"American Idol" Season 13 official discussion...........

[dvdjunkie]

The newly revamped "American Idol" is at the gates and ready to roll out a new season beginning this coming Wednesday, January 15.

Ryan Seacrest and Keith Urban are the only two survivors from the disastrous season last year, and the previews make this look like they have gone back to the very roots of what made the show so good, and I am looking forward to seeing what is in store for us this season.

Joining Keith Urban at the judges desk will be Harry Connick Jr. and Jennifer Lopez. The audition shows begin this week and Wednesday and Thursday, on Fox beginning at 8 pm Eastern/7 pm Central times. Sadly, those on the left coast will not get the live show like those of us on the East coast and Midwest.

Hope that everything go right for this season. Randy Jackson will be back as a mentor after the top 24 is picked and they start the live shows. Looking forward to this season.

[Disney's Divinity]

I'm glad it's starting early, because I'm actually excited to see Harry Connick, Jr. and Keith Urban on the judging panel. I can do without JLO, but at least she'll be balanced out by the other two so she won't control the show like in seasons 10 and 11.

They've listed several changes to the show this year, the most important being 30-minute results shows. Also, the semifinals format will be different--with the top 30 performing by age group rather than by gender like they usually do. I think they're hoping to avoid viewer fatigue from having to hear several guys/girls in a row. Another change is that the judges can fastpass a few contestants to the finals before voting starts on the semifinalists. The Save is still a part of the show, too.

My only disappointment is that it'll most likely be a male winner by default this season, but I think I'll enjoy the judges enough to not be too annoyed this time.

[dvdjunkie]

Season 13 is off to a roaring start with the first two nights of 'Auditions' and I can honestly say that I like that they aren't showing all of the embarrassing moments as in previous seasons. I like to hear some good singers who just aren't ready for the "grind of competition" get told what they need to do and to come back next year.

So far Harry Connick Jr. is fitting right in with the craziness that is the auditions round for the search for the next American Idol.

I also like that the contestants can play an instrument for accompaniment (so far it has been guitar and ukele) and they can use their 'smar'phone for the correct key. I actually think that the small changes are working wonderfully and can't wait to see all the changes as they come the further into the competition we get.

After a disastrous Season 12 I am happy to say I am back as a full-time watcher for American Idol Season 13.

[Musical Master]

Season 13 is off to a roaring start with the first two nights of 'Auditions' and I can honestly say that I like that they aren't showing all of the embarrassing moments as in previous seasons. I like to hear some good singers who just aren't ready for the "grind of competition" get told what they need to do and to come back next year.

So far Harry Connick Jr. is fitting right in with the craziness that is the auditions round for the search for the next American Idol.

I also like that the contestants can play an instrument for accompaniment (so far it has been guitar and ukele) and they can use their 'smar'phone for the correct key. I actually think that the small changes are working wonderfully and can't wait to see all the changes as they come the further into the competition we get.

After a disastrous Season 12 I am happy to say I am back as a full-time watcher for American Idol Season 13.

I agree the chemistry with the judges is so great to the point that I forgot about the stupid choices of Manaj and Carey in an instant. Season 12 was a huge disaster but this new season is really looking up.

[Disney's Divinity]

I don't agree season 12 was any more of a disaster than these types of shows usually are. Having 4 judges was a mess though, and they've clearly learned their lesson that there should only be one female judge at a time. JLO would've been as bad as Nicki Minaj if Mariah Carey had been on the panel with her. Thankfully, Randy Jackson isn't there to inflate her ego anymore either.

[dvdjunkie]

Season Thirteen is off to a roaring start. Last night they were in Detroit, Michigan and it was all positive for the most part, and when Jennifer Lopez had to make a potty stop, Harry Connick got up and pretended he was a contestant and let Keith Urban be the judge. It was so much, and so truly indescribable.

There were some very outstanding vocalists, and some that had their bubble burst when they were turned down. What I like most is that the judges are being cruel or vicious, they are trying to give constructive criticism and inviting them to come back next year and try again.

I am so glad we don't have the "no talents" in this year's competition. It makes the show so much better and easier to watch. And I honestly love the addition of Harry Connick, Jr. as the third judge. This season should be really good to watch, and have lots of qualified contestants to root for.

Season 13 is definitely going to be watched by me and my family this season.

[dvdjunkie]

Next week American Idol 13 gets to Hollywood with 212 competitors who are in for a tough week. This is where they separate the talent from the wannabe's.

The three judges, Harry Connick Jr., Jennifer Lopez, and Keith Urban have warned the finalists that this next couple of weeks is going to be the toughest test and only those who can handle the pressure of performing in front of their peers will be selected to move on to the 'live' shows.

So far, I have really been impressed with those singers who were selected for the Golden Ticket to Hollywood. There have been only a couple of real standouts that I, personally, didn't think should have been sent on, but then there were some who didn't make it, that I think might have brought a different edge to Hollywood Weeks.

[dvdjunkie]

The first show of Hollywood Week on Season 13 of American Idol is rolling along. It was really good to see that they have added some great twists to the auditions. When the first hour was over last night, we had 52 less competitors, as those who re-auditioned were separated into two groups and not told whether they made it or not and the buses left the hangar, one headed for the Hotel in Hollywood, and the other back to the airport for the homeward journey.

