January 29, 2012 09:30 PM PDT

Idology: The Redemption of J.Lo? The Return of Baylie Brown! The Death of Alicia Keys' 'Fallin'?

by Michael Slezak

Get More: American Idol, Reality TV, Video

Week 2 of American Idol‘s 11th season might be best remembered for a montage that ended with Jennifer Lopez looking like she was ready to reenact the climactic scene from Enough if Steven Tyler and Randy Jackson kept vetoing talented singers and giving Golden Tickets to hot chicks with questionable talent. But is J.Lo suddenly the show’s voice of reason, or just the recipient of some really favorable editing?

On this week’s installment of Idology, Season 6 standout Melinda Doolittle and I discuss whether or not it’s a wise idea to put our trust in Jenny from the Block, why we’re excited Baylie Brown took a five-year break before returning to the Idol audition room, and which Golden Ticket recipients we loved and loathed from the San Diego, Aspen, and Houston audition telecasts. Along the way, you’ll get a brief discussion of bull testicles, a little Downton Abbey reverie, and a flashback to the former Idol semifinalist who comes up as the No. 2 result in a Google search for “Jersey girl on a toilet.”

So press play below, then hit the comments to share your thoughts on this week’s discussion topics. And for all my Idol news, recaps, and interviews, follow me on Twitter @MichaelSlezakTV!

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Tags: American Idol, Fox, Idology, Idoloonies, Reality TV, Video

Comments (57)

SEASON 11 I will not be watching. No BLACK Female singers made the Top 24. WTF is Nigel doing. I supported this show for 8 years and I’m very dissapointed.
Comment by Q – January 29, 2012 09:37 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I’m sure you will still watch if you find somebody you like.
  Comment by Bullissa – January 29, 2012 09:55 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I’m glad you won’t be watching, because that means you won’t be giving out any more spoilers in the comment area. Buh-Bye.
  Comment by Tim – January 29, 2012 10:51 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- yeah no kidding, you deserve the WTF for putting out a spoiler without warning us first. you are, as Michael by way of Hugo called Randy last week, a dolt.
  Comment by jake – January 30, 2012 04:41 AM PDT Reply To This Post
  - Simon was the one who loved african-american singers. So he claimed them all for X Factor. Besides only Jennifer Hudson has had any kind of career. And that’s because of Dreamgirls not Idol. All the successful Idols have been white. I for one would not have cared if Syesha, Lil Rounds, and Paige(while Kaitlin and Lily were cut)whomever had not made the top 12. I applaud them for finally choosing talent over diversity for diversity’s sake.
    Comment by Jason – January 30, 2012 10:09 AM PDT Reply To This Post
    - Melinda Doolittle should have won Season 6 and how is her career going? What a voice!
      Comment by Bea – January 30, 2012 10:38 AM PDT Reply To This Post
    - I get SO tired of people saying the JHud is the ONLY successful black idol! People…you need to understand that JUST because YOU aren’t listening/following R&B, DOESN’T mean it doesn’t exist!!!! Fantasia was the FOURTH highest earning Idol in 2011 ($4million) according to Forbes. She is extremely popular with Urban adult audiences and radio, concerts, etc. She also WON a Grammy as best R&B female last year. So open your minds!! I don’t like country, or rock but at least I know that there are idols who do well in that genre (I can’t name a song Carrie Underwood sings, but I know she does well). Conversely, just because Fantasia is not played on your local CHR station or you don’t see her on weight watchers commercials does NOT mean she (or others) aren’t doing their thing… POP culture is not the ONLY culture!
      Comment by HB – January 30, 2012 03:11 PM PDT Reply To This Post
      - Mandisa (from season 5) is also doing very well in Christian music
        Comment by cathy – January 31, 2012 01:09 PM PDT
lol @ Jacob Lusk and Danny Gokey.
Comment by Q – January 29, 2012 09:49 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I was just gonna say that, Q! ^^^^
  Comment by karenb – January 30, 2012 07:40 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Yep, it’s all about the Live Rounds. These edits made Ellen look good in Season 9, Steven look good last year, but then it becomes a muddled mess. Randy is pretty consistently meh during the audition rounds and live rounds so he’s not a good example of editing. And thank you for mentioning the fact Randy did NOT remember Baylie. Dude got the sheet of paper handed to him from the producers, and then goes and says “She sounded better than before”. He doesn’t remember what he ate last night for dinner, let alone a girl from 5 years ago. But you guys are right about J.Lo, she has good weeks, she has bad ones, she’s definitely a mixed bag.
-
Love that Melinda is the co-host, she adds a great voice to this show, and great thoughts. Love the throw back to “nuts of wonder”. Awesome drop in
Comment by IdolBeTheJudge.Blogspot.com – January 29, 2012 09:49 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Baylie is awesome and has a great personality, she could be a threat. The potential of this season is great so far.
Comment by Crista – January 29, 2012 10:00 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I agree. We’ve been saying a lot how we wish certain contestants could have waited a few years, matured a bit, have their heart broken and get some real life experience. Baylie I believe has gone through all of that so she’s the one I’m most interested in watching this season.
  Comment by RTW – January 30, 2012 06:55 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I don’t even watch Idol anymore but I still watch you, Slezak! Keep up the good work!
Comment by RLN – January 29, 2012 10:00 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- Look at you “im so cool cuz I dont watch idol anymore!!!” I’m sure if you find somebody you like, you will watch.
  Comment by Julia – January 29, 2012 10:02 PM PDT Reply To This Post
What’s with these episodes being so short?? WIl they get longer with the live shows or are you purposely leaving us wanting more?
Comment by brandy – January 29, 2012 10:56 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- I was wondering the same thing! Hoping for longer episodes once the live shows hit.
  Comment by Saracen Riggins – January 31, 2012 07:38 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- My thoughts too! Looking forward to Idology each week. Longer episodes, please!!!!!!
  Comment by Lunakit – January 31, 2012 05:36 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I’ve not even watched this season after the awful previous season, but Idology (and it’s predecessors Idoloonies and Idolatry from EW) are must watch for me. Slezak cracks me up and I <3 Melinda Dolittle. I'd forgotten about Jacob Lusk (I think I tried to block him out!). I may start watching during the live rounds. The audition rounds don't do much for me.
Comment by baj24 – January 29, 2012 11:18 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Great show as usual. I’m finding the auditions particularly sluggish this year. There are a lot of marginal singers being put through and practically no stand outs or really remarkable auditions either. Even comparing this stage to last year we had already heard Haley, Stefano, Lauren, Scotty, Casey, Naima, Thia, Julie, Rachel Z etc.. who all gave really good to great auditions. Showing less “comedy” acts was a definite step in the right direction, so why are they holding back on the great singers?

