Vanguard

Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: Entertainment

Season seven of the FOX Network's hit show "American Idol" is underway and there is one criticism that the judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, constantly give to contestants that can be applied to show--"American Idol" needs to raise its game. So far this season, viewers were promised talent superior to past seasons' talents and a new, bigger and better stage. The stage is awfully pretty, but there are more negative aspects than good. However, stated in Paula Abdul-like fashion, there are some positive aspects as well.

During the Hollywood week, which has a reputation for its brutality, "Idol" showcased some strengths. Performers were allowed to sing and play instruments and the requirement for performers to sing as a group was dropped. Another plus of this season is the addition of past contestants, such as Kellie Pickler and Kimberley Locke, performing and giving updates on their careers since their duration on "Idol."

The past contestants are replacing last season's "American Bandstand" feel, where guest artists performed. It just happened that last season's guests always seemed to have a CD about to release to the public.
Now on to the Simon Cowell-like negative aspects of the show: The bad parts of the show are numerous. First, "Idol" has been on for six years now, and it is confusing at times to watch the judges commentary of contestants. The judges do not give contestants clear objectives for performing. Instead, comments such as "We are looking for the best singer in America" or "We are looking for the best talent," and even "the winner has to be just as good or better than any recording artist on the radio" fill airtime, while offering no guidance to performers.

Those vague pieces of advice about singing are of little use when the prize is a recording contract. Another annoyance of this season is the mosh pit near the stage. This addition blocks the at-home television audience's view of the stage, because the mosh pit crowd's arms take up two-thirds of the screen. In addition, Ryan Seacrest's promotion of the performers as the strongest crop of contestants ever is blatantly false. Too bad the FCC cannot fine "Idol" for false advertisement due to that statement. For example, early favorites Michael Johns and Carly Smithson have faded into the background,while David's Archuleta and Cook are front runners. Meanwhile, everyone else seems to be playing it safe with his or her performances and are just there. Despite all of these defects, "American Idol" still brings in high ratings. However, to keep its place in the television hierarchy, "Idol" is in dire need of stepping up its game.

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