Austin360 blogs > TV Blog > Archives > 2008 > January > 16 > Entry
‘Idol’ off to a good start
Alternately cringing and grinning, I made it through last night’s seventh season opener of “American Idol.”
OK, I didn’t just make it through … I secretly loved most of it. Usually I hate this phase of “Idol,” when the embarrassing parts squeeze out the entertaining parts. But last night was pretty darn good. I’m sorry.
The folks in Philadelphia led the audition episodes, with some genuine talent and a bevy of borderline nut jobs. But the best moment — and the one that signals this season just might be less cruel than last season in this stage — was the judging trio’s response to a sweet girl named Temptress.
The 16-year-old had a not-so-fabulous audition and tried to take the rejection like a grown-up, but tears began to flow and just wouldn’t stop. Paula, Randy and, yes, even Simon offered words of encouragement and then got up and group-hugged her. Then they walked her back to the lobby and told her mother how much they liked her — but not as a singer.
Sniff, sniff. Nicely done. Reality show with heart. Loved it.
Tonight we move on to the Dallas auditions, which, as evidenced by the promos, appear to have some of the strangest looking wannabes ever.
For all things “Idol,” be sure to keep up with my friend and colleague Gary Dinges, whose “Idol Chatter” blog is the best thing you’ll read on the blockbuster reality show, hands down. It’s smart, funny and totally cool.
Speaking of bloggers …
Austin PBS station KLRU is looking for submissions for its community journalism series “Docubloggers.” The topic for a special contest is “Reflections on Life in Central Texas.” The first-place winner will receive a video camera, and the winning video will be telecast on the series’ Feb. 21st episode.
Submissions that aren’t included in the telecast will be featured on the show’s online site at klru.org/docubloggers.
Videos should be between 30 seconds and 5 minutes in length and must be received by Feb. 15. Submit online at klru.org/docubloggers or send DVDs or tapes to Docubloggers Contest, KLRU-TV, P.O. Box 7158, Austin, TX 78713.
“Docubloggers” received a 2007 Lone Star Emmy for its pilot. The series airs Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. on KLRU.
Permalink | Comments (0) | Post your comment Categories: Reality TV
Comments
Click here to report comment abuse.