And it’s not like so few auditioned. What about Deandre Brackensick/Hollie Cavanagh? Both great singers who narrowly missed the cut last year, reauditioned and have been successful. Why haven’t they been shown? The ratings for this audition season have taken a hit, no wonder because they’ve been some of the most uninspiring for years.
Comment by Hugh – January 29, 2012 11:19 PM PDT Reply To This Post
- ^THIS!^
  Comment by Brigette – January 30, 2012 09:23 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- This 2.
  
  Also, I have to disagree with Melinda’s – what’s the big deal about forgetting the lyrics statement. I think it should be a big deal. It will push the contestants a little more. That said, Idol judges often warn the contestants about it – indicating that those that forget about the lyrics are out — and then entirely ignore the warning if it is someone they really like (Scotty McCreery is the #1 example of that.)
  Comment by Snsetblaze – January 30, 2012 10:49 AM PDT Reply To This Post
When are we going to get some good artist? Season 11 looking like a fail…. Nuts of wonder..really really. HaHa. I love you guys.
Comment by Sarah – January 29, 2012 11:24 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Interesting that there’s been no “chosen one” yet. No “we may have found the one” or “I can see this one taking it all” comments. Or maybe I’m just not paying close enough attention. I’m always curious to see what kind of storyline they go for from season to season. It’s almost sad how much of a scripted drama the show is as opposed to a reality competition show.

