American Idol Season Ten a Winning Formula

WEEK ONE RealiTea REPORT:

American Idol, back at last!  Some say it never went away, but they would be morons.  The past two seasons equated to unwatched episodes on my Tivo.  High ratings, sure, but it seemed the show was floundering. 

It's fresh, it's fun, it's a new era for A.I.

Here is the formula that's moving the show back to interesting entertainment:

1.  Three judges
Whomever thought four was a good number right probably lost their job.  Four judges...really? The quantity of opinions offered a lot of "so what" moments.

3.  Personalities
Randy.--I name the dawg first to give him props as the last remaining original.  He brings a unique additive to the judging mixture and I'm glad he's still around.

Jennifer Lopez--she's completely lovable.  Yes, she practically screams "I'm Paula's replacement."  She's Lantina, she's super likable, she feels bad to say no, and she's eye candy.  I don't care that it took her until the end of the second show to spit out the word "no"; she was fun to watch.

Steven Tyler--is he awesome, or what?! He is not the Simon of the group, but completely himself. He loves music and brings a *pow* energy to the table.

I have a feeling Steve Tyler will have a lot of interesting sound bites, so for week one, here is my favorite Steve quote [to a guy with a fishing hat, boy scout hair cut, plaid shirt, and cargo shorts]
 Steve: "you came in with those bangs."

Prediction for front runners Hollywood Week?
Keeping in mind that I wasn't at auditions and can only base predictions on what was shown on TV, my week one predictions for who will be the front runners during Hollywood week are:
1.  Jordon Dorsey--music teacher, young, great range, likable, relevant
2.  Brett--really odd, but amazing voice.  Top notch Queen performer.
3.  J.C.--and only 15 years old
4.  Robbie Poven
5.  Ashley--a "Broadway" type girl who wants Liza and pop to meet.  Cried her way to a golden ticket, but I was happy to see her gain one (luckily this was when Jennifer couldn't say no).
6.  Victoria Higgins
7.  Devon Rush
8.  Brielle VonHugel & Travis Orlando are my honorable mentions


Favorite American Idol Season Ten Stories:
1.  Travis Orlando--Best story of the week.  Likeable guy with a star-quality face.  Lived in a shelter in the Bronx.  His family is likable too which translate: those at home will enjoy watching his family in the audience.  Travis has a twin brother and mom is one of those moms who is more interested in watching her son's hug than she is about greeting the celebrity judges.
2.  Kosovo refugee and cute girl.

Channel	Date & Time	Episode
FOX	Wed, Jan 26 8:00 PM	Auditions #3 New Preliminary auditions continue in Season 10's third episode.
FOX	Thu, Jan 27 8:00 PM	Auditions #4 New Open auditions continue.
FOX	Wed, Feb 2 8:00 PM	Auditions #5 New Open auditions continue.
FOX	Thu, Feb 3 8:00 PM	Auditions #6 New Auditions continue.
FOX	Wed, Feb 9 8:00 PM	Auditions #7 New Open auditions resume.