Reality Roll Call

American Idol judge Simon Cowell told his girlfriend Teri Seymour, who interviewed him on Extra! that eventually they will have to consider lowering the age limit from 16 to 14. I wonder if he thinks that’s going to help the show’s slowly dwindling ratings.

There’s nothing like agroup of kids singing a bunch of show tunes and old hits to boost ratings. But wait;  I thought they already tried that. Anyone remember American Juniors?

If I wanted to see Kids Incorporated, I’d look for old episodes on the internet. They have to face that problem with Idol is that it’s stale. They need to breathe new life into it, and realize that the judges seem tired and bored, with the exception of the pleasantly crazy Paula. And with all due respect, what demographic are they going for when Andrew Lloyd Webber is a guest? Who really wants to see teenagers sing Neil Diamond or Barry Manilow? Other teenagers? I don’t think so.

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s elimination show may prove to be as surprising as every other elimination show in the last few weeks. The show begins with a tribute medley to the music of last night’s mentor, singer-songwriter Neil Diamond. The medley was exceptionally cheesy and karaoke, to borrow a phrase from Simon, but it’s really appropriate here! Really bad medley; Jason Castro appeared to be reading the words from a teleprompter and everyone just looked uncomfortable with the dance steps and the words. Really cheesy performance; I can only hope the Idol Tour won’t be as bad.

Anyway, on to the eliminations. We discover early on that Jason Castro and David Archuleta are safe. Wonder of all wonders – not about Archuleta; rather that Castro has made it through another week. Like I said last week, none of the eliminations have made sense to me since Amanda Overmyer, but who am I?

by Deb Porter-Jones

Tonight’s show features the song stylings of the musical singer-songwriting legend, Neil Diamond. He’s also written such iconic hits as “I’m a Believer” sung by the Monkees, “Solitary Man” and Sweet Caroline”. Diamond is probably most well known for penning the music performed in the film in which he also starred, “The Jazz Singer”. This man is truly a legend and our young contestants are truly blessed to have the opportunity to be in the presence of and learn from this superstar.

Our contestants are to sing two of Neil Diamond’s songs and then face a bit of nerve-wracking critique from the judges.

Jason Castro is up first and he performs “Forever in Blue Jeans” and “September Morn”. In the former, he plays guitar and sings rather well. Jason’s a really laid-back fellow so obviously you believe that he’d rather be “Forever in Blue Jeans”. That’s a no-brainer and he did a great job. I give him a B.