Randy is somewhere in between the other two judges. In my opinion, he is the best judge. Sure he says "dawg" an awful lot, but he gives constructive criticism and lets people down easily. Paula, on the far end of the spectrum, doesn’t seem to judge much of anything. Is it just me, or does Paula Abdul not know how to tell anyone anything negative? Even if their singing is awful, awful, awful, she still mentions that she likes their hair, their makeup, or every third sequin on their sparkling shirt. She’s nice, you have to give her that, but she could use a little more rigidity. Straight up now tell them, Paula. They don’t have to love you forever.
The Voting: As someone who admits they don’t vote, I really shouldn’t be criticizing the voting system. It’s like someone who didn’t vote in the elections complaining about the government. I know I shouldn’t complain, but heck, I still will. The voting on AI has become increasingly less about talent. The past few seasons we’ve seen some people who should have won voted off before they had a chance and we’ve seen some people who should've been sent packing, have the finals in the bag.
This was bound to happen: any contest that is based on voting ultimately becomes less about talent and more about popularity. If a person who is not finalist material has a ton of friends, a ton of family, and knows everyone at the large university they attended, they have more of a chance at winning than someone who is way more talented but knows far less people.
The way to resolve this, at least in part, is to give America some of the vote, but the judges continuous say as well. It will kind of be like a popular vote meets electoral college American Idol. That, after all, worked wonderfully in the 2000 Presidential election.
Article comments
1 - Andrew B
Again with someone wanting part of the vote in the judges' hands. Hello!!! Why is this show so damn popular? Because the public (i.e. the viewers) are in total control. Take that control away and the show loses its appeal. It will turn into Star Search. Just live with the damn results.