TV Squad

Point/Counterpoint: The Tonight Show will fail Conan O'Brien

John Scott Lewinski — Mon, 01 Jun 2009 19:31:00 EST

Filed under: Other Comedy Shows, Programming, Celebrities, What To Watch Tonight, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip

Here comes the response to Mr. Zaino's prediction that Conan O'Brien Irish eyes will smile for a long time to come on NBC's The Tonight Show. It's possible the whole deal could turn into a lament.

My argument:

It seems more like The Tonight Show isn't the best marriage for Conan O'Brien, rather than the host being wrong for the show. From SNL to The Simpsons to his own Late Night, O'Brien was a driving force in some of the most cutting edge network comedy of the last 15 years. But, The Tonight Show isn't about "cutting edge." It's about something mildly entertaining to watch before folks tuck into bed. It's a waste of O'Brien's chops -- though you can't blame the guy for knocking down the paycheck.
Due to lazy NBC programming ideas, O'Brien's popularity could be damaged by his predecessor. No, Jay Leno is in no way out to sabotage his protege. But Leno's upcoming prime time, pre-news lead-in to The Tonight Show seems like overkill. Will audiences want to watch "Leno's old Tonight Show" followed by "O'Brien's new Tonight Show?"

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Here's the real American Idol voting conspiracy

Jason Hughes — Wed, 27 May 2009 18:07:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Alumni, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip

Fans of Kris Allen feel justified that their favorite won American Idol this year. Fans of the presumed favorite to win, Adam Lambert, have been lamenting his loss. Looking for reasons why Adam lost, as Bob reported, they've put some of the blame on AT&T. I think it's more a matter of the jaded state of California, where Lambert hails from. They're not as impressed with a famous singer in their midst as the people of Kris Allen's Arkansas are.

People in the Midwest and South don't have celebrities around every corner, and we're not as "hard" as the East Coast. So we still get excited when a "hometown" boy or girl does good. Think back to Season Five when Katharine McPhee went "home" to Los Angeles to a crowd of hundreds while Taylor Hicks was blown away by tens of thousands in Alabama (and they already had one Idol!).

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American Idol: 1 of 3 goes home

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 14 May 2009 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Alumni, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

It's getting down to the wire, and all three of the remaining contestants are certainly talented enough to be crowned the next American Idol. While I've been an Adam Lambert fan all along, I'd be fine with whomever wins this season.

Things start off tonight with the Ford commercial, kind of a fun little cartoon-oriented ad with Adam, Danny and Kris singing "Break My Stride." It must be really fun to see yourself as a cartoon/comic book character.

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Is anybody changing your mind on American Idol?

Jason Hughes — Wed, 13 May 2009 19:55:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Contestants, Predictions and Trends

For the most part, people tend to make their picks for who should win American Idol pretty early on. And for now the odds-on favorite remains Adam Lambert. Last night Simon told Kris that he'd all but written him off for the finale, but after his second performance he'd put himself right back into the thick of things. It's hard to argue that all three of these finalists are amazing talents. But has anyone done anything to make you change your mind about who should go to the finals or possibly even win the whole thing?

We've been building to a Danny/Adam finale pretty much since the beginning. Kris though, Kris kind of came out of nowhere early on, and I think he blew the other two boys away last night. Yes, I know Adam fans think he was amazing, but he again worked his patented "rock scream" into both songs and it didn't belong in either, particularly "One." Danny opened disastrously before redeeming himself, but Kris had that something special in both songs. Is it even possible to change people's minds at this point?

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American Idol: 1 of 4 goes home

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 07 May 2009 00:18:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Alumni, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip, Episode Reviews

Yet another results show has come around, and Ryan starts things off by asking, "Who will graduate from the Idol school of rock, and who will just get schooled?" You know, Ryan, I'm available if your writers are on strike. Call me.

Anyway, sounds like it was a dramatic week on American Idol - a large column collapsed and in a separate incident, a staffer was injured on a stair mishap. Whew. But the show must go on, and we'll find out tonight whether Allison, Danny, Adam or Kris will be going home. The other three get to go home, too, but for a big hometown parade with cheerleaders and town leaders gushing praise on them.

