Blogcritics On American Idol ’06

The fifth season of American Idol is off to an astonishing start with ratings higher than ever through the audition and Hollywood rounds. Will interest continue throughout the season? Will compelling new stars emerge? Will superstar Kelly Clarkson's cooling toward the show that put her on the map — she didn't even mention Idol in her Grammy acceptance speech — have any impact? Will people ever tire of the Simon/Paula/Randy routine? Is Ryan Seacrest the new Dick Clark?

We have been following the action on and off the set all season:

American Idol 5 Winner Taylor Hicks Signs Recording Deal With Idol Machine
Hicks delivered into the arms of Simon Fuller and Clive Davis.
Posted to Music by Eric Olsen on June 1, 2006 01:49 PM

American Idol: The Very Best Of Katharine McPhee
A compilation of Katharine McPhee's most memorable performances and why America caught the McPheever.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on May 29, 2006 08:26 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Triumph of the Hicks
Two hours of tasteless TV genius in which “Can you top this?” alternates with “What were they thinking?”
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on May 28, 2006 09:21 PM

Soul Patrol Push Hicks To American Idol 2006
Taylor Hicks brings fans back a real American Idol. The Soul Patrol rides on.
Posted to Video by Jewels Richardson on May 27, 2006 11:02 PM

Live Joins Chris Daughtry for American Idol Season Finale Performance
You can see the Chris Daughtry/Live collaboration right here if you missed it.
Posted to Music by DJRadiohead on May 25, 2006 07:07 PM

American Idol Video Clips – Step Right Up, Get Your Finale Clips
After a season of speculation and more than 63 million votes, 29-year-old Alabama native Taylor Hicks is the new "American Idol." And the world has been watching. A bunch…
Posted to Video by Gary Baker on May 25, 2006 05:22 PM

TV Review: American Idol Finale – Forget Taylor Hicks, It Was All About Prince
Last night's American Idol finale was all about the surprise apperance of Prince.
Posted to Video by Greasy Guide on May 25, 2006 10:10 AM

American Idol Finale: Idols 'R' Us
The finale airs tonight. Whoever wins, we lose.
Posted to Video by Ray Ellis on May 24, 2006 06:43 PM

TV Review: American Idol Watch – Worst Finale Ever
Lack of show-stopping talent and bad song choices deliver us a DOA American Idol finale.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on May 24, 2006 06:50 AM

Nick's "Fairy Idol" Connects with Unreal Reality
American Idol homage on The Fairly OddParents a big hit.
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on May 23, 2006 12:16 PM

Taylor Hicks: American Idol Karma?
Taylor Hicks had been in New Orleans the night before Hurricane Katrina hit, he encountered problems trying to evacuate the city, but he succeeded. Handling matters in a diplomatic manner, the airline responded in kind, providing him a free ticket…
Posted to Video by Jewels Richardson on May 21, 2006 06:13 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Elliott Yamin Out at Third
On one Idol charity visit, Elliott met a leukemia patient and the boy went into remission minutes later.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on May 20, 2006 10:45 AM

American Idol 2006: It's a Soul Thing
It's true. I've been sucked into the Soul Patrol. But only for the best of reasons.
Posted to Video by Natalie Davis on May 18, 2006 04:22 PM

American Idol Watch: Top Three
The judges were ridiculously unfair to Katharine this week, and Elliott failed to live up to last week's incredible performances.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on May 17, 2006 10:14 AM

American Idol Resurrects Clive Davis Once More
Or vice versa.
Posted to Video by Dawn Olsen on May 16, 2006 07:55 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Chris Daughtry Leaves the Building
My wife left an unopened package of boxer-briefs on the bed. The problem is that they weren’t my size.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on May 12, 2006 10:21 PM

American Idol Final Four: Testing the Screensaver Theory
Computer screensavers are the bedroom walls of the Internet generation.
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on May 10, 2006 08:32 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Going Down to Three
Elliott Yamin delivers knock-out performances. Katharine and Chris K.O.'ed. Top two: Hicks and Yamin.
Posted to Video by Jewels Richardson on May 10, 2006 03:19 PM

TV Review: American Idol Watch – Top 4
Elliott Yamin makes American Idol worth watching.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on May 10, 2006 12:18 AM

TV Review: American Idol: A Mixed Bag on Elvis Night
Some good, some bad and possible Elliott-favoritism from the producers?
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on May 10, 2006 12:07 AM

