American Idol Season 12 starts now!

American Idol Season 12, New Judges

Its the start of American Idol Season 12. 

New set of judges. 

Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson.

Mariah is the biggest addition that the American Idol put into that judging panel. Her drawing power is huge. Observing from the first episode alone, most who came in for the audition are some of her avid fans. I find Mariah's comments a bit short but they do carry much weight. She knows about voices and her keen sense of detecting tone and voice quality is quite on.

Nicki is the loudest and colorful among the judges. And that would instantly get you to focus your eyes and ears on her. It's also surprising that she can carry her own weight in bringing some sense into the audition mix. Her star power is immense that she outshines her colleagues. Mariah is not okay with that. And I think, that's what starts the sparks to fly. The now and then Mariah and Nikki starships collisions are so entertaining. Which brings us to the other new judge - Keith Urban.

Keith is a country artist but from another country. It is not his first try at a judging gig since he was in a rival singing competition a year before the move to American Idol. However  I still need to see the Urban significance in the mix. Perhaps he is there to bring in the country crowd to the show. But right now, his position at the judging panel makes him a buffer for the two colliding divas. He seems not happy guy as far as the sitting arrangement is concern.

Randy is the veteran judge here. However he is out shined by the new judges. However, credit goes to him for staying twelve long seasons of the American Idol. He has become the mentor of all new judges and that is the true value he gives to the show.

As early as now, I am watching out for the white guys with guitars (WGWGs). They might not show most of the auditions, but I am sure there would be a lot of guys who will try out with their guitars in tow. Would there be a break in the WGWGs winning streak this year? No clue as of yet. But you have to admit that the odds are there since it's been the winning formula for the past 5 seasons.

Here are some of the better auditions by far:

Angela Miller

Angela said she has problems hearing in both ears but -oh man! She sure can sing. Mariah said she has a wonderful tone in her voice.

Ashlee Feliciano

You would remember Ashlee as the girl with an awesome family. Her voice is awesome too. The way her voice can instantly switch from low to high register is unique.

Frankie Ford

Double FF, as Randy called him, has a story of perseverance which you wanna root for to succeed. There were a few flaws on his audition but he is quite determined to work on it.  There is no denying passion and the will to succeed.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin 

Aside from having a thousand colorful turbans, his nickname "The Turbanator" is memorable. However, would his soft sounding voice and vibe shines through? I am expecting more colorful turbans in the future. Ones that can rival Nicki's wigs and headpieces.

Sarah Restuccio

Sarah - the country girl / Nicki Minaj protege. Well, that is how I remember her. Is she a versatile performer or she still searching for the artist within? However, she does hold a lot of promise. 

Shira Gavrielov 

Shira is originally from Israel. Sweet girl in short shorts. Her tone and pleasing accent did stand out. Keith was so amazed that he almost gave Nicki a bath. 

Tenna Torres 

Tenna is one avid Mariah fan. She even brought photos to show proof she went to Mariah singing camp. And it shows in her voice. Mariah was so delighted with her and the photos too that she ordered copies of it.

Do you think anyone of these guys is the next American Idol?