seventh season of Idol — gulp — was by far the show’s most entertaining this year. And I don’t even know whether we heard a lick [...]