There are few television series around the nation that are of a common interest in almost everyone, but American Idol would definitely be considered one of the closest. This singing competition has become a big hit mostly for its hilarious auditions, its ability to make unknown talent known, and its incredible founder, Simon Cowell. Ever since he founded the show in 2001, he has had two other co-judges of mass experience in the singing industry, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. Abdul was a very famous singer a couple decades ago, a former Los Angeles Laker Girl, and was a highly sought-after choreography for music videos in the 80s and 90s. Jackson is a singer, record producer, music manager and the executive producer for MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew. They have all come to know a newly found fame and are said to have the “most interesting and enjoyable jobs in America.”

Simon Cowell, Ellen Degeneres, Kara DioGuari, and Randy Jackson: Judges of American Idol

“Simon is being too nice this season and I can’t stand it. He’s Simon! He’s supposed to be a very judgmental, cruel, British man but he’s being very generous. He is still the best and most honest judge though,” said freshman Samantha Rosol.

Last season of American Idol had a new judge, Kara DioGuardi, who has also had a strong music backround. This season, the judge who has been with America for eight years, has resigned from the position as judge and has been replaced by none other than the comical talk show host (also famous for her part as Dory in Finding Nemo) Ellen Degeneres. The search for the new judge was extremely crucial and called for many tries with celebrities such as Victoria Beckham, Joe Jonas, and Mary J. Blige.

This season would be the nineth and so far, many Cdm students do not agree with the intensity of this new season.

“America is too talented so the show isn’t that fun to watch anymore. Me and my friends watched only the auditions during the past seasons because the bad people who think they are so good are hysterical!” said freshman Maddy Gaylord.

Many others may disagree with this opinion, and take this season as the best because the talent is in its prime.

The Mean-Looking Guy who got Kara Mad

“My favorite part of the auditions so far was when that mean looking guy was like ‘Omg, I’ve been waiting for hours and finally it’s my turn,’ and then Kara was like ‘People wait they’re whole lives for this so you just made me mad and I don’t like you at all.’ Haha, I love her!”said sophomore Anara Askar.

“My favorite person so far was General Larry Platt who didn’t know of the age limit of 28 years old. He was 62 and so cute, like the kind of funny grandpa you would want. He sang an original entitled “Pants on the Ground” and at the end of the show everyone in the waiting room were singing the song together. It was a totally legit rap, and a good one by all means, coming from an old, retired general,” said freshman Natalie Broin.

Overall, there are many opinions about this new season and if it’ll be better or worse than the rest. Viewers are pumped to see how the new judge Ellen Degeneres handles her highly pressured job. Some auditions have been funny and some too good to be true. It is off to a good start already and theyv’e only been to one city, Boston, Massachussetts.

Madrigals at Back to School Night

Last night Madrigals had their first performance during the PTA meeting at back to school night.

They were scheduled to sing the Alma Mater and “Into the West,” by Fran Walsh, Howard Shore and Annie Lennox. “Into the West” first became popular when it was played during the credits of Lord of the Rings: Return of the King.

At the last minute due to time constraints the Alma Mater was canceled.

There was much apprehension among the members of Madrigals before their performance. This year, due to the graduation of more than half the choir, Madrigals has received many new members. The inexperience makes it difficult for the group to live up to its reputable name.

Matt Domingo, a bass, remarked, “This year we only have four basses. It makes it really difficult to even function as a choir when one section has less than half the amount of the other sections.”

Due to this predicament Mr. Jamora has changed the organization of the choir. In the past Madrigals was used to being seen with the altos and sopranos in the first rows and the tenors and basses in the back rows. This year, however, due to their size, the basses have been placed front row, center with the tenors behind them, the sopranos on the right and altos on the left.

Madrigals was able to overcome these challenges and perform well for the parents.

CdM’s Andrew Freire and his band took to the stage at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Friday September 25. Senior Freire, and former CdM attendees, Austin Ford, Cody Barbato, and Nick Tripi, collectively known as Plutone have been known to turn out quite a crowd, and Friday night they certainly did.

“The show was so fun and Plutone is awesome,” said senior Laura Bianchi as the curtain fell.

Plutone, formerly known as The Marinus, played for nearly an hour, and they introduced a multitude of new material that the crowd seemed to really enjoy.

“They’re definitely different in a good way, a great contrast to other local bands. [Ford's] voice lingers in your mind after the show and [Freire] is a phenomenal bassist,” said senior Natasha Marron.

They were followed by a few other acts including Newport Harbor band Blue Vinyl and other bands represented by Acropolis records.

“I showed up late to House of Blues and only heard two songs or so, [but]  they were great,  it definitely wasn’t enough, ” said senior Jasmynn Collins.

Whether they’re playing in their garage, Hogue Barmichaels, or at the House of Blues, you’re going to want to be there. Their unique sound and sophisticated musicality are highly impressive and incredibly fulfilling. Check them out at myspace.com/forplutone

On September 19, 2009 the smooth rhythmic melody of Sugar Ray hit the stage at the local Taste of Newport appearing once again in their hometown. “We’re excited to be home playing for our fellow Newporters,” Mark McGrath responds. With their new album Music for Cougars in the market, this local California band is back in the big leagues of the fast pace rocker life style.

Now, let’s go back to the year 1980, at Corona Del Mar High School, where this band was able to make their big break. “Our most memorable moment was probably playing a couple of gigs in the quad there. Those were the best,” the band recalls.

The hit song “when it’s over” was written about a high school romance, which drove into the hearts of many young women into early two thousands. “CDM gave us our big break. It’s where we all met and were able to form a band together,” the band states.

With their enthusiastic and laid-back performance, Sugar Ray continues to bring fans that California beach vibe while having fun at the same time. Their career is a perfect example of how one small pipe dream from a group of kids can turn into a reality.

“”Just remember, if you have a dream go for it. Never let anyone tell you no because it could just come true,” the local band says.

The band is Sugar Ray. Corona Del Mar’s class of 1980 is a proud alumni of a group of kids that dared to make it in the cut throat rock industry and succeeded. Their success is inspirational and we look forward to great achievements from them in the future.