April 29, 2008
Get with the times, Idol
First, let me start by saying – I am so excited to guest blog this week. I mean, I HAVE to watch TV. I promised Wendy I would. Pinch me ‘cause I must be dreaming.
Second, my friends on the "Today Show" spoke of "American Idol" and my ears naturally perked up. Apparently, ratings have dropped significantly and especially in the demographic of young women (ages 18-34). What could have possibly contributed to this decline in ratings?
The answer – song choice.
With Neil Diamond songs going on this week, I wonder, have we heard any songs from today? Let’s see – we did the 1960’s, 70’s and 80’s. We held onto the Beatles for two weeks (two weeks?). There was the “Year You Were Born,” Dolly Parton, Inspirational Songs, Mariah Carey, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Hmmmmmm…. Nope – no songs from today – not many anyway.
This leads us to tonight’s theme – Neil Diamond.
Edgy – real edgy.
Comments
[April 29, 2008 9:19 PM]
Jen D (in Dallas)I agree with your thoughts on song choice. BORING SEASON. Week after week I find myself less interested. This might be my final season to watch. I'm just not really excited about it anymore.
[April 30, 2008 1:14 PM]
Carrie G.Neil Diamond is America's Greatest Singer/Songwriter!
[April 30, 2008 2:39 PM]
Amy Hanek : →http://www.houseonthegladehill.blogspot.comI appreciate the vote of confidence you offer to ND Carrie, but most know him well from his songs written over twenty years ago.
Tonight ND will be performing with Natasha Bedingfield (most known for her big hit, "Unwritten"). I am hoping this will show America (and me) that ND is capable of performing for that younger crowd.
[April 30, 2008 4:34 PM]
Carrie G.I am a young woman (mid-twenties) and I know that Neil can do it. I guess I just have "mature" taste! =)
[April 30, 2008 5:09 PM]
Nona : →http://blogs.roanoke.com/thehappywag/Here's two cents from a 40ish woman who was raised by a family of devout Neil Diamond fans:
I was really hoping the contestants, especially Jason Castro, would do some of the oldest, vintage Diamond songs, which are my favorite. I was hoping Castro would latch on to "Kentucky Woman" or "Holly Holy" or "Solitary Man." Alas, he picked one of Diamond's weakest songs, "September Morn." I did like his take on "Forever in Blue Jeans" and I did not find it at all forgettable. In fact, it was stuck in my head all last night and most of this morning.
I really liked David Cook's choices and his version of "I'm Alive" could be a radio hit today. And I liked Brooke's version of "I Am I Said" even better than the original version, which I think is too melodramatic.
Little David A. was pretty dreadful. The only thing missing from his version of "America" was an Uncle Sam hat and twirlers with lighted batons. Talk about a theme park performance. And "Sweet Caroline" was no better. I just don't get the whole Archuleta thing.
Overall, it was hit-and-miss for me. I like Neil Diamond and he has a huge catalog to pick from, and I think about half the choices last night were a little off.