auditions are (almost) over...

Well, they will be over after tonight's two-hour extravaganza of screamers, screechers and, well, the others.

Hollywood starts next week! Couldn't come soon enough.

I'm still digging out from the snow. The forecast warned us of eight inches. We got over a foot - the biggest snowfall in 50 years.

But for now it's an open thread for all of us to share our thoughts and complaints. Have fun.

And I'll see you next week.

auditions take five: it's almost over...

We're in the last stretch of auditions before we hit Hollywood. I don't think I'm the only one saying THANK HEAVENS!

On the homefront, it's snowing. A lot. And I still have a cold. But it's getting better, and I thank you for all of the well wishes.

I won't be watching live, so I'm counting on your commentary to tell me who to watch for when I watch the recording.

So it's open season on the wannabes! Have at it...

auditions take four: when will this end?...

It's another night, another day, new president and new round of auditions. I am anxiously awaiting the end of them, personally. The auditions, that is. Not the new president.

It's open because I have a cold, and I'm taking to my bed, hopped up on cold medication and tons of self-pity.

Have fun.

auditions take three: it's open...

It's another night of auditions, but it's a first in Washington, DC. I will be celebrating our new first family, recording Idol and waiting for your reviews.

It's an open thread. Help me out. Unless you're watching history too.

I love America!

auditions take two: another open thread...

We only have a handful more episodes of the craziness. Who stands out? Who should be thrown out? Who should have never been allowed near humans, much less on air?

It's another open thread for the second audition episode. Have at it.

it's an open thread...

As we usher in the eighth season of our favorite television talent competition, it's time to cheer and jeer the first groups of wannabes.

So because I won't be blogging the audition episodes, it's open season. This is the place for all of us to pick our early favorites, laugh at the comedy plants, laugh at the judges or just laugh at each other.

Because THIS is American Idol. And this is an open thread.

Y'all have at it.

wait...season 8??...

Seems like just two weeks ago we were debating Clay v. Ruben or just yesterday arguing over the Davids. Looks like this season we'll be discussing the judging merits of Paula v. Kara as a fourth judge, Kara DioGuardi, will join the judging panel this season.

Nigel Lythgoe will be a no-show this go-round, as he is off making his fortune elsewhere, and in his absence the show format has undergone some new changes and brought back some old favorites. The schedule is in the sidebar to the right, but here's a rundown.

The eighth season premieres Tuesday, Jan. 13 with the traditional parade of auditioners. The audition episodes (which are promised to highlight more the valid contenders from the pranksters) will continue for three weeks or seven episodes, wrapping up Thursday, Jan. 29. We'll get to see more than 15 minutes of Hollywood in exchange for the abbreviated audition airings (thank you!), with three full episodes of Hell Week, followed by the elevator/long walk/chair celebration on Wednesday, Feb. 11.

We're flashing back to the days of old this season, with 36 semi-finalists chosen from Hollywood instead of the 24 of the past few seasons. Each of the semi-finalists will perform just once for a chance to advance to the final 12, a departure from the three weeks of performances we've seen from each of them since season four.

The semi-final episodes begin Tuesday, Feb. 17 with twelve of the 36 performing. Another twelve will perform the following week, and the remaining twelve will sing the third week. Results nights will be Wednesdays with three finalists chosen by popular vote: one male, one female, and a third determined by the vote, regardless of gender.

By the end of the semi-finals we will have nine finalists, determined by votes. And we will see the return of the WILDCARD episode (YAY!!) where the judges will choose the remaining three finalists.

Those twelve will try to become the next Kelly, Ruben, Fantasia, Carrie, Taylor, Jordin or David, beginning Tuesday, March 10.

As usual I will not start regular blogging until the semi-final round, but I do plan to catch the audition episodes to see if they're going to live up to their promise of more grit and less grime. Your commentary is always welcomed and appreciated.

It's good to be back!