Whatever, as long as you keep showing clips of/mentioning Haley Reinhart, you will have my attention.
Comment by megs – January 29, 2012 11:50 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I have never been a fan of these shows but they are part of the process so I watch…. love you with Melinda. Can’t wait to see what the season brings. Baylie did a great job. I’m glad they let them come back and audition again.
Comment by Ellen – January 30, 2012 02:59 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Whenever I watch Idology, I wish it was longer, I don’t wan’t it to end. I love it so much. It’s the best part of the show!
Comment by Ana – January 30, 2012 05:09 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- I agree! I was just going to write the same thing! Love Slezak! And Melinda too.
  Comment by Donna – January 30, 2012 08:22 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- I know — it’s just never long enough. I keep playing back moments in order to prolong it.
  Comment by MichelleR – January 30, 2012 08:48 PM PDT Reply To This Post
You can edit all you want, but the disdain in Jennifer’s eyes with the Randy craziness would have probably required massive amounts of cutting edge CGI to be edited in, I choose optimism, I think it’s gonna be a good judging year for J.Lo, maybe an Out of Sight year judging-wise.
Comment by raftrap – January 30, 2012 05:22 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- I agree. Regardless of the editing, Jennifer’s reactions after the girl who sang “Fallen” were 100% authentic and very refreshing. At first, she held back by saying something like “There was something in your voice I couldn’t connect to.” But after the girl walked out of the room, Jennifer let us know how she really felt about the absurdity of the girl’s advancement: “That was awful. That was awful. I feel like I’m in the Twilight Zone. Did somebody slip me something?” I was thinking the same thing. Every aspect of that audition was terrible.
  Comment by Justin – February 1, 2012 07:18 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I think that the judges are looking particularly odd this year, but I think that’s mostly editing. I also thing that the really good talent is being kept under wraps so that Hollywood week will seem more exciting. I personally wish Hollywood week was longer than 2 days and they’d shorten some of the audition time. It is always my favorite week.
Comment by TrulyRoxie – January 30, 2012 05:35 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Scotty might have forgot the words..but he sang “nuts of wonder” absolutely perfect!
Comment by cathy – January 30, 2012 07:01 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- Your comment proves that there really is a parallel universe in which paradox reigns supreme.
  Comment by Billy – January 30, 2012 09:40 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I love Idology. Michael, you are hilarious and usually right on target. Melinda, you are the best. Great team.
Comment by Kiki – January 30, 2012 07:23 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Love Idology with Melinda. The 2 of you are perfect together. Hope she’s on with you each week as her schedule allows…
Comment by CAM – January 30, 2012 07:43 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Loved your use of the clip from The Guard! Your (not so random) clips are what make ~~Idolatry~~ Idology one of my favourite parts of my week!
Comment by Margie – January 30, 2012 07:46 AM PDT Reply To This Post
That was an awesome episode of Idology. I have to give you points for the 702 reference.
Comment by misssandybee – January 30, 2012 08:13 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- This. I haven’t thought about that song since maybe 11th grade. Awesome.
  Comment by Aprilcot26 – January 31, 2012 09:19 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Do these kids EVER review old auditions. The judge team has gone over many many times the audition songs that make them gag on a regular basis.
It blows me away that People continue to audition with these songs all the time. One would think that they would review tapes or if they are true idol fans remember which songs catch on the best and which are the ones to avoid at all cost.
Comment by Cassie – January 30, 2012 09:00 AM PDT Reply To This Post
I have been feeling quite underwhelmed with the auditions this year. I don’t know if it is because of grandness of the X factor auditions, or the talent doesn’t seem to be quite there this year. While I like Idol as a show much better than the xfactor, I prefer X factors auditions, there are more standout remember me performances.
I love your show michael! I wish it was longer.
Comment by sofia – January 30, 2012 09:02 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Slezak & Melinda, I really appreciated that you guys said you can’t listen to the Lady GaGa version of “You and I,” because I can’t either! Haley sang it so much better. ANYWAY. If we want to be JLo optimists, we could always hope that maybe her focus is a little more work-related this season, seeing as she may not be as distracted by marital woes? I feel like we’ve seen a few good voices so far, but not many that are unique or interesting, or unique and interesting PERSONALITIES. I’m just anxious for Hollywood week when we can focus on some of these contestants better.
Comment by Brigette – January 30, 2012 09:34 AM PDT Reply To This Post
- I was having breakfast in a hotel whilst on holiday in New Zealand when the GaGa version of ‘You and I’ came on the muzak system, so disappointing because it lacked that punch that Haley gave it, especially in the chorus
  Comment by ejones – January 30, 2012 05:45 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I do love me some Idology. I’m still on the fence about watching the entire season this year, but I know I will be keeping up with Slezak’s recaps and amazing videos. I always get a kick out of them, and I usually agree with the opinions in them. Also, any time a Haley Reinhart mention is made is a good thing.
Comment by Swansteel – January 30, 2012 09:35 AM PDT Reply To This Post
The only reason I still watch Idol is so I can come here and watch this and know what’s going on. Said it.
Comment by Justin – January 30, 2012 10:48 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Loved it! Again, thanks for posting on YouTube this season! Makes it much easier for me to watch on my iPad.
Comment by Meghan – January 30, 2012 11:39 AM PDT Reply To This Post
i haven’t started watching idol this season yet, but I’m lovin’ this!!!!!!!!!!! Michael and Melinda are the bomb!!!!!!!!!
Comment by Jess – January 30, 2012 01:32 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Loving watching Michael and Melinda again. I’ve watched bits and pieces of the shows this season, but I’m not really getting into Season 11 until Haley Reinhart sings her new single on the show. It’s part protest, part catharsis.
Comment by JT – January 30, 2012 05:02 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Already reviving Nuts of Wonder? I agree that I can only listen to Haley’s version of You and I. I am afraid JLo once she doesn’t have the edit will become unsufferable once again. I have been encouraged mostly by the auditions so far.
Comment by Amy – January 30, 2012 07:29 PM PDT Reply To This Post
i love this show!.
Comment by Phill – January 30, 2012 09:44 PM PDT Reply To This Post
Loved belly laughing through this episode, especially the part about Randy holding up his hand! I am really tired of him as a judge.

