MeredithBradshaw.com

Meredith and Friends on the Internet

I have two big questions heading into Season Seven: Has American Idol peaked? And will the judges be even crueler in these first audition episodes than they were last season?

The show starts off with a human interest story – a likeable guy who gets through to Hollywood. So we’re off to a nice start.

As they preview the Egyptian dude – a ka “Sexy Face” a k a “From the Hair to the Nipple” a k a “Mr. The Bee Gees” – all I’m thinking is that I hope the judges go easy on him. We don’t need to make anymore enemies from that part of the world.

Paula’s bra is showing straight through, and Megan can’t get over her cleavage.

James Lewis – the black tour guide – sounds like a 45 playing at 33 backwards.

Commercial break: Is FOX 5 News at 10 really doing a segment on Rock Band?!

What kind of parent names their baby Temptress? Oh fuck – that kind of parent.

Commercial break: The breakdancing Visa commercial makes me wish I was watching SYTYCD.

Glitter girl Alexis Cohen looks like a Tracey Ullman character. I find her utterly fascinating, but where is that anger coming from? The five seconds spent on her mom is revealing.

Shekinah Bathyehuda reminds me of a character from In Living Color, like Kim Wayans’ Li’l Magic all growed up.

I really liked Paul Marturono’s original song about being a stalker.  I particularly enjoyed the Peter Falk and caulk lines. No need to give him the bum’s rush.

I hope Judd Apatow is getting royalties for the chest-waxing bit.

It takes about 105 minutes before Randy says “dog.”

Commercial break: Cloverfield looks like a movie about the monster from Lost if it came to Manhattan.

I guffawed at the cross-eyed Star Wars girl’s joke about how you must be living on an M-class planet in the Star Trek universe if you don’t recognize her haircut.

Overall, between Temptress, Princess Leia and Alexis Cohen, the judges were exceedingly kind. So far, the tone of the show is warmer than last season.

I don't understand why the producers are running Princess Leia's commentary about the homogeneity of the contestants over the images of Philly's golden ticket recipients. It seems they're making her point for her.

As for the other question – has AI recaptured its momentum? Too soon to tell.

Mere: COME HOME SOON! I DON'T KNOW HOW MUCH MORE I CAN TAKE OF THIS!

My Picks for the Finals:

- Junot

- Christy Lee Cook

- Chris Watson