The fact that real acts come on this show for exposure now is laughable to me, since I remember once upon a time how AI contestants weren’t considered worthy of the big time and shunned. Hands up if anyone remembers all the painful time killing Ryan Seacreast and his then-partner-in-mediocrity Brian Dunkelman did for the unwatchable season one finale. That was before the Kodak or Nokia Theatre, before legends came on to plug their inferior new stuff, before celebrities didn’t might being captured crying when the pre-chosen winner was announced.
Still, this year’s finale hit home, and it wasn’t just from David Cook’s classy acceptance of his well earned prize. Brooke White is a nanny from Arizona, and yet she found herself last night singing a gorgeous harmonized duet with legendary Graham Nash in front of thirty million people. She didn’t have to win this competition to live a moment that will stick with her proudly for the rest of her life. Jason Castro got his chance to shine after countless weeks of being knocked down for being true to himself. Luckily for him, many of us got who he was early and let him continue as long as he was willing despite being this year’s punching bag for backhanded judging. Even Carly Smithson and Michael Johns, two contestants who flamed out early because they tried to be what they thought America wanted instead of being themselves, finally let loose and showed us why they belonged there. Their performance was a testament to the fact that when all the drama is gone, there’s plenty of entertainment to be shared.
It was even great to see David Archuleta lighten up and give performances with personality as well as technical proficiency. His duet on OneRepublic’s “Apologize” actually made me think I could hear this guy on the radio (although I won’t because I don’t listen to top forty stations). He had his best night ever last night, and I hope that memory sticks with him. I hope he goes forward realizing that this business can be fun and isn’t all pressure to be perfect. I hope that whatever bonding he’s had with David Cook during this experience will help him absorb that healthy perspective toward life and music.
All in all, this season wasn’t perfect, and I’m still miffed that these judges still think after seven seasons they can tell me who my Idol should be. I wasn’t fooled when they threw Justin Guarini, Diana DeGarmo, Bo Bice, Katherine McPhee, and Blake Lewis under the bus, and I still didn’t buy it when they went for David Cook at this year’s finale. As a matter of fact, the last time I voted was for Bo Bice in season four’s finale, but after watching the atrocity on Tuesday, I picked up that phone and for four hours straight voted for David Cook. I couldn’t believe this show had the nerve to pull that tactic on the clearly more musically talented contestant, the one that has delivered most of this season’s buzzworthy performances, and the one that actually brought hope that a musician could win this, not just a great singer. I voted out of anger, out of protest, out of the hope that I could finally tell these judges/producers that they have no right doing that to contestants anymore. Judging by the landslide victory and my communications with others on the forums holding the same ire that evening, I would say the protest worked. If the goal was reverse psychology to trigger a high number of votes I don’t care, because for the first time ever, we got to deliver a message to TPTB that we want to pick the winner and not them.
Article comments
1 - Suzie
I wish that the AI staff had had the guts to put on Clay Aiken again with his new CD (that supposedly is going to be promoted this time by Sony/BMG) - in lieu of the strange overaged auditioner and USC band. If they wanted ratings, they should have given viewers what they want to see - not a cheap variety show. Carrie U is good but she needs no more exposure - give me a break...and why/where did they dig up George Michaels - was he tired of doing drugs and needed a respite?
2 - ally
You are SO right. The AI5 finale where Clay Aiken showed up was a TV moment that will never be topped. Too bad he wasn't on again, I would have watched it.
3 - Dave
AI wouldn't dare have Clay on again. He would have stolen the show from both Davids and they couldn't risk the comparison. As it is, the blogosphere went straight to youtube to publish Clay's version of Don't Let The Sun Go Down On Me to show how it should be done. Can you imagine if he was there in person? Clay walked out on stage in the S5 finale without an introduction and when the crowd realized who it was, they roared in approval.
No, we won't see Clay on AI again. Their loss.
4 - Carrie
David Cook has previously recorded a cd and it sold on i-tunes before it was pulled during his AI stint.
So....winning AI just gives him the opp to record his 2nd cd.
