The Morning After: TC, SYTYCD, AGT

I completely agree with you about So You Think You Can Dance... I think a large part of the missing connection (as opposed to American Idol, which I feel almost too connected to, lol) has to do with the judges. They're just not as personable as other TV judges, and Mary's screaming isn't cute - it's just annoying.

I'm holding out hope that as the field narrows down to the top 10, we'll start to know the dancers on a more personal level and maybe start to like them as individuals.

I'm fairly new to SYTYCD, but I find it enjoyable - if not particularly memorable.

Sure, the judges on SYTYCD aren't quite as identifiable as the ones on Idol. But I'd still rather really, truly, ears-opened LISTEN to what the judges on SYTYCD have to say than Randy, Paula, and Simon. Cuz in spite of the shrieking and catchphrasing and tamale-training, Mary Murphy usually provides some really insightful critiques, things that I'd never be able to pick up on myself (I'm the “Ooh I like the song! Cool costumes!” kind of viewer)–and when she does, she actually sobers up to say it.

And it's that seriousness, that appreciation for analysis, that lets me know the judges are more than just the cartoon characters that the Idol judges have reduced themselves to as the seasons have gone by. I feel like I'm watching something more authentic when I watch SYTYCD.

Whether that approach to judging makes for better ratings is a whole ‘nother issue. Although, I'd argue that the likelihood that the average viewer is better versed in singing than dancing is why you find yourself more hooked on Idol. Which is different than saying singing is an inherently more emotionally bonding medium.

Apropos of nothing, but this HAS to be seen:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYyy1VUFav0&feature=player_embedded

As Ken Tucker at EW.com says: Does Les Moonves realize what is going on at the Late Late Show?

(I would add that what is going on at the Late Late Show is Craig Ferguson being the best late night host, BY FAR, on television......I mean, that is how he OPENED his show last night -- puppets, lip-synching, Grandmaster Flash and Duran Duran, "White Lines"....just incredible.)

NPH could make any show worth watching ...

So America's Got Talent...ok, ok, I know it's corny, but I have to admit I am a total sucker for the hard-luck-miracle-make-your-dreams- come-true stories they have on especially at the end of the show, (I cry every show at least once) like the chicken catcher with the hat on backwards and the woman last night that survived cancer and can sing, girl, she can SING! What they the judges have to weed through each audition to find the worthy of watching and/or listening to makes them (well-paid) heroes to me, most border on the insane and ridiculous, ie. guy playing yankee-doodle with his hands????? (and David can be my hero any day, he was so 80's/90's yet oddly, still has the cool factor) I enjoy the show, even the train wrecks!