Sayonara, Simon!

I don't know about you, but I love the new panel of judges on this season of American Idol. There is such a happy, genuine feeling surrounding the show this year - and we all know how much I love happy, genuine feelings! Not only is the panel positive, but it is filled with true expertise from decades of experience in the field of the performing arts. If my intuition is accurate, Steven Tyler, Jennifer Lopez and Randy Jackson, are going to make a fabulous trio.

Personally, I am in awe that Jennifer agreed to do the show. In my eyes, she is one of the biggest superstars of our time. For the first time, an american idol is actually a judge on American Idol. During the premier of the show last week, I felt star-struck by her presence - even though I was sitting at home in my living room. I think she is one very big reason as to why the show will remain a success, regardless of Simon's absence from the show. And, in my opinion, she looks more beautiful than she ever has.

Not only is Randy the only original judge remaining on the panel, but he has been upgraded to Simon's chair - otherwise known as the final word. Although, I am not sure if he really has the final world since Jennifer and Steven seem to snag the spotlight. Randy does serve a very valuable purpose, though. Being the only veteran, he knows that you can't say "yes" to everybody. Everyone on the judges panel seems be level-headed about the whole process, but it is clear that Steven and Jennifer are more compassionate to the contestants and their touching stories. Someone has to be the voice of reason, and this year that voice comes from Randy.

And now I make my way to Mr. Steven Tyler, lead singer of Aerosmith. I have always loved Aerosmith's music, but now we get to better know their frontman - and he is an honest-to-goodness hoot. There is no one quite like him, which makes it fun to see what he will say next. He adds comedy, spontaneity and individuality to the panel. One of my favorite things about him is that he oftentimes starts singing and drumming along to the songs the contestants are singing. We surely haven't seen that before!

I have nothing against the original judges. They were a huge contribution in taking the show to where it is today. The long and short of it all is that I don't miss the old judges panel. I always appreciated Simon's professional and honest feedback, but sometimes it was just plain brutal. Paula had to overcompensate for Simon's harsh comments, and would usually just comment on the contestants appearance. People loved to hate Simon, but now I think they will love to love the new judges. I believe that the producers of this show have finally achieved the balance that America can relate to and appreciate. Instead of having to battle extremities, as Simon and Paula were, we have a judges panel that are all striving toward the same goal.

The reason I have written about the new judges panel on American Idol is because I have a feeling that it is going to be more successful than it ever has been - even though Simon will no longer be a part of it. Why is that something worth writing about? I am sure a majority of their viewers believed that the show would be nothing without him, without a brutally honest and sometimes cynically sensational character, crushing the dreams of many hopefuls. Thankfully, that does not look like it is going to be the case. There does not always have to be some negative spin in order to up the entertainment value or draw a bigger crowd. I am excited for the new season, and grateful for a breath of fresh air. (Picture provided by: cliqueclack.com.)