American Idol Experience - Now Testing - Review

[John]

Just a quick note that the American Idol attraction at Disney's Hollywoood Studios is now doing sneak previews.

We were at the 10am show today and got to see three performers do their thing during the run thru.

From what I could tell, 1 was legitimate and 2 were plants - most likely just for testing purposes - but who knows - maybe backups or a backup concept in case they don't get enough good contestants for a given show or if they need someone for "simon" to be mean to.

We waited outside for about 15-20 minutes before proceeding inside. During that time, there was a crowd warmup where they shot some video used later in the show supporting one of the contestants and a run thru on the background of the attraction from Ryan Seacrest on the overhead monitors.

Inside, the theatre looked newly refurbished. Brand new seats with "vote enabled" armrests. The stage itself was very attractive and mimicked the real idol stage. I especially liked what appeared to be a high def jumbotron display built into the arch behind the performers. This display enabled in show video and graphics.

The warm up announcer came out to explain the goings on and get the crowd psyched about 10 minutes prior to showtime.

Then the lights went down and the "show" began with the substitute Ryan coming out with the typical idol open. He gave the details of the show and introduced the judges. A gentlemen made to be a randy clone, a paula type clone (both had different names) and a dude named simon (right) who was from the UK. Shocker.

From there we were introduced to the contestants - and then the performing began.

Up first, a gentleman who appeared to be legit and had a bunch of family in the audience. He did rather well.

Second, a perky girl who was a "stunt person" - who they coincedentally had backstage footage of during her audition process - problem is her hair looked different and it was suspicious they had more material for her than the rest of the contestants. Her performance was not bad. It was almost as though she didn't hit the high notes right on purpose though.

Finaly, a worker from disney who supposedly came over on their lunch break... uh - yeah. She was good - but not too good.

The judges liked the guy, and mostly liked 2 and 3 but threw in some suggestions - and of course, simon threw in some zingers.

It was then time to vote. They showed reviews of the perfomances and you cast your vote on a keypad built into the armrest.

Then, they announced the winner which in this case was the guy #1.

From there - (and I hope I got the order right) there was a Jordan Sparks video that you were supposed to sing along with and get up and dance. Very, very hokey at that point. Quite forced and I don't see many audiences getting into it to the degree I think they'd like you to. We'll see.

Anyway, as it was a trial, I'm not suggesting that I think there will be plants every show since I would imagine they won't have problems finding hams in the DHS crowds every day - but it is something to look out for. I am hoping they keep it honest in that sense.

The show was actually entertaining - and I can see it getting better as it rolls along. The production values were very good and it did remind you of watching the show on tv. We as a family had a good time.

On the needs work front - I really could do without the clone judges. The simon was just to smarmy and the randy was just too "YO DOG!" for me. The Paula clone was fine though her outfit was a little over the top. Grade A performance goes however to the announcer - he was pretty dead on and did a very nice job. Honestly, I think it almost would have been better to have just wiped the slate and put in three judges who weren't trying to be like the existing judges.

Overall, I think this attraction will be a winner and a nice addition to a tv/movie theme park. It will be interesting to see how the auditioning goes and what kind of talent they get when things get rolling for real.

I've posted video of the preshow and the stage on our Idol page... you can find it here:

INTERCOT's American Idol Expereince Page