“American Idol” might be taking an eye-raising turn with Season 10’s crop of contenders.
After the FOX Television Critics Association Winter 2011 Session panel, show host Ryan Seacrest had something revealing to say about the contestants who are competing this year on “American Idol.”
“We didn’t say this yet, but they are some of the most extremely competitive individuals I’ve ever seen on the show,” Ryan told a small group of reporters.
When asked by Access Hollywood if that means fans will be seeing some cut throat individuals, Ryan didn’t say no.
“They wanna win. They wanna win. They know it’s an individual competition,” he replied. “I don’t know if it’s sabotage yet — that’s an extreme — but they definitely… they know what the show is about and they know that there’s one winner. “
While hinting at the dark side of some contestants’ natures, Ryan also complimented the new class, noting that they are a “brighter” group than in seasons past.
“They’re exposed to the music that’s on the charts and I think with technology and the access that these kids have had to make their own music and make their own videos… they’re brighter than they’ve ever been before, they’re more poised than they’ve ever been,” he said.
Without Simon Cowell in the picture this season – the judge Ryan would spar with during “Idol” live broadcasts — the show host said it will take a little time to get into their groove when the show begins on FOX on January 19.
“It’s kind of unknown,” Ryan said when asked who he’ll turn to for a bit of live banter. “I think it has to happen naturally and organically. You don’t’ really plan it
Ryan added that he has a good rapport with the full panel – returning judge Randy Jackson, and newcomers Jennifer Lopez and Steven Tyler.
“We all know each other well enough to go anywhere with anybody and not have them be offended, which was the key, I think, with Simon and I — we never took it personally,” he explained. “And I think it’s the same thing. They all have a sense of humor, so it’s the same with them.”
Speaking of Simon, who will launch his own singing reality competition, “X Factor,” in the fall on FOX, Ryan said the two caught up recently and the Brit is ready for battle.
“I spoke to Simon two days ago. I think he’s doing a quick break before he starts his… press [interviews] on his show, but he is looking forward to it in a big way. And he said to me, ‘It’s gonna be competitive, but fun,’” Ryan recounted. “ We’re in this to have fun. We’re not saving lives. We’re making music.”
While Ryan and Simon’s “Idol” banter often made headlines, the show host said he learned a lot from the Brit and added that he’s hoping to see both “Idol” and the “X Factor” thrive on FOX (editors note: the two are not expected to conflict scheduling wise with “Idol” running January-May and “X Factor” airing in the fall).
“Simon did this before we did this; he brought us along and I learned a lot from that guy. I had more fun doing television on this show with him than any other show I’d ever done and I think through him you learn confidence and you learn a little bit about music, so it would be fantastic for these two to coexist as successful shows,” he said.
As for another of his former coworkers — Paula Abdul — whose new show on CBS, “Live To Dance,” will battle with “Idol” for ratings the day “Idol” returns on January 19, Ryan doesn’t see it as direct competition.
“One’s a singing show and one’s a dancing show, so it’s up to the audience to choose which one they want to see,” he said. “But, I truly support her, as a matter of fact, I’m having her on the radio show tomorrow to help her promote her show, so I’m glad that show is successful and she looks great on it. I think she looks very good.”
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