By the end of the second hour, there were just under a hundred people left, after the second auditions, and tonight we will have the 'group' auditions and get the field narrowed down to the Top 40 and next week we should know who makes it to the "live" shows.

I really like the little wrinkles that they have added, so far, this year. It is making the show a lot more interesting, and I will not miss a show this season.

[dvdjunkie]

It was a tough night last night for all those who were trying to make it past the group round. I think they said 74 made it through out of the 160. Any way, next Wednesday night, Feb. 12, those that are left after the group auditions will again do a solo audition for the judges and they will then cut the total down to 40. And then it will be down to the top 24, next Thursday.

I really like the judges this year, and like how Ryan Seacrest is staying out of the show at this time. Harry Connick Jr. is impressing me as he explains to a contestant why they were cut and didn't make it to the next round. This is something they didn't do last season, and already this season the viewership of American Idol is way past the Season 12 ratings and arguments. These are three judges who care about what is going on and when they make a cut, they explain it to the contestant, and actually invite the younger ones to 'try out next year'.

This looks like the American Idol of old, and I really like all of the little changes they have made so far.

[Musical Master]

It was a tough night last night for all those who were trying to make it past the group round. I think they said 74 made it through out of the 160. Any way, next Wednesday night, Feb. 12, those that are left after the group auditions will again do a solo audition for the judges and they will then cut the total down to 40. And then it will be down to the top 24, next Thursday.

I really like the judges this year, and like how Ryan Seacrest is staying out of the show at this time. Harry Connick Jr. is impressing me as he explains to a contestant why they were cut and didn't make it to the next round. This is something they didn't do last season, and already this season the viewership of American Idol is way past the Season 12 ratings and arguments. These are three judges who care about what is going on and when they make a cut, they explain it to the contestant, and actually invite the younger ones to 'try out next year'.

This looks like the American Idol of old, and I really like all of the little changes they have made so far.

The one moment when one of the contestants decided to go home on their on accord and Harry (in his usual self ) decided to "quit" too and he gave two birds to everyone was very funny.

[Disney's Divinity]

I hadn't watched since the first auditions episode because auditions are boring to me, but I enjoyed the past two nights. I knew coming into this season that it would be a return to the WGWG (White Guy with Guitar) since audiences didn't like going back to a girl's year last season, but wow at the nonstop guitars... So far, my favorite contestants: Sam Woolf, Munfarid Zandi, and Spencer Lloyd, in that order. Well, I did like Spencer before it looked like he sabotaged his group. No girls so far that I've found impressive, naturally.

The girl who decided to leave because she thought maybe she was too Gospel for the show--she actually comes from a city very near me. I was hoping she'd make it because of that, but she ended up leaving. I thought Harry Connick, Jr. was a little rude about that, personally. It was funny when he joked that he was afraid Randy Jackson would be in his chair by the time he came back to his seat though.

[dvdjunkie]

The big cuts will come tonight as those that are left, about 70 will be whittled down to the Top 30 who will perform next Tuesday and Wednesday, the girls on Tuesday, and the guys on Wednesday and the Top 13 will be revealed on the results show on Thursday.

I love this season so far and think that they have the right judges, and the new rules are really in the contestants favor. As much as I hated last year's talentless show, I am really loving this season. There are going to be some really talented people in the Top 13, if everyone remembers to vote.

Remember you can't complain if you don't vote, and the live shows begin next Tuesday, Feb. 18.

[dvdjunkie]

Next Tuesday, February 18, the "Live" shows will begin and first order of business will be the reveal of which of the two last standing guys will get that coveted one place that is open. We were asked to vote for one of them at the conclusion of last night's show and the results of that voting will eliminate one of them.

Tuesday night it will be the girls night to shine, and get our votes, Wednesday night the guys get their chance, and Thursday night will be the reveal of the Top 13 contestants for Season 13's American Idol crown.

There is a bunch of really good singers this season. And there are a lot more surprises in store for the contestants at next week's live shows.

[Disney's Divinity]

Watched tonight's episode and, overall, the girls are almost embarassing if compared to the vocalists last year, but I expected the girls to be weak since this is a man's year.

The only girls I feel anything for is Emily and MK. Brianna has a nice tone, but she's kind of a mess. Besides that, I wouldn't mind if Malaya and/or Majesty make it. I'm glad Jillian Jensen (the sob story girl from The X Factor) didn't get to sing.

Looking forward to Sam Woolf tomorrow.

EDIT: After seeing the guys, the judges look even more incompetent for choosing those girls; no way there aren't better female singers out there than that.

I was disappointed that Ethan Harris didn't get to perform, but he probably wouldn't have got voted through anyway since all the guitars will probably dice the voting percentages. I would've much rather have seen him or Maurice perform over Emmanuel or Malcolm.

Overall, the only guys that I'm pulling for right now are Sam and maybe Caleb (although I don't think he could win). I have a feeling this is going to be a boring year with the soul/country/indie music nonstop. Kind of disappointed Harry Connick, Jr. didn't bring us a stronger cast. Miss the Simon days.

