Amercian Idol Getting Mean?

Fox's talent contest regularly has made an art of mocking the untalented who expose their dreams of stardom on TV, but the show's fifth year has the stench of a mean season.
Vulnerable contestants are coming in for more ridicule; bounced contestants are unleashing more extended and expletive-laden attacks on the judges and, we are warned, the future will demonstrate how vicious singers can be when they really want to win.
"We now have contestants who will not let anything get in their way of victory," host Ryan Seacrest told The Associated Press before the show returned. "Some contestants have thrown each other under the bus this season." (Watch some caustic Cowell comments -- :25)
Much is at stake. Producers Fremantle Media North America and 19 Entertainment, who again have delivered the No. 1-rated show to Fox (last week's premiere drew a record 35.5 million viewers), are under pressure to keep the format a lucrative draw.
Would-be idols know this game can be about more than fleeting fame: It may be 15 seconds or it may be big album sales and a shot at a lasting career, as with "Since U Been Gone" hitmaker Kelly Clarkson.
"Shows have to reinvent themselves to stay fresh and invigorated for all these years," said analyst Shari Anne Brill of New York-based Carat USA.

American Idol New Talent

There was no doubt. It was as obvious as her long blonde hair. Kellie Pickler was the darling of American Idol’s Greensboro auditions.The October auditions aired this past Tuesday night, and while many nervous hopefuls drew the sarcastic razor of Simon Cowell, Pickler’s impact resulted in a polar opposite reaction.Following her singing of “Since U Been Gone” and a follow-up of “Broken Wing,” Cowell had just one suggestion, “I don’t think you need to belt them out quite so much.”But, there were no razor cuts coming her way, just the opposite.“That’s a nice girl. That’s someone I’d like to see do well,” said Cowell.As with Cowell, Paula Abdul expressed sincere regard for Pickler’s soulful performance.“You’re adorable. I like the conviction in your voice,” Abdul said. “You’re really special. Go and have a good time now.” Overwhelmed by the positive feedback, the Albemarle 19-year-old blurted out, “I can’t wait to call my grandpa.” Then, Miss Stanly County 2004 walked off stage, through the doors, and broke down as she was greeted by her adopted big sister, Summer Miller, and grandfather, Ken Norton.As she crouched down and buried her face in her hands, the realization of the moment flowed through her tears. She had conquered the first hurdle, won the judges’ respect, and now it was off to Hollywood.On Tuesday night, Jerry and Carolyn Holt hosted a Kellie Party for her extended family of friends.