American Idol has top 16

Until this week, I’d written off American Idol season nine as a dud. It happens. Sometimes, there aren’t enough likable contestants. However, Tuesday night changed my mind. The top 10 guys performed and it started off well, with tough-guy Michael Lynche breaking out of his shell with a great performance of James Brown’s “It’s a Man’s World”. I was disappointed by John Park’s performance, but when Alex Lambert performed John Legend’s “Everybody Knows”, I died and went to heaven. Finally, I was reminded of other great contestants’ performances. It reminded me particularly of some of Kris Allen’s earlier renditions, like “Ain’t no Sunshine” and “Heartless”. Finally, I felt like this could be a season to…

Idol doesn’t live up to previous seasons

By Rebecca Fowler Staff Writer It’s one of the biggest reality shows on TV…and one of the longest running ones.  American Idol has been in production since Season 1 in 2002, and has grown in popularity. However, this year’s contestants don’t seem quite up-to-par with previous competitors from past seasons.  With the show down to twelve girls and twelve guys this week, one would think the narrowed-down selection would bring forth better voices.  But that is not what viewers experienced Tuesday and Wednesday. The judges were extremely critical of nearly all the singers, whether it was bashing their song choice, nerves or general talent.  Though they were occasionally overly-harsh, I think it is safe to…