American Idol – Final Four Frenzy, Judging the Judges
American Idol season 5 is creeping toward a momentacular finale with only four contestants remaining out the original eleventy-hundred thousand hopefuls who filled the stadiums and soup kitchens of America to audition last summer with hope in their hearts,…
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on May 8, 2006 02:11 PM

TV Review: American Idol, The Final Four
When this Idol season started gas was just two dollars a gallon.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on May 8, 2006 08:50 AM

American Idol: Elvis Presley Theme Week and Taylor Hicks
Can the dreaded "Karaoke" label be avoided? How did A.I. score an Elvis week anyway?
Posted to Music by Jewels Richardson on May 6, 2006 05:58 PM

American Idol Watch: Top 5
It's getting down to the wire, and Paula needs her meds.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on May 4, 2006 09:58 AM

TV Review: American Idol- Kellie Pickler Gets Whacked
Ryan got a chance to tell America that if you still want to vote for the McTwins dial 1-866-Idols36C.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 27, 2006 07:24 PM

American Idol Watch: Top Six
David Foster and Andrea Bocelli help the Idols bring out their inner-Celine. Or do they?
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on April 26, 2006 08:55 AM

TV Review: American Idol Final Six
Reviews of each contestant, plus a quick summary of the judges' behaviors and a prediction of who will lose.
Posted to Video by Sam Jack on April 26, 2006 08:45 AM

TV Review: American Idol – That's All for Ace Young
I'm thinking that Kellie is the musical equivalent of a cockroach because she's so indestructible.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 20, 2006 08:43 PM

TV Review: American Idol – And Then There Were Seven
It should an interesting week for voting with one bad performance.
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on April 19, 2006 09:24 AM

TV Review: American Idol Watch: Top 7
Greatest quote ever: "I butchered it."
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on April 19, 2006 06:59 AM

Bo Bice on Mad TV? – Imitation, the Sincerest Form of Flattery
Bo Bice on Mad TV? Taylor Hicks on Saturday Night Live? Night of the A.I. Doppelgangers.
Posted to Video by Jewels Richardson on April 18, 2006 04:52 PM

TV Review: American Idol Watch – Bucky Covington Exits
Finally, Bucky Covington is out of my life.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on April 16, 2006 05:27 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Bucky Bottoms Out
It's not about not being "pitchy." It's about being "catchy."
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 14, 2006 05:08 PM

Music Review: Taylor Hicks on American Idol
"Are you drunk?" The Crazy Little Thing Called Taylor Hicks.
Posted to Music by Jewels Richardson on April 14, 2006 02:55 AM

American Idol – The Top 8 Perform Queen
Who is going home this week? Paris? Ace? Katharine? Bucky?
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on April 12, 2006 11:20 AM

American Idol Watch: Top 8
Thank God for Queen.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on April 12, 2006 07:46 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Down to Eight
If anyone showed Godly spirit, without having to invoke God’s name a single time, it was Elliot Yamin.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 8, 2006 09:49 AM

American Idol – Country Music, Technical Issues and Bad Performances (Oh My!)
Last night was another bad night for American Idol. Where does the blame go?
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on April 5, 2006 11:35 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Nala Goes Home
Last night I found Shakira belly dancing in Kellie Pickler’s prom dress on my TV set.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 3, 2006 08:47 PM

TV Review: American Idol Getting Down to Nine
"Church of Mandisa” was probably not anywhere close to the reaction that the singer had meant to evoke.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on April 2, 2006 03:41 PM

Late Night Thoughts On Today's Music After Watching American Idol
What happened to the kind of popular music that actually inspired people to make their society better?
Posted to Music by Chancelucky on April 2, 2006 08:07 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Ten Goes to Nine
Only one stellar performance of the evening, a white guy tries to be black, and what's with the homeless look?
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 30, 2006 02:48 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Lisa Tucker Exits
Finally America cans the diva impostor. But how many lives does Bucky Covington have?
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 30, 2006 12:17 AM

TV Review: American Idol – The Week that Never Happened
This is what happens when contestants are left to their own devices.
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on March 29, 2006 01:59 PM

TV Review: American Idol Watch: Top 10
Truly a horrid night for American Idol. Who knew the 21st Century had such horrible songs?
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 29, 2006 09:28 AM

American Idol: Why Chris Daughtry Is Not A Copycat
Bloggers, leave Chris Daughtry alone. America will do just the opposite when he receives the most votes come Tuesday night.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 28, 2006 06:35 AM

