From MJs Blog site, interesting notes :
Interview with Nigel Lythgoe. Here are some notable comments:
* Here's why Idol is and continues to be popular, according to Nigel: America gets to choose. Folks are entertained by the "dysfunctional family" of Randy, Simon, Paula and Ryan. The show brings the entire family together.
* Also, since Bo Bice and Constantine Maroulis introduced the "rock" element - the show isn't considered cheesy any more. I beg to diffah. Nigel thinks Bo and Constantine opened the door for Taylor and Chris.
* Furthermore, extending the age group made the show more diverse. I agree.
* Nigel is still trying to get Paul McCartney and the Beatles songbook on the show. Hey, while yer at it, Van Morrison would be nice, too.
* They almost had Prince, but he couldn't work with the kids. Nigel feels that it's important for the guests to work with the kids. Like Shakira?
* Nigel believes there haven't been any "wow" performances this year because the kids aren't "hitting those last notes...the notes that make you want to stand up and applaud them." He goes on to say, "The great singers know there is a little trick at the end of it that forces you to stand on your feet and applaud. This year's singers aren't being as clever as seasons past." I think glory notes are overrated. In other words, the beginning of Taylor's "You Send Me" was just as great as the end.
Regarding song selection, Nigel also thinks the songs should show off a singer's vocals AND be recognizable.
* Nigel said that when Simon said "I didn't sing the song" when Ryan asked Simon if he was going to take the blame for Chris being in the bottom 3 since Simon wanted to take the credit for his song choice Tuesday night--Simon should have shouldered the responsibility. And Nigel thinks Simon should offer more constructive criticism rather than just "shrugging his shoulders."
* About love songs, Nigel said one of the greatest love songs of all time is "You've Lost that Loving Feeling" recorded by the Righteous Brothers in the 1960's.