What Would You Change For AI2?
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TV ClubHouse: Archives: American Idol 2002: What Would You Change For AI2?

Adven

Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 05:32 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
Hi. How's it going? I'm fine, thanks.... Now that we've got the pleasantries out of the way, I was wondering what changes you would like to see for AI2. What would I suggest, you ask? Well, I'll tell you:

1. Get rid of Dunkleman. A shrub would make just as entertaining a co-host, and it would have the added good sense not to wink at some imaginary person in the audience incessantly. For that matter, get rid of Seacrest, too. I'm not unreasonable, though. I'll take Seacrest, if Dunkleman promises to put out a contract on himself.

2. Get rid of Seacrest once Dunkleman fulfills the contract.

3. Get two judges to go with Simon who will actually dare to suggest one fabulous performer (Kelly or Tamyra) is actually considerably better than a mediocre one (the rest). Paula blandly loved everyone and Randy only rarely raised his head to say anything worthwhile. This doesn't mean they have to be as entertainly cruel as Simon, but it would certainly help.

4. Let the judges talk more. Anytime Seacrest and Dunkleman talk eight times as often as Simon, something is seriously wrong with the universe.

5. I'd let the public vote for the two to be considered for expulsion each week, but let the judges pick which of the two should go. Leaving this chore solely to the voting public, a shocking number of which are clearly tone deaf, is too daunting a task. I say this because I am still mind-numbingly bitter about not getting the Kelly/Tamyra sing-off I thought I was entitled to.

6. Hire comedy writers who don't need a dictionary to grasp the concept of comedy. The stuff they wrote to help the others bash Simon was remarkable for one thing only: it's lack of wit.

7. Do not give anyone Ford Escorts, do not make us watch people drive them and do not concoct really bad skits in order to force us to watch people drive them.

8. Finally, do not audition 10,000 young hopefuls. This is overkill. Surely, 9,997 is more than adequate.

Well, that's my wish list. Eight items doesn't seem like all that much, though, now that I think of it. I can usually be substantially more curmudgeonly than that. Oh yeah:

9. Do not show shots of young females in the audience raising their arms in the air and swaying to the music. I don't do that sort of thing, at least not in public, and I don't appreciate it in others. Hiring a few goons to jostle and intimidate repeat offenders would nip that little irritant in the bud.

Shortnsweet

Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 07:44 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
One of the entertainment shows had Ice-T critique the AI contestants. He was great! He was witty and insightful. They need someone like him to take Randy Jackson's place. Anyone would be better than Paula!

Muse

Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 10:31 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I've heard that Dunkleman won't be back. True? :)

I have to say that the person who I want to come back the least is Randy. The only memorable thing about him was the near-fight with Simon. And I just never really found him all that likable for some reason.

Paula, meanwhile, provided fairly useless critiques (the only thing she really accomplished was helping pick out the top thirty - I assume she *did* have opinions on that), but I sort of like having someone to balance out Simon. She seemed to really like and care about the contestants, and that was kind of sweet. I also think Simon needs someone to pick on and fight with (besides the kids, that is). I don't know. I guess it's not really that I want Paula back. It's just that I want someone who is very different than Simon around.

Hummingbird

Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 04:28 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Randy was my least favorite, after Seacrest and Dunkleman. All he could do was say everyone's name three times in a row followed by "What's up dude?"

Paula was okay. Somehow her ability to soften Simon's hurtful critiques balanced things out.

Loved Simon -- he made the show interesting.

Wcv63

Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 05:17 am EditMoveDeleteIP
Some of your wish list is already coming true.

Dunkleman will not be back. Seacrest may or may not be back (leaning on the "may" side) and there is talk that he may get a female co-host. (Why they need two people to host is beyond me)

Paula will not be back. She will be working on her own kickass album. (Or so she says)

I've heard Natalie Maines (Dixie Chicks) wants to be a judge. She said she would be just as mean as Simon.

The whole commercial aspect of AI with the Ford and Coke plugs is so overdone, so over the top cheesy that AI wouldn't be the same without it. Part of AI's appeal is the cheese and whine. Can't have one without the other. IMO

I like Adven's idea of having the judges pick the bottom runners and then having the public vote out the loser. However that could lead to problems with "voting irregularities." Better just leave things the same.

Bluie

Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 09:36 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I agree with getting rid of Dunkleman, Randy, and Paula. although Paula was a good counterpoint to Simon, they need someone who will put more substance in their critiques.

I saw Ice-T's comments also and thought he would make a great judge.

I like Seacrest( his energy and corny persona) and think a female host is an excellent idea.

I also agree with keeping some of the cheese, that's one of the things what makes AI a fun show.

Sam222

Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 11:22 am EditMoveDeleteIP
I would really like them to reveal the number of votes for each singer once the top 10 is chosen. I think it would be interesting to see who got the most votes not just the bottom 3.

Seamonkey

Sunday, September 08, 2002 - 06:05 pm EditMoveDeleteIP
I hope Seacrest follows Dunkleman out the door.

There are jillions of people who would be better hosts for that show.

I think perhaps the hosts should be less smart-a$$ and I didn't see why they had to be confrontational with the judges, but maybe that is just part of the show.

Yeah some cheese has to stay :) Plus all the skits are part of the experience/training for the contestants.

Without Simon, to me, the show just wouldn't be AI. But Paula and especially Randy.. no loss.