Friday, January 28, 2011

Steven Tyler: "American Idol" Reveals True American Hero


Author: Alicia Milan

I have always been a fan of Steven Tyler and Aerosmith. From his singing and instrumental abilities, to his looks and style, he is the total package. However, I never expected what I have seen of him on his newest stint as a judge on American Idol. I expected a judge with the chops to make reasoned decisions. I expected a lot of things, but I am truly surprised but what I actually got. We have been privy to a glimpse of a sweet, caring, emotional, honestly good man. Damn, who woulda thunk it with his hard rocking, hard partying, womanizing image, that a genuinely evolved human being resides within. I have seen him empathize, admonish Randy not to tell someone they are “bad” and be honest, while not crushing a spirit or dreams. I cried while watching him with contestant Chris Medina’s wheelchair-bound fiancĂ© Julia Ramos. (Medina’s story of caring for her after her traumatic brain injury makes him another American Hero.) Tyler hugged and kissed Ramos and whispered in her ear with obvious caring and raw emotion. Both Jennifer Lopez and Randy gave perfunctory attention to Ramos while looking slightly uncomfortable. I don’t know why I was so surprised and unreasonably proud, but I was. While my concern remains that the new judges are too nice and don’t give really constructive criticism and suggestions may still stand, my respect for the man went up a thousand fold. He has fought and won over his personal demons, and rightfully earned legend status in the world of music. He has now earned my respect (for whatever that is worth) and most likely the respect of many who have been avidly watching this new ‘Idol’ judging panel. Kudos to you Steven. Keep on setting an example for all the world to see of just plain decency, humanity and all the beauty that humans are capable of but so very rarely display.
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Thursday, January 20, 2011

American Idol Judges: Dream Team or Cream Puff Team?

Author: Alicia Milan

The new season of American Idol is off and running. I watched last night with my daughter out of sheer curiosity. I love Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez. I was sooooo hoping that this combination of judges would rock the panel. Unfortunately, one can't live on hope alone. And seriously, that's all I had and they took it away like candy from a baby. They were all soooo niiiiice. Nauseatingly, sickeningly, uselessly..NICE. It was pointless and boring and they offered little to no real observations on who HAD or didn't HAVE *IT*. It may squeeze my innards to say, but the panel needed Simon, or any facsimile there of, to cut to the chase. Kids were put through to the next round that won't survive 5 minutes. They pacified, they weenied out, and they whined over how HARD this was. OK, let's break this down for you. To judge...would mean to offer an opinion, hopefully an educated one and even times harsh when necessary. It means to make clear cut decisions and do your best at tossing the weeds in search of the roses. We ended up with a lot of weeds with an occasional rose thrown in. Here's hoping Nigel recognises where this panel is coming up short and fixes it ASAP. Otherwise, the megalith we all knew and loved as American Idol is on a very wobbly pair of last legs. I'm buying a new black outfit for the funeral while all the while hoping not to have to wear it.