Now that we’re one week in to the new season of American Idol it’s worth stepping back and taking a look at the new panel of judges.
There was a lot of concern, frustration, and downright disappointed expressed with the selection of Nicki Minaj while Keith Urban and Mariah Carey mostly received a pass from the critics. We even put out a poll just before the premiere that came back with two to one results that Nicki would ruin American Idol. With the first two episodes under our belt, I’m interested to see if everyone still feels the same.
I’ll give a few quick thoughts on each judge and then I’d like to hear your thoughts in the comments below along with a vote in the poll.
Randy Jackson is still Randy. He’s never been terribly insightful and it doesn’t look like Season 12 will end that streak. It’s good to have him back from the sense of continuity, but I’d be fine if he just sat there quietly each episode.
Mariah Carey is a bit underwhelming. Having such a big name does conjure up big expectations and while she’s been “fine” she hasn’t been “great.” Things are still early though and hopefully once she gets past this little Nicki feud we’ll see a better Judge Mariah.
Keith Urban is in that same category of “bland” with Mariah. He’s got a good sense of humor on the panel which is valuable, but I’m still waiting for him to come out of his shell and be more on the show.
Nicki Minaj silenced my concerns this week. I really didn’t think this would be a good fit for her, but she proved me wrong. While we’ve seen quiet lulls on the panel in the past it hasn’t happened like that so far on American Idol 2013. She’s always willing to jump in and go first with mostly valuable feedback. I’m happy to admit my fears were unfounded and if anything I really believe Nicki Minaj will help reinvigorate the series this season.
Now it’s your turn. What did you think of the new Season 12 judges?