[dvdjunkie]

Tomorrow night the Top 13 hit the live stage for our votes. I think that I agree with Harry Connick Jr. that there was a lot of "good" talent that just struggled with nerves on their last night of performing.

On Thursday's results show we will see the return of last year's winner Candace Glover. Good timing as her album will also be released in a couple of weeks. Should be a good show and it is not going to be easy to pick the first one to go, unless they have a "moment".

American Idol Season 13 is definitely going to be a lot of fun.

[Disney's Divinity]

1. Majesty
2. M.K. Nobilette
3. Sam Woolf
4. C.J.
5. Caleb Johnson
6. Kristen O’Conner
7. Jena Irene
8. Jessica Meuse
9. Malaya
10. Dexter Roberts
11. Alex Preston
12. Emily Piriz
13. Ben Briley

Majesty, MK, Sam and CJ were the best of the night for me. The rest ranged from occasionally good to pretty bad. Unfortunately, Emily was one of the worst and I’m expecting her to go tonight. I knew Emily and Kristen would be fighting for the first elimination, but hoped it would be Kristen. Her “Beautiful Disaster” was better than Emily’s “Glitter in the Air,” but I didn’t care for either.

I was surprised Alex and Ben were as bad as they were. I thought Alex seemed like a possible dark horse last week, and I was really worried Ben might win the season (because he appeals to the demographic of this show). I kind of hope they both keep doing bad so they won’t win--Majesty, MK (which is unlikely) or Sam are the only acceptable winners for me so far.

[dvdjunkie]

Kristen, MK, and Malaya were the bottom three last night and it was Kristen who was sent home. If people are voting in all the ways possible this could be a hazardous year to try and pick who is who after the performances.

Contrary to Disney Divinity, I think that they have a couple of very strong girl singers this year and I also think they are better than the guys.

Don't understand what people don't like about Ben Briley, or Alex.

Our Top 12 perform next Wednesday for our votes. If you watch and don't vote, you don't have much say in the outcome.

Candance Glover looked horrible last night. Whoever did that makeup job on her should be shot at dawn. You can't take away her talent. She definitely can sing. Also the kid from England, Jake Bugg, was pretty good.

Am loving the interaction between Harry, Jennifer, and Keith. That is what is going to keep the show above the rest this season.

[dvdjunkie]

After some pretty good performances and some pretty awful ones I think that we will probably see either Alex or MK going home tonight.

I don't like Sam, but that is just me. He is a "pretty boy" and all of his songs sound the same, although he did better last night, but he could be going home in the week or two if he doesn't get out of the rut he is in while singing.

Dexter blew the roof off the place with his rendition of "Working Man" and Malaya brought tears to many, including myself, with her song. She could sneak up on everyone and win this thing. Really like her a lot. Ben Briley was just okay, but I think he will make through this week's voting.

So far, so good. Am really liking this season, and will DVR Dancing with Stars so I don't miss a minute of American Idol. DWTS may or may not be a total watch of a show, depends on how the first week or two goes. Then I may just wait for the Finals and watch that show. Big fan of "The Voice" on Monday nights and refuse to watch anything else besides "American Idol" and "The Voice".

[Disney's Divinity]

I watched last night, and probably for the first time I felt like just not watching American Idol anymore. This has got to be the worst year of talent since season 9. The only performance I even halfway liked was Malaya's "Take Me to the King," and even in that performance, her high notes were screechy. The top 4 girls from last year have 10 times the talent of any of these contestants.

What was more sad was how they showed the early voting and, naturally, all the girls were at the bottom of the voting. Why do they even cast girls anymore--why not just have 13 white guys who can't sing instead, since those are the only people that can win this show? Season 12 may be the last good season this show'll have, and they had to put the gayest, most unattractive men possible just for the women to have a chance again. I'm glad we got Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, and Jordin Sparks early on, because they'd stand no chance now. Even Whitney Houston in her prime wouldn't be able to win this show the way it is now.

[dvdjunkie]

Don't know what show you are watching Disney Divinity, but this season has a lot more talent than the last few seasons. That is only my opinion, not casting dispersions on you, so don't throw rocks.

The girls they have this year are a lot weaker than former shows, but each one of them has a very good voice, and after watching the Results show last night and having to put up with that no-talent Phillip Phillips again made me realize how bad the last couple of years has been.

Kodaline, Randy Jacksons 'discovery' was pretty bad, so I do hope that they come up with some better Results night entertainment.

Emily was the loser last night and I was surprised that MK or Alex didn't get sent home, but now we have another week to see if there are any improvements. It could be a guy's year this year, but I do hope that a girl comes out of the background to give the guys some competition.

I definitely hope Alex improves and takes note of the criticisms that were leveled at him by the judges. Ben Briley is so self-centered that he may be his own worst enemy. When he said, "I don't care what the judges say, when the time comes to perform I give it my all" just might be his downfall.

Let's hope we see some improvement over the next few weeks, or Season 13 could be a total bust as far as talent goes.