I don’t know about you, but I was pretty excited to hear that American Idol was coming back on the airwaves in 2018. (Don’t be ashamed if you were too!)

I’ve watched on and off throughout the years since it began in 2001 and have always loved the show. I’ve tried watching the other vocal talent shows, but there is something about the American Idol “formula” that I enjoy more than all the others:

The auditions – seeing a nervous contestant come in with a “holey” guitar and knock the socks off of the judges with an original rendition of “Thriller.”

The on-stage performances – seeing a 15-year-old come in front of an audience for the first time and belt out a tune like Aretha.

And now that they’ve added duets with today’s current pop stars? I have to admit, I’m hooked.

I’ve been settling in on Sunday and Monday evenings with some snacks to enjoy American Idol just like I did the first year it aired.

So, aside from the entertainment value of the show, why am I really secretly glad that American Idol is back?

Well, I find it super helpful in my “research.” Researching current pop songs, to be more specific.

I need to be on top of current pop songs and artists because I work with many tween and teen clients. American Idol is awesome because the contestants often choose to perform current songs, so this introduces me to songs that are popular now.  As an added bonus, the contestants usually put their own twist on a song so I get ideas for how I might change things up when I sing it with my clients (for example, slow it down, speed it up, or change the accompaniment style).

If you haven’t been watching this season, definitely tune in on Sunday evening. Then leave me a comment below and let me know which song was your favorite!