So waiting for Haley Reinhart’s album to be released!

Only about two or three of the contestants that were put through to Hollywood Week make me want to hear then again. Baylie is one. Hoping there are others that we haven’t even heard yet.
Comment by Bonnie A – January 30, 2012 10:03 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I love Melinda, I do. She’s a smart and funny co-host and dfinitely adds a voice to the show, BUT…

I kind of miss you bringing back a lot of less-talked-about former idol faces. Sarah Sellers was cute and interesting on idoloonies, and so was Katlyn Epperly and tons of others.

Just saying.
Comment by Yursare – January 31, 2012 12:24 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Why are these only 10 minutes?!?! Dam.n you!
Comment by trev – January 31, 2012 02:44 AM PDT Reply To This Post
They are saving the good ones this year. Most of the top 24 have not been shown. There is great talent. Nigel is not pimping the good singers early. Wait to Hollywood week and the big guns will come out.
Comment by Jess – January 31, 2012 03:30 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Love the Idology, formerly known as Idoloonies, videos! My only criticism is that they’re too short. Michael and Melinda, you guys are hilarious. Love you both!
Comment by dnaz – January 31, 2012 08:12 AM PDT Reply To This Post
Melinda and Michael make such good foils for each other. Funny, smart and almost always right. Booyah!
Comment by Shannon – January 31, 2012 08:56 AM PDT Reply To This Post
You can’t listen to Lady GaGa’s version of “You and I”? Yep…I’m right with you… Haley killed it! and I have the same problem when “Rolling in the Deep” comes on the radio. Makes me want to hear Haley instead of Adele.

Looking forward to your review during Hollywood week. I’m enjoying Idology more than American Idol this season.

Keep the Haley clips coming, J-Lo and Randy think they’ve got a clean slate from their cruddy judging last year. Your little Haley clips remind them (or who-ever was feeding them the script)… that we don’t want to see another rigged show this season.
Comment by MarkStudy – January 31, 2012 05:56 PM PDT Reply To This Post
I have to give Mr. Slezak ‘two snaps with a twist’ for having Melinda Doolittle on “Idology”. Very entertaining!
Comment by darcy's evil twin – January 31, 2012 07:53 PM PDT Reply To This Post

Idology: The Redemption of J.Lo? The Return of Baylie Brown! The Death of Alicia Keys' 'Fallin'?

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