American Idol: Better or Worse This Season? [POLL]

We've given Idol a few weeks now and we've seen the star-studded judges panel. The show is #1 in the ratings, so what do you think so far?

I didn't have high expectations for Idol this season. I'm not a big Mariah fan, although I must admit, I'm becoming one. And I certainly was not impressed with the feud between Mariah and Nicki. I thought it was fake and staged. I have to say, though, I'm coming around to thinking the show is actually better than last season, and better than it's been in a while.

The first thing that attracted me to the show was Simon's brutal honesty. He, of course, is long gone from the show, but what remains and keeps me glued are the stories.  The stories of contestants fighting the odds to get to the show, try out for the show, and maybe even make it to Hollywood. Those are the stories that make me care and make me root and keep me watching.

And let's admit it. It's the original. Idol is the show that paved the way for all the other singing shows, and still, by far produces the most household names. So, I feel like the show has had a bit of rebirth this season. What do you think?