Kick em in the nuts Bob!
Rated.

I got this far because you're a closet pussy, Simon.

Or " Stop acting like such a pussy."

If a cute little cat entered AI it would almost certainly make it to the final round. Perhaps if it wore a bikini, it could actually win.

"I've heard better singing in a poodles-only karaoke bar!"

The show is based only partially on talent. Remember William Hung, singing She Bangs? He got throught quite a few levels of screening to get on national television.

So the producers of the show intentionally turn down good singers in favor of entertaining or eccentric people who will get good ratings.

I know someone who tried out for this. There a quite a few stages to go through. They are not simply taking the best singers and weeding them out to see who gets on TV.

so ... two things ~
(1) I hate cats
(2) I wonder if Randy would refer to the kitty as "dawg"???

Just things to think about ~

Is that Caruso Wegie? What ever is the winsome little creature up to now?

They only let William Hung through to the first screened stage, in order to make a sideshow of him. I am sure there was no-one of any real talent who lost a spot to him - plenty of other no-talent or marginal talent people get that far. Of course Mr Hung did manage to milk his short notoriety to the max. Good for him.

"Because, Simon - I'm a cat whilst YOU are a PUSSY. Vote me through or we'll change your name to Claude Balls." :-D

AI - at first I thought it would be artificial intelligence. Whilst American Idol may be artificial, intellect has nothing to do with it.

Thumbed. Still laughing. Thanks.

Alternate caption with snarky english accent: "No, this show isn't Stupid Pet Tricks, it's Stupid Human Tricks.

IMom -- You hate cats?! I knew there was something special about you, and now I know what it is.

Hah! (Don't make me watch it, puh-leez, don't make me watch it...)

Oh, Bob. She got through because everyone except IM (and Simon) LOVES cats and the American People get to vote!

Oh, I watched it, and shame on me. It was very uncomfortable, as it always is, watching the kids perform for their first time in such an overwhelming setting, then having to listen to "Dawg", Paula's rambling, and Simon's showy nastiness for the umpteenth time.

Question: Has the has-been...uh "icon" been chosen yet? I plan to miss that week when they force the kids to cover entirely inappropriate songs, then berate them for their song choice.

If it's Barry Manilow again, I quit.

The cat is saying "How you got this far I'll never understand!" to Simon, right?
Niiiiice grey tones!

Aw. I wuv kitties. But I would never subject one to American Idol. I would never subject a human to American Idol, come to think of it.

America's Got Talent - now that's a different story.

Funny on so many levels.

Too bad you didn't put a rabid Chimpanzee in there ripping off Simon's face! And you left out the good looking judge! (Bob is shouting "let's see you do something this fantastic a-hole!), but it's a WONDERFUL cartoon and worthy of New Yorker status in my opinion. Not that it counts anyway.

Wonderfully done
(rated)

I always enjoy your cartooning for the humor, situations, and sardonic commentary. But if I recall in your Liz Donnelly post you mentioned you have little interest in the drawing/doodling part. I guess that kind of surprised me because – I can’t explain why – but I REALLY like your drawings, too.

My cat has WAY too much pride and dignity to go on American Idol. Anyway, somebody dangles a fishing pole toy anywhere near her, and she'd be off like a rocket.

(Even if she wouldn't stoop to it, I'll bet she could out perform some of the human contenders on AI.)

SO glad to see this piece of artwork on the cover!!!
Gives it instantaneously more class!!!

I was out all day and just seeing this–but for anyone who happens to stumble by, thanks.

Yes, I don't like drawing. It's a problem. I have a list of jokes I continually work on, moving the better ones to the top, moving down those not working. The list is about 60 proposed cartoon ideas. If only I liked drawing enough to do them up. But I procrastinate this process no end and one of the many reasons my career is not taking off.

Well, your career is taking off with me, Bob. I'm sure that's not much consolation, tho.

Emma, very sweet. I'm definitely learning, and that's exciting!

awww awww... you drew this for me, didn't you? (I don't have the bucket of money yet, but soon...)

purrrrrfect, Bob!

Too cute. But Sally nailed the best caption.