American Idol Is Inferior
Written by Rob Abramenko Thursday, 04 March 2010 12:49
"If your lifeguard duties were as good as your singing, a lot of people would be drowning."- Simon Cowell. Yes, he can sometimes be rude and a wee bit obnoxious but if there is one thing Simon does know....he knows what sells. And in less than two years...he's going to launch the U.S. version of X-factor. And guess what...Its going to be better than American Idol.
WHY AMERICAN IDOL IS BORING - And Simon is bored with it:
First off...Simon Cowell has not trashed American Idol, I have no knowledge that he dislikes the show. But honestly...is it just me or does Simon Cowell seem to be going thru the motions this year? It seems ever since he announced he would be leaving the show to work on the U.S. version of X-Factor...Idol has lost something. Or maybe we didn't give Paula Abdul enough credit. Either way...if anyone thinks that the American Idol franchise created by Simon Fuller (a completely different Simon) is not in heaps of trouble...then they are as delusional as William Hung.
What people don't realize is that with Simon getting ready to launch X-Factor in September of 2011, we are headed towards a showdown that will make the Jay Leno/Conan O'Brien fiasco look like a school yard dust-up. Fuller has already tried to sue Simon Cowell, and Cowell's company Syco for copyright infringement in the U.K. A high court hearing began in London in November 2005, the outcome awaited with interest by media lawyers for its potential effect on the legal situation regarding the copyrighting of formats. However the hearing was quickly adjourned and a settlement was reached out of court at the end of the month. Now..it should be a pretty good battle on U.S. turf...but have to tell you...as a fan of the British X-factor...its really no contest.
WHAT IS THE X-FACTOR - And why should we even care?:
Unlike American Idol, the judges play a bigger role in the talent's performance. There are four categories...over 25's, the boys, the gals and the groups. Each judge is given a group...they mentor them, pick their songs and then at every live show they judge the finals and someones 'act' is removed from the competition. Now, not only is the premise more interesting, because we get to see if Simon Cowell is a star maker but also the talent just seems better. Watching the first round auditions are amazing...this years crop could easily blow any of the American Idol stars from this season off the stage. Here are a couple of videos of two of my favourites, Jamie Archer and Danyl Johnson. Keep in mind...these were there first auditions...and unlike Idol...they perform in front of a HUGE CROWD. Let me know what you think of American Idol and the performances below, just EMAIL ME HERE. OH and by the way...These two didn't even WIN! The winner this season was Joe McElderry.
There is a lot of interest on who may join Simon on the judges panel. Its been rumored that Simon has been thinking about adding Paula Abdul to the mix. Also Cheryl Cole could possibly join the panel since she knows the gig and is currently working on the U.K. version. Celebrity Big Brother winner and bitter pill, Piers Morgan says he would love a shot at it...suggesting that it will be huge in America. And dark horse and Brit presenter Steve Jones said in a recent interview with Alan Carr that he could be getting the nod to be on the show. Either way...better format, better talent, better judges...better show. Period.
ROLL UP THE RIM SCOREBOARD - not too bad of a start:
Well off and running and so far better than my 0-for-35 round. I have won one free coffee (woo hoo). I am currently working on a coffee as I type so not sure what little surprise it has for me but so far I am sitting at 1 for 4 when it comes to Roll Up The Rim. Heidi from the Vipers told me Dr. Duncan Wray is 0-for3 and the Voice of The Vipers, Todd Miller is 1-for-3. So not too bad across the board. Speaking of the Snakes...and if you are reading this blog...a chance for you to win tickets to see Game 2. All you have to do is drop me a line HERE and tell me if you play Tim Horton's Roll Up The Rim contest.
PICTURE OF THE DAY - Because Winter Is Almost Over (Click To Enlarge Pic) 
ODDS AND ENDS:
Check in with Rob's BLOG on Monday to see a brand new feature we are calling 'Dave Downtown'. KISS FM Events Crew member Dave Greene hits the streets to talk to the nice people in Vernon's downtown core about a range of subjects. So far...the footage I've seen is pretty good. Also the Vernon Vipers first playoff game goes next Tuesday at 7:00. Don't forget to show up early for the Boston Pizza Tailgate Party hosted by KISS FM. Have a great weekend everyone!
