Idol's Back!

By Meg Hodson

American Idol is back for Season 13. You might have heard. Okay, okay....I might've been sharing a lot of photos and buzz prior to the season premiere this past Wednesday. But now that the 2-night premiere has aired, let's get down to business. Did Idol deliver? Are you watching? Are you disappointed?  

After watching the premieres several times, reading the social media chatter, and recapping my experience behind the scenes a month ago, I've got lots of information swimming in my head about the show, it's new direction, the judges, and the general vibe being delivered.  So in no particular order, here are a few reasons why you SHOULD be watching the show:

1.  The Show Is Not Dead.  A fair amount of naysayers on social media love to quickly quip that the show should "quit trying" and has lost it's relevance.  I enjoy responding to these people with a request to explain themselves. I rarely get a response.  I find these statements funny.  How is a show that is seeking the next great American superstar irrelevant? Aren't we always looking for the next big thing in music?  Any music lover would agree with a resounding "yes".  For me, a show that seeks that, and seeks it well, is definitely relevant.  

2.  Harry Connick, Jr.  When I met Harry a month ago, I was immediately impressed.  Genuine, thoughtful, funny.  And that is the judge who took the helm on Wednesday.  He brings musical critique to the table (everyone is now Googling panetonics).  He brings humor ("No, I am Chris Isaak").  Plus, the chemistry between he and the other two judges is tangible.  

3.  Inviting Entertainment.  While some might cringe when they hear the phrase "family friendly", wishing horrible performances and bikini-clad singers would return, that phrase implies that American Idol has returned to a focus on the singers.  Sure, they tossed in a few humorous, ear tingling performances....and I expected as much.  But the bottom line is that this show is about finding good singers we can connect with.  

4.  Connecting The Fans On Social Media.  While American Idol has grown much more engaged, in my opinion, on their social media accounts this season, there is still an organic element missing from the connection between fans and American Idol.  American Idol could not possibly respond to every tweet and comment.  So, how to engage?

Contestants quickly become instant celebrities on the show if they get through and engage readily with fans.   Their Twitter accounts light up.  Fan pages quickly form. The judges, who are already celebrities in their own right, have devoted fans and develop a few new ones.  They often actively tweet, especially Harry.  

This is also where the plan from Idol for the now-formed IdolTweethearts comes into play, too.  I was lucky enough to be among a select group of socially influential women to get a sneak peek of American Idol.  It was a natural fit for me because I've been a fan of the show since it's inception and I have a love of music. As an IdolTweetheart, I've been able to give fans an inside look that they might not otherwise get.  They feel more connected to the show.  We're groupies bringing the fans the details.  We're like the press, but we're fans. We're engaged not because we NEED to report the story, we WANT to tell the story.  

Let me know if you're watching or not watching. I'd love to hear!

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