Matt Monro Forum

AMERICAN IDOL has finally arrived on Uk tv--[channel 5* if anyone is interested]

I have only seen half of the first episode as it was so long--i am finding it difficult to get used to the new judges--Mariah seems ok, and so does Keith-although i never heard of him--Nikki Minaj is the strange one---she looks like a painted doll, and really did not seem to like it , when Marah got any attention.

There is something missing, and I cannot figure out what it is--maybe it is Simon., i really do not know.

Yeccch! Keith Urban is a Country singer from Australia and married to Nicole Kiddman. I could not stand to listen to Nikki and Mariah! More so with Nikki so I turned the channel to the Disney station and watched Lemonade Mouth

I did not know Keith Urban was married to Nicole Kidman--I have never heard of him--but he seems a nice guy.

Mariana, just heard on the radio that this seasons American Idol had the lowest ratings ever for the premiere nights. People are posting pictures on radio station websites especially the one Ryan works at, of Paula, Simon and Randy saying WE MISS YOU!! Another report is how could a talentless person like Nikki MInaj be a judge and she doesn't even sing much but raps (if you can call it that). I think this may be the last season of American Idol.

It would not surprise me, my sister says the same as me--it is just not working this year--i always really enjoyed it in the past--but not any more.

I still love the show and its format. I don't want Simon Cowell to return ever. I think Nicki made some very good points and Mariah was comforting to the contestants. I didn't think Keith offered much, but I'm sure he'll improve. I can't wait for the top 36 period; that's my favourite part. Yes, the ratings are down, but all shows are, plus it won the night. It's amazing that it's lasted for 12 years. Long may it continue.

Hi Paul, glad to see you on the board. Interesting that you say it won the ratings. Maybe it's different for each city? Here all the DJ's were saying it scored really low oh well. I just didn't care too much for Nicki or Mariah. Maybe I'll give it another shot. It's totally a whole different vibe without Simon or Paula.

Is it still ongoing in us then-i thought it must be over by now.

We are just at the beginning of the auditions--about number 3--from Chicago. We have just seen the young man who stammered really badly, but could sing perfectly--just like Gareth Gates when he started--but i guess none of the judges had heard of him, as they seemed surprised that he could sing without a stammer. Gareth has done really well, and got rid of his stammer.

It's still on going Mariana. I think Episode 3 airs tonight. Whatever did happen to Gareth Gates. I loved his cd at the time.

Gareth Gates is still around--he has made a few more lps, written some songs--but is starring in musicals now--he played Joseph in "the Amazing tecnicolour Dreamcoat" and I am sure he did at least one more.

I am getting used to the new judges---even Nikki !!

I really like Mariah-i thought she would be a real diva, but she is not. And she always looks lovely. Unlike Nikki, who sometimes looks ok, but often looks strange.

Overall, a much better panel than the "X Factor USA". Britney just was not very good--although i believe she will not be on the next one--I read that she asked for more money but was refused--but i think she may have been pushed !!

PS--I have also heard quite a few really good singers-not sure if i have seen the winner yet.

Suprisingly I gave it another chance and Mariah is quite pleasant! As for Nicki strange as she is, I found her les annoying this time around. Lots of good contestants but the strange ones become stranger

Going back to Gareth Gates---I heard a radio interview this week, with Jimmy Osmond--he and a couple of his brothers are touring the Uk--not Donny, he is already touring with Marie.

The tour is called "Boogie Nights" and features songs of the 70's--plus a few Osmond classics--it is a long tour, all over the country, including the O2 arena, up intil April, with quite a few British singers, including Chico--and ---Gareth Gates !! I cannot remember the other names just now, but it sounds like a lot of fun .

We have a top 10. Many good singers. My two favourites are Devin and Lazaro. I loved Devin singing It's Impossible in English and Spanish. He has a beautiful, strong voice, and a great style. I would buy his record. I've missed many of the girls, so I don't have much of an opinion on them.

I think all the judges are excellent this year; must better than Jennifer and Steven.