2 l February
27 - March 5, 2022
Northeast Oregon TV Weekly
BY JAY BOBBIN
“American Idol” begins its fifth season on ABC –
and its 20th season overall – Sunday.
‘American Idol’ launches
Season 20 on ABC
Your
Adventure
Awaits!
Thousands of titles
Unlimited # of sessions at
’
2400 Resort Street
Baker City, OR 97814
Explore the ONLINE LIBRARY at www.bakerlib.org
541.523.6419
info@bakerlib.org
For the 20th time, it’s time to find an
“American Idol.”
The competition that launched a genre
of musical talent contests begins a milestone
season – its fifth on ABC, following the
hugely successful run it originally had on Fox
– Sunday, Feb. 27. Ryan Seacrest continues to
preside over the show, with Luke Bryan, Katy
Perry and Lionel Richie continuing as the
judges who assess the hopefuls at auditions
around the country, then when the finalists
are brought to Hollywood.
Though the coronavirus pandemic has
necessitated adjustments to the “American
Idol” process, Seacrest reflects, “It’s been
navigated to become a very heartfelt, human
and artist-driven show because of what the
judges have done. I think they’ve done that
deliberately, and I think that that’s what you
are seeing with these artists that may never
have normally auditioned for ‘American Idol’
in the past. The fact that we can audition
on a computer allows us to tap into talent
that has never sung in front of human beings
before, yet can make it to the next level with
these three superstar judges.”
“What I love about what ‘American Idol,’
” adds Richie, “is that we’re the microcosm
of the way the world should be. If you look
at the four of us – the judges and Ryan – we
represent America and the music business.
Aching Feet?
Step right into our office.
We specialize in quality medical
and surgical care for all types of
foot and ankle problems.
541-963-0265
888-843-9090
www.GVfoot.com
La Grande
1408 N Hall Street
We come from very different walks of life,
but at the same time, we can come together
and celebrate each other.”
Indeed, Perry maintains, “It’s not really
about anything besides us holding that lottery
ticket that we want to give to (the winner)
at the end of the season and create a real
superstar, and our track record shows. I think
it’s not really comparable to other talent
competitions because there’s not really anyone
(who won those), let alone the ten people
we can name on two hands, that have had
successful careers. We are really, really proud
of that.”
As part of the 20th anniversary, executive
producer Megan Wolflick hopes to bring
back contestants who made their names on
“American Idol.” She also acknowledges that
in current circumstances, “It is, of course,
our goal to have the fans back in the studio
because that’s what makes the atmosphere.
But having had this be our third year in the
pandemic, we are ready to pivot on a dime at
a moment’s notice.”
Still, Bryan insists “American Idol” will
continue to operate the same way it has since
he, Perry and Richie first arrived. He says,
“We look at (each contestant) with an open
heart and an open mind. And for the most
part, we feel like our viewers at home are
doing the exact same thing.”
Same Great Team.
Same Exceptional
Service.
Travis T. Hampton, D.P.M.
Foot and Ankle Surgeon
Enterprise
601 Medical Parkway
Baker
3175 Pocahontas Rd.