I am the first to admit that I was very skeptical that I would enjoy this season of American Idol. Without Simon around, I wondered if there would be any judge whom I would agree with most of the time, or who would make the show fun to watch – waiting to see his or her response. I was not really sad to see Ellen go (I’m sorry Ellen -I’m a HUGE fan) – but I did find that it was hard for me to watch her having a hard time being hard on the contestants. She is more of a nurturer and fan of talent than a critical judge – at least to their faces.

I didn’t really miss Paula last season – she’s sweet to the contestants but I did find it difficult to understand what she was trying to say all of the time. She has a way of pausing at random and strange times in her dialogue and is a little bit all over the place. But once in a while it was fun to see the bickering between her and Simon.

I liked Kara DioGuardi as a judge – as she seemed to understand the industry and give relevant feedback. However, she did cross the line a few times with her comments and suggestive looks at a few of the cute male contestants – which just made it plain awkward all the way around. I think she took the job seriously – probably a bit TOO seriously – which made her a good judge but not fun or for really good TV.

Enough of my musings about previous seasons of American Idol. Back to NOW.

I’m truly loving the tone and feel of this season. I actually am finding myself becoming a fan of Steven Tyler – crazy I know. He is very funny. I love that he gets into the music. He is a softy but also can be blunt. You never quite know what to expect from him – which makes for GREAT TV. I love Jennifer Lopez and how she can be moved by the music and contestants – and how she can laugh and take the process seriously but still have fun with it. It’s very fun to see her “deer in the headlights” look when a contestant is belting out non-melodic screeches. And how you can tell what she’s thinking as she immediately puts her head down and cannot look at the offending warbler.

Randy Jackson – it’s about time that Randy shine! He has the experience and background – and can be honest but not really brutal. In season’s past I think the drama between Simon and Paula pushed Randy into a background role. But now it feels as though all three judges are equals – all have their own skills set and expertise – and all have valid and relevant opinions. I find myself wanting to hear what everyone of them thinks – not just waiting for the “all-important Simon opinion.”

Needless to say – this skeptic has turned around completely and is enjoying this season of American Idol – probably more than any of the past seasons. Crazy I know. Now once we get to Hollywood week – I reserve the right to change my opinion yet again – as it will be interesting to see how the new judges respond to their new responsibilities – but I have to say that I’m excited to see what comes next.

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My take tonight was a bit similar to the judges – I’m wondering where huge talent is  this season. Many are still struggling with determining who they are or who they want to be as an artist. Many are also in need of experience and refining. Some have truly improved, and a few have seemed like stars from the beginning – but there is something strange about this season of American Idol. Maybe Paula Abdul’s absence is having more effect than anticipated … perhaps Paula’s input during auditions and Hollywood has been more vital than we imagined… or maybe her cheering on the contestants brought out the best in them…

Anyway, I’m predicting the top 5 contestants: Michael Lynche, Lee DeWyze, Crystal Bowersox, Casey James, and Siobhan Mangus.

Michael Lynche is already a star to me – I think his performance could have been showcased at the Grammys – he just feels polished.

Crystal Bowersox is amazingly talented. I do agree with Ellen that I hope she can break down whatever barrier is between her and the audience – so we get some connection. That’s the only thing that will hurt her at this point – is distance from fans. She was the best of the night and in a completely different class than some of the others.

Siobhan Mangus – that girl can sing. I love her uniqueness. She is certainly different and I think she could pull off a win if she continues to do well.

Of course Lee DeWyze has the coolest voice of them all. I love the tone and grit in his voice. He does need more experience in performing and song selection – and determining exactly who he is going to be as an artist (I picture Snow Patrol, Daughtry, David Cook type stuff for him).

Casey James – again he’s really talented and I like that he seems confident when he performs. I could easily see him making an album and doing well. Tonight he wasn’t really original in his song but I enjoyed it anyway.

As for who is going home: Please let it be Paige Miles. She’s just out of her league with the others and hasn’t seemed to improve at all – tonight was just painful for all of us. Katie Stevens is improving in her song choice but didn’t blow me away. Andrew Garcia didn’t really have a wow moment and I’m afraid his early fans will jump ship and vote for some of the other contestants who are shining more. Aaron Kelly is getting better. His young tweeny boppers will certainly keep voting for him, even though I thought the song was too big for him. And Tim Urban could do a duet with Miley Cyrus at some point in the future if he can gain the experience he needs so desperately. Didi Benami did pretty good but I find myself tuning out when she performs.

It must be frustrating for the judges this season of American Idol … and they say it week after week… where are the contestants truly FIGHTING for the title? Where is the PASSION? Where is the INTENSITY?

I’m just saying…

Personally I can’t imagine the show being the same without Simon, but I’m also anxious to see how things have changed with the addition of Ellen DeGeneres. I’m certain the chemistry will be different without Paula – and I’m curious to see how Simon responds to Ellen as a judge. I’ve seen him on her show and they seem to genuinely like each other, but it’s a different story to have them side by side as judges. This is Simon’s domain – how will he respond if he gets overshadowed by another judge? Hmmm… I guess we will see.

What are your thoughts?

Will American Idol survive without Simon?

She has also been approached to participate as a dancer on Dancing with the Stars.

Does anyone else have suggestions on what Paula’s new job should be?
And will you still watch American Idol if Paula is not there?