By Colleen Dowd

America’s favorite TV show has returned for its ninth season. American Idol has become a fixture in our culture and one of the highest rated shows in the history of television. The program draws in millions of viewers each week with a total of 24 million for last year’s results show. American Idol has produced a variety of singing superstars including Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Jordin Sparks, and Kerry Underwood. Do you watch weekly?

If not, this is a great season to tune in and watch people across the country following their dreams. Season nine promises to be exciting! The show is hosted by Ryan Seacrest and features a panel of four judges. Three are industry insiders: Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, Kara DioGuardi, and newcomer Ellen DeGeneres.

Each season begins with auditions from around the country to narrow down the field of contestants. Guest judges, who fill in before Ellen start, include Victoria Beckham, Mary J. Blige, Kristin Chenoweth, Joe Jonas, Neil Patrick Harris, Avril Lavigne, Katy Perry, and Shania Twain. It should be interesting to hear their opinions!

What about your opinion? Watching the American Idol contestants pour their hearts into each song isn’t as exciting if your watching it solo. Our solution: A Savvy Auntie American Idol viewing party! Inviting over your nieces and nephews to watch the hit show is a great bonding opportunity.

Party ideas

You may want to start off with inviting them over for one of the audition shows. These run on Tuesday and Wednesday nights this month. Each show is located in a different city, including Dallas, Orlando, Denver, etc. Pick your date and then center your night on that location. You may want to choose snacks that are from that area of the country. This could also be a good time to make an Idol voting sign. Have your nieces and nephews decorate one side with a “Yes” and one side with a “No.” That way they can vote all season long.

Savvy Aunties may want invite your nieces and nephews over again when the finalist start performing in Hollywood. Now, you can have each child choose which singer they think will become the next American Idol. But don’t just sit there! Mute the TV during commercials and have each child sing their favorite song. Too shy? Still mute the TV and ask them what their dreams are. You may have your own American Idol wanna-be in your living room!

Idol Gives Back
 
Another great night to have your nieces and nephews over is for the Idol Gives Back show, which airs April 21st. The night is filled with celebrities and musical performances. Most importantly, it raises money (over 140 million to date) for a variety of American and international charities. “There has never been a more important and appropriate time to give what we can to help those less fortunate,” said Cecile Frot-Coutaz, executive producer of American Idol. Not only can you all enjoy the music of great artists, but also it’s the perfect opportunity to talk about the importance of giving back. Savvy Aunties can explain that not only money, but also your time can be donated to help others.

Having an American Idol viewing party is a great way to relax and have fun with your nieces and nephews. Make this season the one you enjoy together!

Colleen Dowd is a freelance writer.