TV Review: American Idol Final 10
I saw a picture in the National Enquirer of Kellie Pickler reading Wittgenstein.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on March 27, 2006 09:10 AM

TV Review: Kevin Covais is Gone and Inflated Praise for Chris Daughtry on American Idol
Last night Kevin Covais was ousted from American Idol. This kid had to go. I understand that his high school is almost finished preparing for their spring musical, Little Shop of Horrors, and they…
Posted to Video by Craig Lyndall on March 23, 2006 11:59 AM

TV Review: Kevin Covais Exits American Idol
Chicken Little was sent packing. But why exactly was the laughable Bucky Covington spared? The world may never know.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 23, 2006 11:21 AM

TV Review: American Idol 2006 – Eleven Start, Ten Survive
Ace is aces, Paris enchants, Chris shines. Barry Manilow's shocking revelation on the final top 11 of 2006's AI competition.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 23, 2006 03:54 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Quick Takes on '50s Night
Oh, boy! We're walking the line after midnight while not fading away. American Idol does the '50s!
Posted to Video by Jackie on March 22, 2006 06:07 PM

American Idol Watch: Top 11
Kellie Pickler and Chris Daughtry singing '50s tunes? They both actually fared pretty well.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 22, 2006 09:00 AM

TV Review: Fifties Night On American Idol
The night was filled with memorable performances, finally!
Posted to Video by trinket on March 22, 2006 07:20 AM

19E and American Idol Owe Taylor Hicks
Silver-haired Soulman providing American Idol its potential to deliver a real idol.
Posted to Video by Jewels Richardson on March 21, 2006 05:05 PM

Best of American Idol 2006 — So Far
My picks for what have been the best performances of this season.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 19, 2006 02:58 AM

TV Review: Melissa McGhee Exits American Idol
Melissa McGhee leaves 'Idol', while less able performers get to live another day.
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 17, 2006 07:22 PM

TV Review: American Idol 2006-The Top 12 Perform
Highlighted: Paris, Chris and Bucky. Another becomes more famed for her boobs than her voice. Thoughts on the top 12.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 16, 2006 03:37 AM

TV Review: American Idol Top 12
It's Stevie Wonder night. How many wanna bet they butcher his catalogue?
Posted to Video by Chris Evans on March 15, 2006 10:46 AM

TV Review: Stevie Wonder Night on American Idol
As anticipated, not everyone lived up to the difficult song selections.
Posted to Video by trinket on March 15, 2006 09:32 AM

My Top Ten Reasons To Watch American Idol
"What was up with Paula last night?"
Posted to Video by trinket on March 14, 2006 12:41 PM

TV Review: American Idol 2006, The Finalists
The guys and the top twelve are featured.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 10, 2006 02:03 AM

TV-Review: American Idol 2006 – Some Advice for the Girls
Down to eight and these girls really need some wise advice. Which we give here.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 9, 2006 02:49 AM

American Idol's Ryan Seacrest Now True "King of All Media"
With Howard Stern's retreat from the FCC to satellite radio (and huge dollars) and attendant reduction in reach — how many people do you know who USED to listen to Stern? — the real and true King of…
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on March 8, 2006 02:13 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Top Ten Guys
Will bad teeth eliminate one fellow? How about the nerd effect? The elimination round brings few surprises.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 3, 2006 10:48 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Top Ten Guys
Will bad teeth eliminate one fellow? How about the nerd effect? The elimination round brings few surprises.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 3, 2006 10:48 AM

TV Review:American Idol 2006 – The Girls Down to Ten
After intense perusal, I find no Kelly Clarkson or Carrie Underwood anywhere. Also, some AI gossip and computer info.
Posted to Video by Patfish on March 1, 2006 10:34 AM

An Uninspiring Night for The Ladies On American Idol
The top ten ladies basically landed in two categories tonite, "eh" and "ok."
Posted to Video by trinket on March 1, 2006 10:15 AM

TV Review: American Idol 2006, Top Twelve Fellows' First Eliminations
We looked over the top male contenders with a jaundiced and critical eye. I think I've spotted just the winner Randy sees.
Posted to Video by Patfish on February 25, 2006 06:06 PM

Pop Culture Update 2/24/06
Britney Spears- world's worst mother? American Idol knocking them dead. World's fattest rabbit, drunk birds and jackass penguins.
Posted to Culture by Patfish on February 24, 2006 12:09 PM

