I'm so glad ABC picked up Idol; we're at the second season and I'm keeping up with the ratings. I so want Idol to continue for several more seasons.
There's a comment here that knocked the talent- I started to get miffed until I realized it was posted two weeks ago, during auditions. I wonder what that person thinks now that the top 20 are performing. I think the talent in this group of kids is the best I've seen, and I've watched every single season. There were some standouts last season but the talent was concentrated in those few. This season, I think the talent is very strong across the group of 20, with few exceptions.
I like these judges, as well, but imo, the absolute best judges' panel across time was Jennifer Lopez, Harry Connick and Keith Urban. They gave very professional, practical critiques that could help the contestants before the next episode, while keeping the show upbeat and fun. Katy, Luke and Lionel are good, but - despite my girl crush on Katy - sometimes they overdo the fun stuff and they don't get serious about the critiques until the top ten, which can mean we lose great talent early on.
No matter what, though, I'm really happy its back and hoping American Idol will be on for many more years.