CLINT COOPER: After the replacement of judge Paula Abdul with Ellen Degeneres, the announced retirement of judge Simon Cowell and declining ratings, Season 9 of “American Idol” is now down to four contestants.
What appeared to be the worst group of contestants in the show’s history may still be, but the ones who have survived at least have improved since taking their bows in the top 12 two months ago.
Ellen, to me, had a lousy start as a judge, her comments both unhelpful and unfunny, but has rebounded to have both Paula’s protective comments about most contestants and, occasionally, some funny comments. I, personally, have felt more disconnected to “Idol” than any year since I began watching in Season 3. It may be the overall lack of talent, the selection of mentors such as Miley Cyrus (puh-leeze!) or the absence of a dynamic contestant like last year’s Adam Lambert.
KAREN NAZOR HILL: Having been an Idol fan since its first show nine years ago, I think this is, by far, the worst season. The majority of the talent has been mediocre. And I’m still bitter that Adam Lambert (who I would pick as the all-time best contestant in “American Idol” history) came in second last year.