American Idol - Great Season 8!

This season of American Idol has held a number of surprises for old fans and new viewers alike! The show began with the traditional tryouts—some funny, others horrid, and still others inspirational. During the Hollywood round, they had the group competitions during which viewers witnessed some serious diva drama, along with some impressive individual solos. It was this point at which early favorite Danny Gokey set himself apart with an inspirational rendition of Mariah Carey’s “Hero.” Also during Top 36, contestant Adam Lambert became a smash hit for fans and judges alike with his outrageous and unique rendition of “Can’t Get No Satisfaction.” Numerous other contestants gained recognition during that round, including all of those who are currently in the Top 5—Kris Allen, Matt Giraud, and Allison Iraheta.

This season saw the addition of a fourth judge, Kara, who has balanced the panel both gender-wise and with feedback that leans toward Simon’s more critical reviews. As the second female, Kara created a gender-perfect ratio. While Randy and Paula tend to go easy on contestants, often leaving Simon as the lone critical judge, Kara has changed this dynamic by also being somewhat less easy to please. Her feedback is not as biting as Simon’s, but her more critical eye and ear vamped up the reviews that follow each performance.

The show has rounded out in a duel between two contestants who appear to be the top favorites, Adam Lambert and Danny Gokey, though Kris Allen and Allison Iraheta also each have strong followings among fans and high praise from judges with Matt Giraud earning slightly more critical reviews. Fans eagerly await tonight’s results to see who will be in the Top 4, and who will eventually go on to record albums. If prior seasons are any indications, all Top 5 contestants could end up with their own record deals.

Kings Moved to a New Time

An intelligent and uniquely deep series, Kings hasn’t hit home with American audiences. After four episodes, the series will undergo a temporary hiatus until June when it will resume showing. This will be the second move for the show, the first occurring right at an appearance by Macaulay Culkin—when the show moved from Sunday to Saturday.

Since it debuted, the show has seen low ratings, despite its reasonably intriguing storyline. The plot includes points that have left to be revealed—which could either attract viewers who want more in two months, or confuse new viewers when it finally airs in June.

It will be interesting to see what the network decides on this. It doesn’t seem to be getting a huge Internet buzz at this point—but time will certainly tell!

ABC Renews 12 Shows

Executives from the networks are in the process of deciding which shows to ax and which to keep for next season. ABC just announced press twelve series that will be returning for the 2009-2010 season. The names of ten shows are not hugely surprising considering their high ratings, but two surprised us somewhat (as noted below). In any event, we thought we’d deliver the good news to fans of the following in alphabetical order:

America’s Funniest Home Videos
The Bachelor
Brothers and Sisters
Dancing with the Stars
Desperate Housewives
Extreme Makeover: Home Edition
Grey’s Anatomy
Lost
Private Practice (slight surprise)
Supernanny
Ugly Betty (slight surprise)
Wife Swap

Other news should follow in the coming weeks and months about cancellations. It will be interesting, and for some fans, a relief, to see which series are going and which are staying.

CBS Canceled Guiding Light

CBS has decided to cancel Guiding Light after a 72-year run on its network. Its last episode will air on Friday, September 18, 2009.

While it is somewhat jarring when a series of with the history of this one to be canceled, it is not entirely shocking. Everyone has long known that Guiding Light appeals to one group of people—its long-term fans. It is not a show that tended to garner millions of new viewers every month. In light of daytime talkshows that keep daytime viewers in the loop with current events, humor, and celebrities, soap operas are like yesterday’s fashion—some people stick with the same old jeans, but most of us want something a little more current.

The good news to fans of Guiding Light is that there are still several months left to view. In addition, if Santa Barbara reruns are any indication, Guiding Light episodes could go on to be aired over and over for many years to come all over the world! Besides, the actors and actresses we all know and love from the show will still be around—they just won’t be dying off, coming back to life, and having illicit affairs with each other in our living rooms every morning.