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American Idol: Top 5 Perform

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 00:22:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

The theme on this week's American Idol is songs from the Rat Pack era, and the five remaining contestants are mentored by Jamie Foxx. I get that he's a classically-trained musician who also starred in Ray and Dreamgirls, but is he the best person to mentor on this genre? I get the feeling that whomever is getting bad press calls up the Idol producers and begs to be on the show. Well, that and I'm sure he's plugging The Soloist, in theaters right now. Anyhoo ...

Kris Allen starts things off with "The Way You Look Tonight," one of my favorite songs from that era. It's really nice having Ricky Miner and the band onstage, because it helps to put you in that era. The tune starts off slow, then picks up with a jazzy beat in the middle. Really, really nice.

The Judges: Randy says it's his best performance to date; Kris took his time, told a story, and added some R&B stylings. Kara agrees, saying Kris set the technical standard high for the evening. "You are truly a dark horse in this competition," says Kara. Paula says he's made an amazing transition from boy-next-door to sophisticated gentleman. Simon isn't quite as enthusiastic, saying it's "wet" and like "taking a well-trained spaniel for a walk." He doesn't feel like Kris can win the competition.

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Where's the breakout star on American Idol?

Jason Hughes — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 16:27:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Contestants, Predictions and Trends

You can say Adam Lambert is the breakout star of American Idol this season, and you'd almost be right. But he's not. He's too over-the-top most of the time (keep your tongue in your mouth!) and though he's come closest, he still hasn't had that "moment" Simon is waiting for. In fact, none of them have. This is about as bland a "Final Five" as we've ever seen.

After all these weeks, there should have been a performance from almost everyone that forced me to back up the DVR and experience it at least once more. It hasn't happened.

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American Idol: Who goes home?

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 00:11:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

I love the movie Flashdance, so I got all excited when the Idols started singing "Maniac" for their group number. But then I quickly deflated when I realized their version is nothing like the movie version with Jennifer Beals doing her butt dance. I'm not a lesbian, but watching that scene always makes me wish I was. Bring on the leg warmers and ripped sweatshirt.

After that, we had some footage of the Idols attending the red carpet premiere of 17 Again and getting to meet Zac Efron, Leslie Mann and the other stars of the film. Zac was in the Idol audience, too, wearing some goofy ski hat and looking like nine miles of bad road, but whatever.

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American Idol: Results Show (1 of 9 goes home)

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 02 Apr 2009 00:12:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip, Episode Reviews

Well, most of you correctly predicted who would go home on American Idol this week. A whopping 1183 votes for the predicted loser were logged in our poll!

But before we got to find out who it was for real, a whole bunch of other stuff happened, starting with Kara saying she appreciates the audience and their passion for the Idols. That was in reference to the heckling she got last night.

And Paula tried to redeem herself by saying that while she put the spotlight on Adam Lambert (you know, that Mick Jagger/Steven Tyler comment), she knows that all of the Idols have something special. Alrighty then.

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American Idol: Top 9 Perform

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 01 Apr 2009 00:15:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

I kind of like the beginning of American Idol these days. The judges enter on the stage, so we get to see whatever awesome dress Paula is wearing. Not sure about last week's tutu, but I like her tulip-inspired red dress tonight.

Then Ryan descends from a big long stairway on the stage, like he's some old-time movie star or something. It's a little weird and cheesy, but also kind of fun. The theme this week is wide open, with the contestants choosing any song that's a popular download on iTunes. Let's get to it.

Anoop Desai started things off with Usher's "Caught Up." He cranked the pop factor up a few notches and showed that he's got the chops to switch it up a bit. Randy's a little torn and doesn't like the song choice. Kara thinks it's like a bunch of "frat guys dared you to get up and do Usher." Paula loves his more playful side, but says Anoop's stage presence needs a little work. Simon thinks it's "a complete and utter mess," saying, "It actually gave me a headache."

