Feinstein abhors 'Idol'

BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. — Michael Feinstein is not a fan of "American Idol."

As a matter of fact, the singer — who's one of the nicest guys you could ever meet — has absolutely nothing nice to say about Fox's hit show, which returns for a 10th season in January.

Perhaps somewhat surprisingly, it has nothing to do with how the show makes stars out of a few unknowns. Unknowns who don't have to work and struggle the way Feinstein did.

No, his objections to the show have nothing to do with the talent — it's because of the way people are treated.

"I have problems with 'American Idol' because I think that we live in a time where it is essential to connect with other people in a way of kindness," Feinstein said. "I think to see the bashing of young souls on television for the sake of sport and ratings and a witty line ... is unconscionable."

And not just because of how it affects the young people on the show.

"I think of how generations of kids are watching this program and are gaining permission to treat other people that way, to judge them and to say nasty things to them," Feinstein said. "I think that's a terrible thing.

"As my life has evolved, I've tried to be less judgmental and to try and see something positive in people. And to see a show where souls are dismissed wholesale in that way, I think, is a very sad and dangerous thing."

Hear, hear!

MASTER CLASS: In October, PBS will air the three-part series "Michael Feinstein's American Songboook," which explores the history of popular music.

"Songbook" contains footage of Feinstein conducting a master class, which producer Amber Edwards said is a very different experience than "Idol."

"It's the anti-'American Idol,' " she said. "It is a situation where a person will come in and sing a song in front of a room full of people live, and then Michael will kindly, and with encouragement, but with a clear eye, take it apart and find out — what is special about this song to you? What does it mean to you? What does it say?

"And then you have this wonderful transformative experience where somebody has left feeling better and having been improved."

Not exactly the feeling most "Idol" hopefuls have gotten from Simon Cowell over the past nine years.

BROTHERLY LOVE: Feinstein worked for Ira Gershwin from 1977-83, the last six years of the composer's life. And, among other things, Gershwin taught young Feinstein "a lot of what I know about interpreting these songs, the music and lyrics, the stories that he told me, putting the songs in a context."

Including a story that puts "Love Is Here to Stay" — the last song Ira wrote with his brother, George — in an entirely different context.