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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » NEWS NOW Talk explores birds and climate change ... Ashland development earns 'green' rating ... Aging Happens: Ashland could use more options for 'aging in place' ... Talk explores birds and climate change ... Ashland development earns 'green' rating ... Aging Happens: Ashland could use more options for 'aging in place' ... The Farr Side: New format for 'American Idol' as show continues a strong run Comment By David T. Farr More Content Now DailyTidings.com By David T. Farr More Content Now Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 6:45 AM By David T. Farr More Content Now Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 6:45 AM » Social News I might be one of the few “American Idol” loyalists left to say this, but I like the new format. I enjoy the new scheme of things, although I think I much prefer the two-hour episodes instead of the cram-packed hour-long ones we have now. Season 14 is good! I don’t care that some critics say the show’s relevance has passed. I don’t believe it. I think it’s still TV’s best talent show. It it has made viable stars in the music industry and beyond. No other series can say that, including NBC’s “The Voice.” Sure “The Voice” is entertaining, but its contestants get nowhere after a season is over. To me, that’s no fun. I would rather see hopefuls have a chance to live their dreams. Kelly Clarkson’s latest album, “Piece By Piece,” debuted at No. 1, 13 years after winning the first season of “American Idol.” Since then, several “Idol” alumni have blossomed into major stars. That’s the hope that current judge Harry Connick Jr. is striving for again this season. I think having the judges (Connick, Jennifer Lopez and Keith Urban) narrow the field to 24 was the best idea yet. It made sure those with talent and drive to succeed had a fair shot. The judges did a fantastic job. I’ve been blown away with what I’ve seen from this year’s talent pool. They have some real contenders, which will make it difficult to pick just one. I like them all. This week the field narrows to the coveted top 10. Everyone left in the competition will make the “American Idol” tour this summer. Connick made it clear early on he means business this season. He wanted a top 10 worthy of 10 winners. I believe that could be true with Season 14’s finalists, and so does “AI’s” newest mentor, Steve Borchetta. This guy is the bomb in music right now. His success can be summarized in two words: Taylor Swift. Borchetta is smart enough to know vocals are important, but so is marketability, style and stage presence. He has carefully molding each of the finalists, helping them see the big picture. The process will help whittle down who has what it takes to be the next “American Idol.” I can’t make up my mind yet who I want to win. I’m torn among several contenders, including Qassim Middleton, Clark Beckham, Jax, Tyanna Jones and Joey Cook. Qassim and Tyanna are amazing. Those two bring charisma and excitement to the stage. I’m eager to see what happens for them. Clark, Jax, and Joey also have what it takes to win. This is going to be a difficult choice. Who do you want to see go all the way to finale night? David T. Farr is a Sturgis, Michigan, Journal correspondent. Email him at [email protected]. By David T. Farr More Content Now DailyTidings.com By David T. Farr More Content Now Posted Mar. 19, 2015 at 6:45 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with DailyTidings.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Alerts Email alerts RSS feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. DailyTidings.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501