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Think you know who's going to make it? Join our American Idol fantasy league!

Kona Gallagher — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 15:25:00 EST

Filed under: American Idol, Site Announcements, Web, Predictions and Trends

In covering American Idol for this site, there's one thing I've learned: You all have very strong opinions on who the next Idol should be. But the question is, do you know who the next Idol will be? To that end, we've teamed up with Buddy TV to create a TV Squad American Idol Fantasy League, and we want you to join!

All you have to do is click on this link for the fantasy league and make your picks for elimination. Once you have, it will prompt you to login or register. Do that, and you're all set... to lose horribly to me (kona99). Oh, that's right. The smack talk is starting early, people. Let's go and see what you can do!

If you have any problems or questions, please feel free to comment below and we'll try to get them sorted out for you.

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American Idol: Top 11 Perform

Jane Boursaw — Wed, 18 Mar 2009 00:15:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, Celebrity Commentary, Episode Reviews

It's country week on American Idol! It's always fun to see the country singers shine, and the rockers and R&B singers try and muddle through. Randy Travis was on hand to offer advice to the singers, and you can tell that most of them were star-struck about having a one-on-one with him. Let's get to it:

Michael Sarver sang "Ain't Goin' Down Til the Sun Comes Up." He did a pretty good job with it, other than flubbing the lyrics a little in the middle. Randy Jackson liked the song, but wasn't sure about the vocals. Kara thought it was fun, but she missed the big notes. Paula thought the genre suited him, and Simon said it was clumsy and he couldn't understand the words. On a scale of 1 to 10, he'd give it 1.2. Really? It didn't seem that bad to me.

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American Idol: Judges' Wild Card

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 06 Mar 2009 00:15:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Host, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

This episode raised the hopes of a few, while simultaneously dashing the hope of many. For some, I shudder to think what they did after the show (cough*Tatiana*cough).

There are three places left in the top 12 ... or... are there ... ? If you haven't watched the show yet, I guess you'll have to read to the end of this review to find out just how many people are actually in the top 12. Until then, the eight singers chosen to come back in the judges' Wild Card Round sang their little hearts out. Let's see how they fared ...

Jesse Langseth starts things off by singing "Tell Me Something Good." Her voice is bluesy, and she looks hot, too. You can tell she's really trying to bring it, and while Randy likes the song, he doesn't think she sang it that well. Kara likes her swagger. Paula is impressed with her tenacity and determination, and says she has a lot of soul. Simon says she's the last girl they chose for the Wild Card Round, and she sang a lot better than last time. But he thinks the song choice is "slightly indulgent." I have no idea what the judges mean when they say that, and Simon must be reading my mind, because he explains that it's all about the singer, when it should be about the judges. Wait...what?! In fact, WTF?! Moving right along...

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American Idol: 3 of second 12 go through

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 01:12:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Music and Variety, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Predictions and Trends

People sure take American Idol seriously! 25 million voted last night, choosing the next three singers to advance to the top 12, joining Alexis Grace, Danny Gokey, and Michael Sarver. Based on the chosen three tonight, this is gearing up to be a great competition. So far, everyone can sing and there really aren't any Sanjayas in the group yet. Yes, Nick Mitchell/Norman Gentle is a novelty act. but he can sing and he's really entertaining.

But before we got to learn which three went through, the producers tortured us with yet another group number, with the Idols awkwardly dancing and singing Neo's "Closer." I'm not a big fan of the group numbers, and the singers don't look like they're having that much fun either.

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American Idol: Hollywood Round #4

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 12 Feb 2009 01:14:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Predictions and Trends, Episode Reviews

Hollywood Week continues, and the field has narrowed to 54 contestants, all vying for 36 spots in the official Season 8 lineup. But the Idol peeps switched things up by putting the judges in this giant house called "The Judge's Mansion" (???), and forcing contestants to take the long walk through the mansion and face the judges in a European parlor-type room. It's all very Vanity Fair-meets-Dallas. Anyhoo ...

Anoop Desai was first up, and the judges quickly moved him into season 8. "Love that kid," said Paula.

