The Diva, the Dawg and the Demon of Screamin’.
These are not characters in a Grimms Brothers story. Rather, they are the newest players in the millennial fairytale that is ... “American Idol.”
Last night’s season 10 premiere was perhaps the most anticipated in the show’s history. Yes, it was the debut of the new judging triumvirate, featuring Jennifer Lopez, Steven Tyler and veteran Randy Jackson. Perhaps more importantly, though, it marked the official end to the banal season 9, and that in itself is a bonus.
Also read our recap: Steven Tyler's the New Simon -- But in a Good Way
Nigel Lythgoe & Co. didn’t miss a chance to capitalize on the hoopla surrounding this new panel. The opening montage focused on the media speculation that has surrounded the show for months, luring viewers in with its tabloid treasures.
“But this isn’t our story,” the graphics chided. “It’s yours.”
Roll your eyes all you want, but this truly seems to be the mantra of season 10. Producers are serious about developing an actual platinum-selling Idol this time around. Lythgoe has stated repeatedly that the show needs to get back to doing what it’s supposed to: making a superstar. That may not have been possible had Simon stayed on. His star shone brighter than most of the Idols put together, even during his apathetic final season. But with Cowell out of the picture, big changes were imperative.
The addition of J. Lo and Steven Tyler was brilliant on so many levels, not the least of which is that they have each sold millions of albums themselves. What a novel concept, huh? To have someone who has actually succeeded as a true “American Idol” judge this little talent contest.
And so far, so good. Unlike last season, the panel actually seems to enjoy one another’s company.
As the only remaining judge from season 1, Randy acts as a guide for his new partners. His presence is a comfort, yet he continues to find difficulty in expanding his vocabulary. He liberally sprinkles “mad vocal skills,” “yo” and of course, “dawg,” throughout his predictably stale critiques.
Tyler, on the other hand, is an entertaining walking paradox. While it’s not fair to call him a Paula-Simon hybrid, he is equal parts kooky and no-nonsense. Whether he’s spontaneously breaking into song mid-speech or spouting wacky wisdom (“Water her flower ‘cause it’s gonna grow”), he is definitely the stand-out personality. Unlike Paula, though, you never lose the feeling that he actually knows what he’s talking about.
Tyler’s antics are often laugh-out-loud funny and sometimes completely bleeped out, yet you never get the feeling that he (unlike Simon) is playing a “television personality.” Even better, you never get the feeling that he has hired comedy writers to come up with sarcastic putdowns. He is very matter-of-fact when telling contestants that they just don’t have the stuff, but never intentionally mean.
