Yes, I've noticed...

"American Idol" is back. Are you going to watch this time?

AND: I liked the way they opened with an homage to the myth of themselves.

AND: After that suicide of a contestant, I think they are making a big effort to show the love. Even when they say no, they say, but you're really very sweet. Hope that doesn't get mawkish.

AND: They've got this new judge, but she doesn't do much. It's as if she's deliberately holding back and letting Paula dominate so it doesn't seem as though she's been brought in to replace Paula. As a result, however, we don't know what she's doing there.