What do you think are the pros and cons of American Idol

Simon was very ... tactless in the way he shared his opinions of the singers. I think Randy has taken over the position of "bad guy" although not to the extent Simon took it. I think this year the contestants will be able to get real feedback rather than have Kara and Simon (or before, Paula and Simon) bickering at each other like children. I have only watched two days of the auditions. I never really watch it too much because of the people who really are only there to see if they can get a spot on television and maybe be the next William Hung who was made famous by being so horrible. I have seen a few standouts, however I don't remember their names . The last girl to audition in Nashville, who sang I Don't Wanna Miss a Thing and nearly made Steven Tyler cry from it, was really good but she's very young (That was her parents' song and it was released in 1998!!!) and I worry about what fame will do to the young ones (look at Britney).

I think American Idol is still a pretty good show- even though Kara and Simon aren't there..they were good, great judges. But the new ones aren't bad at all- they give good responses too and they pick the right people. The talent this year is very good too- it's be hard to choose the nexT AI..

I miss Simon a lot, and I think Randy is really horrible this year. Steven Tyler is kinda cute though, while J.Lo mostly bores me...

I personally think that the show does not need Simon back. If you are concerned on how strict he was in giving comments, I think Randy is doing it well. I have nothing against Simon but having the new judges gives a different flavor to the show. I really do not know Simon's background with regards to music but he was a nice judge. With Janet and Tyler however, I am a fan of their work so I think that they will really be of great help on the search for the next American idol.

I personally think that american idol was very much more on the "talent" of the competitors rather than any other aspects of the package back then when simon is among the judges. right now, randy is taking the place of simon in terms of giving constructive criticisms, as both jennifer and steven mainly states of a performance being "beautiful" if it's good and if it's not, then they'd be saying no or other simple things to say, although i find steven a little entertaining for some of his antics. furthermore, in every after-performance where they get to comment, there exist little to no arguments about the performer among the judges. most of the time they agree with someone who's easy to judge, and make those who have satisfactory performances pass, while when one could simulate the audition with the judges being simon, randy, and kara, it would have been those with great talents approved and those with not-so-great voices need not continue..anyways, it's just in my own opinion. nonetheless, the talents in this season are beyond exemplary, especially james durbin. cheers.