American Idol 11 – The cross-country auditions are over

They went to several new regions this time!

Series producer Nigel Lithgow and co-creator Simon Fuller also finally changed some things for the better. Most of the shows were only an hour, so they were more focused on showing us the talented people instead of all of the awful ones. Those still showed up on screen long enough to be told “No.” and a small handful of them got full air time (we  couldn’t have been amazed at Magic Cyclops otherwise), but overall the pain was diminished.

The only disappointing thing: we didn’t have a ‘Pants on the Ground’-like thing this year.

Idol catch-up

I waited to make sure that I didn’t spoil results for the West coast. Ryan Seacrest got in trouble a few weeks ago for tweeting results after the show and ruining it for those who hadn’t seen it yet.

The songs of Lennon and McCartney made a fascinating theme a few years ago, and this time was no different. Some of the performances were strange though. Lee DeWyze sang a great version of Hey Jude, but having a bagpiper stroll down was very strange. It reminded me of a Julian Lennon concert here in Montreal a few months after his only album, with his sole hit song. Overall it was a dull concert, the only real saving grace when he brought a giant harmonica prop out.

I didn’t agree with the results though. I thought Andrew Garcia performed weakest overall. Michael Lynch was actually pretty good. He was well-worth the judges save though.

I also don’t think Tim Urban‘s performance was that good.

Next week is a double elimination because of the save. Maybe Tim will finally get cut then.

The new top 12 was chosen

Ryan Seacrest promised us surprises. For the most part, there weren’t – until Katie was chosen over the much more talented Lindsay. I think the latter will have a good career without the competition, while the former will be one of the first eliminated, as will Tim Urban. He isn’t awful, but he isn’t that good.

Crystal Bowersox is – which is why I think she’ll make it to Top 3. It’s too early to be sure, but I’m guessing that Sioban Magnus will go far.