In spite of the prior season decline, the Tuesday night's two-hour “Idol 8” premiere on FOX still managed to outperform CBS, ABC, NBC and CW, the combined total programming for the night of the four major network broadcasters in the United States. CBS came in second, thanks to its crime show lineup of “NCIS” at 8 (18.5 million), “The Mentalist” at 9 (18.1 million) and “Without a Trace” at 10 (12.4 million). NBC was third with “The Biggest Loser” from 8 to 10 (8.8 million), followed by “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” (9.7 million). ABC was fourth. The six shows that have increased their audience this year, such as "NCIS" and "Two and a Half Men," are all aired by CBS.

 

In the Judaic religion, the number eight is a very auspicious number, designating both the complete days of Hanukkah and the moment, when a Jewish boy is performed the ritual of circumcision. Knowing this, you would expect only excellent feedbacks for the new season of “American Idol”, but in exchange the show’s debut left Fox's entertainment chief "relieved but not satisfied.” Peter Liguori, Fox entertainment chairman, stated that considering everything that had happened on broadcast TV this season, the decline was consistent.

 

This eighth edition of the “American Idol” which introduced new judge Kara DioGuardi intended to be noticeably less humiliating regarding the talent-deficient. The song writer quickly established herself as a presence on the judging panel. At first glimpse, it was hard not to be struck by the visual difference between Kara and her colleagues. She looked younger, sharper, more attractive, showing everybody a dangerous smile.

 

Host Ryan Seacrest seemed more smiley than ever while Simon turned out to be in midseason contempt form. Paula often appeared distracted and Randy struggled to connect and rise above his colleagues. The question is: Is this the kind of difference that Kara’s presence brought to the show?

 

Well...let’s see!

 

When Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson let the 20-year-old bikini-contestant Katrina Darrell through after a mediocre version of Mariah Carey's "Vision of Love," DioGuardi totally disapproved with the decision, saying she lacked "swing." In order to prove to Darrell how it should have been done, DioGuardi sang the song herself, but that did not impress the young contestant, as she said the judge’s demonstration was not better than hers. Obviously Kara’s intention was to dash the dreams of the hopeful bimbo, saying that she loved pretty girls, but this one had better body than face, and such an appearance matters on a TV talent show.