TV Review: American Idol 5 Round of 24
There’s a good chance that this year’s female constestants could beat up this year’s males.
Posted to Video by Chancelucky on February 24, 2006 04:55 AM

TV Review: The American Idol Dudes
Recap on last night's top 12 male performances. Not nearly as lame as I expected. But the guy group is sure an odd-looking crew.
Posted to Video by Chip Ross on February 23, 2006 09:27 PM

TV Review: American Idol 2006
An opera singer competes and a country bumpkin appeals. Top twelve females begin Fox's fifth season of the competition.
Posted to Video by Patfish on February 23, 2006 07:37 AM

TV Review: American Idol – It's Raining Men!
The men put on quite a show – check in here to find out who's hot and who's not.
Posted to Video by Sticker on February 23, 2006 03:17 AM

TV Review: American Idol – Guys' Night Up
Mesmerized in my Ace Trance, Taylor Hicks rescued me. It's the American Idol's Twelve Dudes, dawgs…!
Posted to Video by Jackie on February 23, 2006 12:47 AM

American Idol: It's Ladies' Night . . .
Oh yes it's ladies night And the feeling's right Oh yes it's ladies night Oh what a night (oh what a night) (*Repeat) Oh, wait. That was Kool and The Gang. Or the Atomic Kittens. Or Barry Manilow, whatever. Anyway, was it really Ryan Seacrest…
Posted to Video by Sticker on February 22, 2006 04:52 PM

American Idol: The Women
The women of Idol crooned ballad after ballad while Randy Jackson made no sense at all. Thank god for Simon!
Posted to Video by Chip Ross on February 22, 2006 04:31 PM

The Ladies Bring It On American Idol
The semifinals began with a bang this week on American Idol.
Posted to Video by trinket on February 22, 2006 12:59 PM

American Idol – Girls' Night Up
It's the top twelve American Idol girls taking the stage! Who rocks my socks? I can't believe I wrote that…
Posted to Video by Jackie on February 22, 2006 07:21 AM

Ladies First: The Top Twelve Finishers on American Idol
Since we've already met the top twelve men, let's focus on the ladies.
Posted to Video by trinket on February 18, 2006 05:32 PM

Meet American Idol's Top 12 Men
Next week the real fun starts as viewers start making the cuts. Let's meet the guys!
Posted to Video by trinket on February 17, 2006 12:24 PM

TV Review: American Idol – Wonder Twin Powers Deactivate!
"My spirit has been broken."
Posted to Video by trinket on February 15, 2006 07:54 AM

American Idol Finalist Jessica Sierra Moves On After Stalking Nightmare
Jessica Sierra, 20, made it to the finals of American Idol last season on the strength of exuberant self-confidence and a powerful country/rock voice. Though she was just the third singer…
Posted to Music by Eric Olsen on February 14, 2006 10:50 AM

Armchair Guide to American Idol Season 5: Hollywood Week Begins
After weeks of hearing people scream, "I'm going to Hollywood!" they're finally there! AI rolled out their first installment of that yearly tradition that has come to be known as Hollywood Week last night. 175 hopefuls were divided…
Posted to Video by trinket on February 9, 2006 09:52 PM

Trinket's Armchair Guide To American Idol 5
"Hi, my name is Trinket and I'm an American Idol addict." There, I've finally admitted it to myself and all of you. No more hiding this secret vice. No more…
Posted to Video by trinket on February 8, 2006 01:59 AM

The Ghosts of Dunkleman and Guarini Return on American Idol Rewind
With American Idol season 5 now underway, there is a question that has danced upon the zeitgeist for 3 1/2 years: why did season 1 of American Idol propel host Ryan Seacrest along the path to household-name stardomious ubiquity, and…
Posted to Video by Eric Olsen on January 24, 2006 03:04 PM

American Idol: the Modern Face of American Mean
Let me just say that I'm no neophyte. No dummy. No rube. I've watched every season of American Idol. And so yeah, I know the deal in these first few weeks. The producers sort out a nice bunch of a) good…
Posted to Video by teletart on January 18, 2006 08:24 PM

Signing Your Life Away
So, you want to be a reality show contestant? If you do, make sure you read through your contestant application. You'll find some important information there. Things you'd want to know before signing your name. Here's Fox's application for…
Posted to Video by Scott C. Smith on November 22, 2005 07:58 PM