The Racquette

Issue date: 2/26/10 Section: A&E

The sensational "find-a-new-pop-star" talent show, American Idol, created by Simon Fuller, is underway and already on season number nine. I'll admit that the show is uncharacteristic of my tastes, but it has proven to be a wonderful guilty pleasure, and just about the only television show I watch. Since its introduction back in 2001, Idol has steadily become one of the most popular television shows in the history of American television.

Idol has also undergone many changes throughout the almost-decade it's been around, the most drastic changes being the addition of judges Kara Dioguardi and Ellen Degeneres, with the subtraction of crowd-pleaser, Paula Abdul. Honestly, as a critic, I was a little skeptical of the decision to place Ellen in a judge's seat, due to her talk-show antics. Going into the season, I cringed at the thought of Ellen bursting into her quirky "dance time" that she seems to slip into her talk-show- so far so good, but there's a long way to go in the season.

With talents such as Carrie Underwood, Kris Allen, and Jordin Sparks having been manufactured from the wildly popular show, what can viewers expect from the seemingly dynamic talent season nine has to offer?

The "Top 24" contestants (12 female, 12 male) were chosen last week in Idol's typical overly dramatic style that attempts to leave viewers on the edges of their seats, despite the overall predictability of most of the outcomes. However, I was shocked with the judge's choice of the male top 12, particularly in the choice to keep 16-year-old Aaron Kelly's weak vocals over 16-year-old Thaddeus Johnson's more developed vocal sound. Seeing that cut made was honestly heartbreaking for me, but also sparked Internet rage among Idol-watchers.

My first two mentionable picks for Idol success lies within two of the single-parent contestants, 24-year-old Andrew Garcia, of Moreno Valley, California, and 24-year old Crystal Bowersox, of Elliston Ohio. I don't know what it is about these single-parent types, but they always have a touching story, claiming they want a better life for their children, and have the vocal power to often succeed in their efforts. Both contestants have uncanny, husky voices and a talent for putting their own spin on song-choices, which could be seen straight from their auditions. I believe both contestants will make it to the "Top 12," with relative ease.

Another mentionable pick is 24-year-old Todrick Hall, of Arlington, Texas. This choir-boy is another contestant with a touching story- he has spent most of his life caring for his mother. Hall also has a unique style, combining elements of two of his influences, Beyoncé, and the Rascall Flats.

As of February 23, the "Top 24" performances have begun in standard American Idol style with the 12 female performances on Tuesday nights, and the top 12 male contestants performing on Wednesday nights. So far, I have only seen the ladies' perform, and I must say that I'm not all that impressed. A lot of the females are predictable, forgettable, and full of vocal fumbles- do I sound like Simon yet? Perhaps I am being too harsh on the females, but the only performances that stood out to me were those of 16-year old Haeley Vaughn, 20-year-old Lilly Scott, and 19-year-old "darkhorse" contestant Sibohan Magnus.

What will commence over the next couple of weeks is the whittling-down of contestants to create the "Top 12" mixed group that will battle for the top spot. The Racquette will follow the competition throughout the rest of the semester.

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