Von Smith addressed Simon's remark about his Hollywood Week song being "self-indulgent nonsense." But the pressure is off, at least for now, because Von made it through to the next round. And his mom couldn't be happier.

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American Idol: NYC and San Juan Auditions

Jane Boursaw — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 01:50:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Host, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip

For this edition of American Idol, the crew traveled to New York City and San Juan, Puerto Rico. One of my favorite things about the auditions is seeing the expressions on the judges' faces - when they're witnessing true talent and also when they're being tortured by the voice of the devil.

Despite the distracting bobbing boat behind the judges (and a guy ON the boat at one point!), I tried to keep focused on the auditions in New York City. Let's get to it:

Adeola Adegoke, 19. She sang "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going," and she's so sure of her singing abilities that she quit her job. Bad move. Simon calls the audition "shockingly bad" and then calls her former boss to try and get her job back. Thank goodness it works. Adeola is going back to her day job instead of flying to Hollywood.

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American Idol: Kansas City Auditions

Jane Boursaw — Thu, 15 Jan 2009 00:34:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Reviewcaps, Contestants, Performances, Predictions and Trends

(S08E02) Kona kicked off TV Squad's American Idol coverage last night, and the auditions are now in full swing. This episode found Ryan Seacrest and the judges in Kansas City, home of last year's American Idol winner David Cook. In fact, Ryan talked to David Cook's parents, who just happened to be walking down the street! Ok, not really, but they made it seem that way, which was kind of funny.

Also, included in the crowd of 11,000 people was Michael Castro, Jason Castro's brother. More on that later.

After the jump, the auditions...

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AI7 Report Card: The season that was

Jason Hughes — Tue, 27 May 2008 13:03:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Judges, Contestants, Alumni, Host, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip

We scoured the earth (and the archives at various record companies for failed projects that showed vocal promise) to create the greatest assemblage of singing talent American Idol has ever seen! So what happened? After last year's virtual snooze-fest, how did a season that truly did give us perhaps the greatest depth of talent we've ever seen (an argument could be made for Season Five) give us such lackluster shows?

After Sanjaya-gate last year, the biggest controversy to come out this year was that finalist David Hernandez used to be a stripper and David Archuleta's dad might be a Mr. Meany-Pants. And we got to be pissed that Kristy Lee Cook outlasted the likes of Michael Johns. Not until we got to the finale of Davids did things get really intense.

Gallery: AI '08 Top 24

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American Idol outcome could have a deeper significance

Debra McDuffee — Thu, 22 May 2008 11:05:00 EST

Filed under: OpEd, American Idol, Watercooler Talk, Contestants, Predictions and Trends

Like Jason wrote in his reviewcap of the American Idol finale, I too think that America got it right. But more than that, I think the outcome of last night's vote has some deeper significance to AI's future.

First of all, it was not only a record-breaking number of votes, but the outcome was more distinct than in years past. That means that America really wanted David Cook to win. That's not to say David Archuletta can't belt out a good tune, but for America to pick the more original contestant who brought a unique style to everything he sang is notable.

The relevance to future Idols is this: If America actually picked the more talented contestant, the singer most likely to have a bang-up career, the hipper, cooler dude who should have had more appeal, then the future is bright for AI.

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Idol Polls: The Top 2

Jason Hughes — Wed, 21 May 2008 20:03:00 EST

Filed under: American Idol, Contestants, Predictions and Trends, News and Gossip

Welcome back to our weekly American Idol polls round-up. Each week we look at various online polls that were conducted from the end of last week's results up to the performance show Tuesday. And then a few that were conducted after the performance show, but before the results were revealed.

This way we can analyze how the week's performances affected a contestant's overall popularity, which turns out to be not very much except in a few select cases anymore. And this week we're mixing it up a bit, bringing you this column before the "Results Show" airs. As this is our last time to look at polls, why not see how many, if any, properly predict the David that comes out on top. Personally, even though you won't see her on these lists, I think Syesha still found a way to come in last on all of them.

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