American Idol on Fox

By Adam Shuler

Fox’s mega-hit American Idol has established a pattern of being one of the cleanest shows on TV during its latter half, when stellar singing performances highlight each episode. But in the first part of the season, when thousands of hopefuls audition seeking their chance at fame, the series has usually focused on the worst auditions, with profanity-laced tirades and a negative atmosphere common. Last season, it seemed that this unpleasant underbelly dominated the mood of the show, leaving little time to embrace the positive side. But as this season’s program enters its next stage, when those who survived the first audition continue their competition, it must be noted that this year’s series of audition shows have been far less negative, and have tended to focus on the participant’s inspirational stories and singing. Though the unpleasant elements haven’t disappeared entirely, it is nice to see more recognition of good singers and, in many cases, a gentler treatment of those who did not make it through. The February 6^th episode showcased various singers from all the audition cities, and is our Best of the Week.

It’s fitting that, in a season in which Idol’s early episodes redeemed the program’s past behavior, redemption would play a big part in this episode. Two rejected Idol contestants from last season got a chance to perform for the judges again. Chikezie Ezie, 22, impressed the judges with “All the Woman I Need,” and Danny Noriega, 17, showcased his improvement with “Proud Mary,” with both men advancing to Hollywood. Nineteen-year-old Alicia Stelzl also found redemption, but in an unusual way. After her attempt at singing Celine Dion’s “Surrender” left the judges indifferent, Stelzl was told her voice sounded like Dolly Parton and that she would be given another chance if she sang a Parton tune. Unfortunately, she didn’t know one. She learned a brief segment of “Island in the Stream” and went back to sing for the judges. The technique of a “re-audition” has been used on Idol before, and in the past it nearly always provided an opportunity to mock the singer without giving them a chance to succeed. But Stelzl reversed the previous practice, and her quickly-learned tune sent her to Hollywood.

Though the early stage of American Idol this season was not without its less-pleasing elements (namely, bleeped profanity and a focus on less-talented hopefuls), the culture of the show has greatly improved over last season, and more of the early focus is being put on the positive aspects of the series that are exemplified in later episodes. Even when the auditioning singers didn’t do well, this season the situation did not escalate negatively, and the unsuccessful performers were let down relatively easily, with Paula, Randy and even Simon (!) often having kind words for them. For showing a positive trend in a part of its season previously associated with negativity, American Idol is deserving of the Best of the Week.

Best TV Show of the Week

The Parents Television Council - www.parentstv.org