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My status as a pop-culture whore continues…as I begin to seriously watch the 4th season of American Idol.

Each season provides a better collection of singers and this year seems to be no exception…raising the age limit definitely seemed to up the ante for everyone.

But does anyone really expect the show to ever find the next great talent? The next Aretha…next Whitney…next Luther? Probably not. And considering the returns of the past Idol finalists, it doesn’t look like we’ll see anything like that anytime soon. (Damn…not even a true star yet….and no, Clay doesn’t count…)

But America loves rags to riches stories. Local guy/gal makes finally makes good. American Idol offers up such possibilities every week. Past, present and future dreams get played out vicariously through our TV screens. And so….we continue to watch. Yes, even us adults. :)

So after watching the first installment of 12 possible future indentured servants….

My Personal Faves:

1) Bo Bice
The first rocker of the night. Easily the most confident and expressive voice of the group. Definitely understands his own voice well enough to use it to its fullest effect. There seems to be enough underlying soul in his voice where he probably won’t have any trouble with any Soul/R&B songs either. Should be very interesting.

2) Scott Savol
The local boy! NEOhio in the house!
Strong soulful voice coming out of someone whom you wouldn’t think would have anything close to it. He hit his song with no problem. Simon…the whole “he doesn’t look like an Idol” is so played out. Get new script writers. Let’s hope the voters look past the mug…

3) Mario Vazquez
Best Stevie Wonder imitation of the night. Someone who actually realized that putting your own charisma into a performance might be a good idea. Sounded like you were having fun, kiddo.

Other Thoughts

1) Replace Paula
She has nothing new to say. She has no advice to offer than what she can parrot from Randy or Simon. Even the back-n-forth between her and Simon is getting tired. She needs to bounce….
(Bring back Gladys Knight. She’s not as cute as Paula, but at least she gave good advice and knew what the hell she was talking about.)

2) Attention Black Men
We all love Stevie Wonder. We don’t love you. You think you sound like Stevie. You very well might sound like Stevie. Sounding like Stevie still leaves you minus the energy, spirit and genius of Stevie. Imitating him ain’t gonna get it. Make the song your own or leave it the hell alone.

Bring on da Ladies….