Feinstein blasts Idol's meanness

JUST TAKE IT NICE & EASY: If standards-bearer Michael Feinstein was ever under consideration for the American Idol judging vacancy, he took himself out of it last night in Beverly Hills, telling a gathering of TV critics that what Idol does to many of its contestants is "unconscionable," according to the N.Y. Daily News’ David Hinkley. "I have problems with Idol because we live in a time when it's important to criticize artists with kindness," he said, noting how he and other established artists try to nurture aspiring performers. Idol, he said, "bashes young artists for the entertainment of a television audience. It judges people by saying terrible things about them”—trashing them for sport rather than offering constructive criticism. Feinstein was here to promote his upcoming American Songbook series, three specials that will air Oct. 6, 13 and 20 on PBS. (8/5a)