The Tribune

By LESH

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

BASED on the premiere night of American Idol, it looks as if season twelve of the singing competition is going to be filled with “scripted drama”.

The show began last Wednesday with auditions in New York City and Chicago, and welcomed new judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and American Idol veteran Randy Jackson.

Last week’s episode left American Idol critics and fans wondering if the Nicki-Mariah feud will continue for the remainder of the season.

A blog that was posted on billboard.com stated: “Wednesday night’s two-hour season premiere of American Idol was either incredibly predictable or somewhat infuriating, depending on how much pop culture news one has been following over the past few months.”

“Seriously though, props to Keith Urban for sitting between the two (Nicki and Mariah) all night. He didn’t get too many words in all night, though. Maybe that’s what they hired him as, a buffer, while the two ladies talk about ‘Mean Girls’ quotes and Randy Jackson tells the contestants whether or not they’re already in it to win it,” the post stated.

The LA times said the feud may not be enough to rescue American Idol’s ratings. After the premiere, entertainment blog sites reported that the show received a low viewer-ship, indicating they are loosing the interest of young viewers.

Kim, a Bahamian fan, told In Ya Ear: “Too much bickering was going on between Mariah and Nicki and I don’t care how scripted it is; it looks childish.

Every minute they were going at each other, disagreeing on something. It is annoying and Nicki Minaj’s voice is the most irritating thing to mankind. I hope this doesn’t continue in the following weeks.”

Another Bahamian said: “I am watching this season for Mariah. I like how they kept playing her music in between auditions. It is so good to see her back on the scene. I just like how humble and talented she is, so I am not going to miss an episode of this season. As for the auditions, they were funny as usual.”

Apart from the drama, there were a lot of memorable auditions. For example, contestant Sarah Restuccio, who sang “Mama’s Song” and her very own rap rendition of Nicki’s “Super Bass.”

Shocking all of the judges, especially Nicki, Sarah got unanimously positive reviews and was given the golden ticket straight to Hollywood.

Another lucky contestant to blow the judges away was Tenna Torres, who revealed that in her childhood she attended

“Camp Mariah”. In her audition, she gave Mariah a photo she had taken with her as a child, while attending the camp.

After Tenna was done singing Carol King’s “You’ve Got A Friend,” she left approving expressions on the judges faces. Tenna was sent through to Hollywood.

As far as horrible auditions go, there were many, including contestant James Bae.

A huge Justin Beiber fan, James took on one of Justin’s songs

“One Less Lonely Girl.” Not only was the singing painful to hear, the dancing that came along with it was hilarious.

However, James’ confidence landed him a hug by Nicki, even though she laughed during his entire audition.

Rachel, another fan said: “I am only watching it for the funny auditions.

After this part is over and they go into the trials, I am not watching anymore because they always end up picking someone you never hear about after they win. I cannot tell you who won last season’s show because I have not heard anything about the winner.”

The shows this week go to Charlotte and Baton Rouge. Tune in tonight and Thursday.