My Thoughts On Season XIV of American Idol

By Meg Hodson

Wow, Season XIV of American Idol. I think it's safe to call yourself an American institution at that point! And it is. For me, American Idol continues to be the reality singing show I go to. Yes, I have watched The Voice a couple times. But maybe it's because I've been watching American Idol for so long that it feels like home to me. 

This season, we have seen the return of American Idol judges Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr., and Keith Urban. Ryan Seacrest is back for his 14th season as host. While I still may long for Simon Cowell and his rock hard criticism and amazing skill at choosing talent, let's look at the here and now. The reality is that this is a great group of judges with solid chemistry. Let's face, we did not have that chemistry when Nikki Minaj and Mariah Carey were on the show. American Idol learned their lesson and moved on. The current judges are a good fit.

I got the chance to get some behind-the-scenes access to Hollywood Week for American Idol this season back in October. It is one of my favorite parts of the competition. No one can deny that there is talent out there this year. So far, except for one or two misses, I agree with who has advanced and now makes up the Top 24. My wish is that American Idol focuses not only on the talent, but finding that balance between talent, stage presence, and star quality. Just because you have "the look" won't make you a pop star. 

I also like the fact that there seems to be a nice balance between veteran performers (like Nick Fradiani) and newbies who haven't really performed much (Daniel Seavey). While it makes me a little apprehensive that contestants like Daniel have made it through to this point, I think this is what sets American Idol apart from shows like The Voice. While The Voice seems to focus strictly on seasoned musicians, American Idol provides a nice balance of backgrounds. 

Who are you rooting for this year on American Idol?

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#IdolTweethearts: The Art of Being An American Idol Fan

By Meg Hodson

American Idol and FOX covered my expenses for a trip behind-the-scenes to Hollywood Week of Season XIV. All opinions, photos, and gushy thoughts remain my own.

I've been a fan of music for a long time. My memories of music go back to sharing my Carpenters' record in preschool and playing it on the turntable in class.  Elton John was one of my other favorites as a young child. In grade school, teen pop stars like Shaun Cassidy and Andy Gibb made me giddy with excitement. Duran Duran was my ultimate band in high school and I attended more concerts than I can count in college. 

You get the idea....I love music! That love has continued until today. I am such a F-A-N. Just for fun, I pulled up the definition of "fan" from Wikipedia:

"A fan, sometimes also called aficionado or supporter, is a person who is enthusiastically devoted to something, such as a band, a sports team, a book or entertainer."

It's pretty great when you can say you are a true fan of someone or something. In the past year, I have had the amazing pleasure of being part of the IdolTweethearts. American Idol sent myself and some other influential ladies almost a year ago to experience Hollywood Week for Season XIII.  I have always been a big fan of American Idol, so combining that with a little behind-the-scenes access seemed like the perfect combination. And it was (you can read some of my posts from the past year here).

Do you know how I know I am still a true fan? One of those exciting trip opportunities came a few weeks ago when myself and 2 other IdolTweethearts were asked to return for Hollywood Week for Season XIV. I jumped up and down; I heard myself say "eek!" out loud. Yep, a big fan.

As I entered the stunning and ornate Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles, I felt the zsa-zsa-zsu. What's that, you ask? Well, Carrie Bradshaw said it best: it's that "butterflies in your stomach" feeling when you love someone or something. Between the twinkling lights on stage and buzz of producers, it's almost other-worldly as I take it all in. 

What makes American Idol unique for fans is you are reborn every year. With a new set of contestants, a new set of singers with dreams, you have a new group to become attached to. There is a new Idol just for you.

Oh yes, and then there are the judges. When Keith Urban, Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick, Jr., and Ryan Seacrest enter the room, I take pause. I still get a little starstruck. Okay, a lot.  I suppose I am getting a bit more comfortable with each successive trip. But I'd like to think I will still have that zsa-zsa-zsu forever.

 

The Idol Tour Hits Portland!

By Meg Hodson

I have fond memories of attending concerts, dating back to grade school. My parents were cool. I got to see stellar acts like The Captain & Tennille, Neil Diamond, and Andy Gibb.  I vividly remember my first concert by myself, The Stray Cats at the Paramount Theater in Portland, Oregon (now the Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall) in junior high. INXS opened up for them. I was in concert heaven. 

This eventually led to a high school and college concert career. I went to so many concerts, I honestly can't remember the exact number. Music inspires me and going to a concert by a favorite band is thrilling.

I have had the BEST time this past year with American Idol. Deep down, in all I do on social media, I am a true fan. I respect, admire, and am in awe of the process of being a performer. So, getting to go behind the scenes to watch the process and meet the people involved has truly been a a gift. 

As you might expect, then, I was excited to be attending the Idol Live 2014 tour stop in Portland, Oregon last week. I had lived and breathed the lives of these top ten singers during season 13 of American Idol as one of the IdolTweethearts. I was excited to finally see them L-I-V-E. 

The show was top notch. While it took me a little while to get used to the fact that there wasn't a live band, the singing was definitely live and they sounded amazing. It was a nice balance of group numbers, duets (with an amazing one by Caleb and Jena singing "Gimme Shelter"), and solo performances by the top ten. 

After the concert, we got the chance to meet and chat with the top ten. While these are performers on their way to being monumental entertainers, it's easy to forget they are human. Meeting them was a nice reminder that they are just that. 

If you like what you're reading, I invite you to follow my blog.  Cheers!

6 Ways To Get Your American Idol Fix This Summer

By Meg Hodson

Hey Idol fans! I know it's sometimes rough to have your favorite show go on "summer vacation". But don't fear, there is plenty of American Idol fodder to keep you happy this summer.

1.  The Idol Summer Tour.  The annual Idol Tour kicks off this week.  Your top ten are coming to a city near you.  There's nothing better than a live show, right?  Click here to see all the stops along the way.

2.  Caleb Johnson's New Album Due In August.  I've definitely been getting my fix by blasting "As Long As You Love Me" over and over.  But I'm looking forward to even more new music from your season 13 American Idol, Caleb Johnson.  You can even pre-order it on iTunes.

3.  Auditions.  Have you got what it takes to be on the show?  American Idol is switching things up a bit for next season with city auditions, bus tour auditions, as well as online auditions.  Follow the hashtag #TheNextIdol to submit your audition or to get peeks of auditions submitted by potential contestants.  

4.  Reliving Old Memories.  It's fun to rekindle your favorite memories, right?  Well, as one of the #IdolTweethearts, I will definitely be doing that this summer!  Myself and the other IdolTweethearts are having fun looking back on the blog posts we wrote throughout the season and the amazing photos from our trips that we took.

5.  They're Tweeting!  American Idol has always been active on Twitter and they continue to share all things Idol on their profile.  Be sure to follow along and keep track of the latest news.  

6.  You Know The Old Saying..... Absence makes the heart grow fonder?  I think this is true most of the time.  And let's face it, could we really have American Idol on all year?  It's sorta like when my kids tell me that they wish everyday was Christmas.  No you don't.  It wouldn't be special if that was the case.  I know the excitement I get when we get close to the season premiere.  It will be here before you can say "This is American Idol".