Beatles on American Idol.

I'm a sucker for "American Idol".

Never thought I'd openly admit this, but it's true. Got kind of into it last season, but thanks to Amanda and the fact that it's cheap and easy to watch, I've become addicted this season.

I know what you're saying and thinking. "Drew, you're a sell-out." Well, sell-outs usually live pretty happy lives, right? Sorry to disappoint.

This season isn't considered to have the strongest lineup of contestants, but I'm a fan of most of those who are left. To make it more interesting, they did songs from Lennon/McCartney this week, which is how my attention was originally drawn in two years ago.

A lot of Beatles fans weren't too happy about this song list, however, because they believe that the show is full of no-talent karaoke singers. I even got into a debate with a bunch of people who attend the Beatle festival, Abbey Road on the River, about whether or not it was a good thing they would be singing these classic songs. Most of them argued that it would be awful, and that it was only Sony's way of trying to exploit money out of the Beatles lineup. I disagreed, however, saying that whether the contestants did a good or bad job, it would still be exposure for the Beatles and could open the eyes of young people to a higher level of music. Think of all the kids out there who watch Idol and only listen to the spawn of Disney and acts like Justin Bieber. This episode could grab their attention and pull them in a much more dignified musical direction. Even though the songs being performed aren't the original, I know that if a cover is interesting, it makes me want to check out the way the first artist performed it. Hopefully Idol will do the same for these kids.

One of the many good things about the Beatles is that they created a foundation of music so beautiful that future performers could take it in any direction or genre. While new versions of the songs can be different, they can also be a cool and innovative new look into the original classic. The "I am Sam" and "Across the Universe" soundtracks have already done this, and I think it's fun to see where other new and old artists take the songs as well.

As for this season of "American Idol", the contestants did a pretty good job with the music overall. My top four favorites showed up with strong versions. Casey performed an acoustic blues version of "Jealous Guy" by John Lennon, which you could tell he really felt as he sang. Siobhan brought a pure and beautiful cover of "Across the Universe" that really highlighted the fundamentals of music without going overboard with crazy notes or hurting the song. Big Mike tore UP an R&B version of "Eleanor Rigby", strings and all, and Crystal brought a powerful acoustic version of "Come Together", complete with didgeridoo. My alternating fifth favorite, Lee, also did a great cover of "Hey Jude", bringing out a bagpipe player and getting the audience involved like the Beatles would do.

Here are a few vids:




The rest of the singers did OK too, and in my opinion, it was definitely the best show of the season so far. Of course, singing the Beatles could have a little something to do with this, but hey, it was awesome, and I'm gonna go ahead and say that a lot of the people who were against it that watched it probably liked it too.

Anyway, I'm gonna keep watching the show and cheering on my favorites like all of the middle-aged women and teeny-boppers who get into it. Not gonna be embarrassed or ashamed by my new-found love in this reality program. Gonna watch it with pride until the end. Might even vote for the first time if it comes to it. We shall see.

Otherwise, I'm gonna start writing to YOU people more often. I'm really feeling talking more about music now that it's spring and getting warm out. Always brings out memories of older times and good tunes, so be prepared for some of that.

Until then, be easy, and I'll be in touch.
Drew