Best.Guest.Judge.So.Far. = Neil Patrick Harris

Posted by thefunnystone on Tuesday, August 25, 2009 at 2:36 PM EDT

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The LA Times reports that Neil Patrick Harris signed on to guest judge today's episode of American Idol being filmed in Dallas. This is outstanding news. Neil Patrick Harris is the closest thing to a Worster so far being used on the rotating judge panel that includes Joe Jonas and Victoria Beckham. NPH seemed to enjoy Normund Gentle's performance this past year, so if he can get us more of that, things may be looking up.

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yesiam

Posted: 8/25/2009 at 5:48 PM

Joined: May 2009 Location:

I think Neil Patrick Harris may know a thing or two about musical theatre, but I could be wrong.

But seriously, this is epic. I love this guy.

Snotty

Posted: 8/25/2009 at 5:51 PM

Moderator Joined: March 2007 Location: limbo

He is both legendary and awesome. He's Doogie Howser, MD. If that doesn't qualify you to be a judge on Idol, I don't know what does.

T.J.

Posted: 8/25/2009 at 6:05 PM

VFTW's Lifeguard Joined: April 2009 Location: MyndJack Radio Idol 5th Place Finisher

It seems that going from a fairly popular sitcom on a major network to gest judging on a crap-tastic reality show is a step forward for Niel. I don't hate the guy. I think he's a great actor. I just don't know what he's doing judging a reality show.

Also, can anyone tell me if Niel is actually a singer? Or is he one of those what the fuck does he know about singing judges?

azurebird

Posted: 8/25/2009 at 6:07 PM

Joined: March 2008 Location: Where I'm supposed to be

This is the first positive news I've heard out of this next season of AI. I've loved the guy since his Doogie Howser days.

He does have some Musical Theatre background, he played 'Mark' in the musical Rent, as well as Sweeney Todd...among others.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miZJ_r9oS6A

T.J.

Posted: 8/25/2009 at 6:19 PM

VFTW's Lifeguard Joined: April 2009 Location: MyndJack Radio Idol 5th Place Finisher

Thanks. Now that I know his background, it does sound awesome.

Studio 57

Posted: 8/26/2009 at 4:40 AM

Joined: May 2009 Location:

Neil has a serious background in musical theater. Not only that, he starred in Dr. Horrible's Sing Along Blog, and his voice is outstanding. If you haven't seen it, you should check it out.

He also hosted this year's Tony Awards, closing out the show with a tour-de-force song and dance number that's a must-see.

Adding him as a judge to a singing competition is a no-brainer - except in the case of AI, where it is hysterically inappropriate. Why? Because Patrick sings nothing BUT musical theater, which the judges use as the kiss of death on AI.

When a judge on AI calls a performance too "Broadway," or "theatrical," it means one or two of two things:

1) They didn't like it. For some reason, they seem to think it's a pejorative to apply those labels to a singer.

2) They mean it as a synonym for "too gay."

So, now they'll have an openly gay musical theater performer, whom, presumably, they would slam to the ground if he were a contestant. Beautiful.

strawman

Posted: 8/26/2009 at 7:31 AM

Joined: February 2009 Location: not kansas

Studio 57, I agree with most of that, except I don't think AI the people know the meaning of "too gay". Lambert &; Noriega maybe toned it down a bit for TV, but has anybody seen Seacrest and Doogie in the same room together at the same time? I though they were the same person.

Codez

Posted: 8/26/2009 at 8:44 AM