America Gets It Wrong
After weeks of being wowed by Melinda Doolittle in one of the most talented group of idol contestants yet, 60 million American "voters" (or 3 voting 20 million times each) went for the younger, hipper but ultimately less talented Blake Lewis and Jordin Sparks for the final.
It's not the first time American voters have turned this into a popularity contest rather than a singing contest. Melinda was head and shoulders above everyone - in the end her age, her wholesome naivity and her more classic voice probably counted against her with the cell-phone generation.
Shame on you.
'Course last years third place getter Elliot Yamin is the only one of the top three to make a significant splash in 07 in the "real world" so watch for Melinda to succeed. That said, the other two both have star quality and while the final will be a fizzer with Jordin sure to cruise in on vocal ability, it wouldn't surprise me to see all three make it...
10 comments:
Dude, you watch that rubbish? Damn, I'm not coming to church tonight now...
So I like music! Sue me!
it is a pity your ability to pick "idol winners" isnt carried over to the "super 14". HAHA!
Interesting comment. One could say I didn't pick the Idol winner so therefore you are actually complaining about how good I was in the Super 14...on the other hand, if you are gloating at your super 14 success then you can only be Geoff Davies as I kicked soundly the butt of all other contenders...
We like our idol winner's to have necks. She could not grow one in time.
Keep in mind, Simon often refers to the "it" factor, which Melinda did not have.
Sure, she had the better voice, but she also had a face designed for radio.
Anonymous (if that's your real name),
"no neck"?
"face designed for radio"?
This only confirms to me the title of the post "America Gets It Wrong".
It wasn't just that she could sing well in a technical sense - she was the one singer who could also successfully and consistently translate lyrics and music into a performance that was aligned with the heart of the song. If the "it" factor is sex appeal and consumer appeal and some visual aesthetic that is out of touch with the reality of human body shapes...well doesn't that make my point?
And before you or anyone points it out, I know that the show is simply a thinly veiled vehicle for Sony BMG record sales. But I watch it for the music, and on that count, America Got It Wrong.
Hey Brett,
Sorry I'm a bit late responding to this post (been out of town without internet for a few days), but I'd have to agree with Anonymous - well, the SECOND one...
Melinda IS a great singer, but this show is NOT just a vocal music competition. It also includes stage presence, entertainment value, and appearance. Simon has pointed that out over and over again, and though it IS about great music and vocal ability, there's more to it than vocal chops alone.
Melinda's an incredible singer, to be sure, but she lacks a commanding stage presence and she's honestly a bit difficult to watch perform at times. She's not unattractive, but she doesn't seem to have that star quality and unique individuality about her.
I voted for Blake, NOT because he's the best singer, but because he was (and most likely will be) the best ENTERTAINER among the top three. He took risks, he did songs with his own style and flair attached, and he ENGAGED the crowd.
Half the time Melinda sang with her eyes completely closed. She sounded beautiful, but there was a disconnect with the audience (both live and on television). I remember saying to Karen, "I LOVE Melinda's voice, but I would NEVER go to one of her shows - she's boring. I'd buy a CD, but I'd rather see someone like Blake in concert."
And THAT (regardless of what anyone tells you) is what American Idol is TRULY all about. America got it RIGHT.
;-)
Blake was bland
Jonesboy for IDOL!
Picture him on the keys...
Inviting people to sing along...
Letting his glasses slide to the bottom of his nose and looking through them devilishly.
I'm feeling it.
Draft Jonesboy for IDOL!
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