5 - Georgeann
Well, IMO, Simon said what he did on the finale to trigger more votes for the one who he wanted by the time the finale came. I very much believe that AI TPTB switched from pushing Archuleta to pushing Cook. It was so obvious to me & many of my friends. It almost made me not like Cook, even though he came across as such a nice guy. I truly believe that in the end, AI got who they wanted for their Idol. By the finale, I liked both David's so much that honestly it didn't matter to me which one won. However, I felt angry that Simon was so negative about Cook, then proceeded to apologize the next day, just so he could still be "right" about who was chosen. I have watched Idol every year since season 1 also and hate the games TPTB play, but, like you, have come back for more each year. Rather sad & pathetic, isn't it?? LOL
6 - elpheba
I don't watch AI anymore. I don't like being lied to and manipulated.
7 - Toni
I agree with Georgeann. I think that Simon purposely dissed David C. because he wanted people to vote for him. He knows that people would do that, just as he knows that if he praises someone, they're likely to get booted off the show the following day.
8 - dee
Has anyone ever wondered how they can receive so many phone calls and texts in the time alloted. If you figured it out its roughly about over 1,000 calls and texts per second. How can this be???? I still think there has been a mistake.
9 - ade
The article is great, and makes some really good points about this show.
I think American Idol is fixed...and always has been. I agree with dee, about the supposed high numbers of calls and texts in the alloted time. I haven't watched in years.
The winner has always been predetermined before the show begins. The three judges proceed to spend weeks pushing their annointed one by foisting their manipulative comments upon a mostly unsuspecting public. Hence my opinion that the show is, has always been, and always will be, until it finally and thankfully goes off the air....fixed.
Do you really think anybody would pour tons of money into an unknown and let the public determine the winner? Maybe they should have done just that...because most of those who won the title are nowhere today; and some of those who didn't win, have become very successful...on their own terms.
10 - Marie
Loved your article as you were so right on. I too can't believe America's voice has finally spoken. It almost made up for every year that the idol of my choice didn't win(with the exception of Kelly C). I have to say that I did really enjoy all of the top 12 this year and hope most are lucky enough to progress with their career-especially Michael Johns who was my 2nd Favorite.
11 - Heather
COOK FTW! DC has probably got to be my favorite Idol contestent out of the two and a half seasons that I've watched. I completely agree with everythnig you've said here. Cook has the entire package and Archie, while INCREDIBLY talented, still has a bit of growing up to do. I wish him the best of luck though. GOOD JOB AMERICA! One of the few times you've got it right! The bartender from Missouri prevails! HUZZAH!
12 - Susan
I have stopped watching AI for the exact same reasons you stated in your article. Simon states that he doesn't mean to be rude but usually is. He says the most cruel comments to some of the contestants that I have ever heard and I just wish that someone would put Simon in his place for once!!
The winner is usually predetermined and always praised no matter how good or bad they sing on each episode and whoever they don't want to win, can't do anything right no matter how good they are.
I'm glad David Cook won because David Archuleta is very talented but has some "growing up" to do to run with the grownups. This is not meant as a putdown to him but he seemed to be so young and immature even though he had a great voice. Maybe he should have waited a year or two???
I agree that Clay appearing on AI5 was the most memorable moment ever on AI and I also think that is why he wasn't on the finale show this year. The PTB are too chicken to have Clay on the show again for fear he will steal the show again with his phenomenel voice. They could have had David A. start singing Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me and then have Clay walk up behind him and the song become a duet. It would have brought the house down!! David A. said he liked Clay on AI so it would have so worked. These people must be a little slow on the uptake or like to cut off their nost to spite their face???????
13 - Cookie
I agree, they definitely should have had Clay on this year. I thought they were all for super talented people. I still haven't figured out what they're afraid of. They are even promoting Ruben again. They treat Clay Aiken like an axe murderer. They should start to wake up and give the public the entertainers they want to see instead of all of these hasbeens that use the show to promote an album for the first time in 60 years. They want to make some changes that make a difference then put your money where your mouth is and lets see some talent like Clay Aiken next year. Give us all a treat.