New sensations

My mother is an American Idol aficionado, having followed the last season faithfully to its conclusion. Predictably, with the launch of the Singapore version, Thursday family dinners have become telly-front affairs consisting of snacks, finger foods, small plates and armchair critics.

Sudden vocal experts appraised tonal quality, timbre and dynamic range. Stage presence was assessed and just as quickly dismissed as applauded. He didn't communicate with the audience, what a shame; she sang slightly off-key, tch tch; they simply picked the wrong songs. All from the comfort of a long, black couch. What fun!

Numbers 1 and 2 tonight. Oh, and 8 too. The guys were terrible tonight. Ken was being far too polite. Douglas' comments were almost completely redundant. The contestants all seem to have the idea that giving lip to the judges scores brownie points with the audience.

Oh please. Give me a break.