So the final 12 contenders in this year of our Lord 2006 performed for what has to be the top reality show ...ever. Which would be Fox's American Idol series and this year is the fifth competition. A quick span of the sponsors of this contest included Wendy's, Kohls, Ban deodorant and Ford. Of course there's plenty more sponsors and goodness knows AI has its share of commercials.
Fox has figured out how to milk this annual competition for every dime. Who would have thought of having the very tryouts as feature for the series? Yes Fox did and add in a few of the really bad who thought they could win but had not a chance, and you've got a human interest story with a bit of whimsy. Move on to the countdown to the final top 12 and again, milk it some more.
Add to the commercial airtime, the revenue from the albums, some tours across the country, American Idol toys, gadgetry and icons, and boom, money pours in. Yes it's undaunted American capitalism and may it reign until the public grows tired and spends no more. The way this competition grows in terms of public interest each and every year I believe that the American Idol competition will become part of the very fabric of American life.
Soon, each and every song played across the air waves and on the podcasts will be sung by American Idol finalists or winners and before blinking an eye, this country will have an entire industry of musicians all "elected" by the American public. By me, this is way preferable to the nepotism and 'luck of the draw' method of our current singer recruitment methodology. If Liza Minelli weren't Judy Garland's daughter would she be anything beyond a receptionist at a used car dealership? How soon do you think a singer of Liza's ability would have been kicked off of American Idol?
Enough with the musings, we move on to the top twelve 2006 American Idol.
At this point in the competition the contestants do not have the luxury of choosing their own songs. Indeed, in keeping with the hype as flamed by Fox, another element is added to the entertainment by the introduction of famed singers as they coach the AI contestants with their songs and prepare would-be Idols to perform them live. On Tuesday evening, 3/14/06, the famed singer was Stevie Wonder and there's an irony in that so many of the contenders chose Wonder songs when they had a choice.
.jpg?t=20130517094513)
Article comments
1 - christina mullins
chris daughtry is the best american idol by far.He is a natural and he is comfortable.I would vote for him a hundreds times over.He deserves it.
2 - Jim
The name of Elliott's song was "Knocks Me Off My Feet". I didn't think it was a lounge performance, or anything close to that, but he's very nervous and he needs to pick better songs or he'll leave soon. I hope people vote for him next week because I don't want him to go yet and his line is never busy. His emotion at meeting Stevie was very moving.
Lisa IS boring. They praise her no matter what she does. I wasn't impressed by her performance, or by her rudeness in not even acknowledging Melissa when Melissa was eliminated.
Chris was doing the same stuff he does every week. It may work for him, but why Simon called it a "risk" I don't know.
Bucky's hair, to me, made him look silly and was very distracting. He looked like Leif Garrett. I wish he'd stop the growling and the squatting.
Mandisa was off for all the softer parts of her song, and only did well with the shouting parts. I was surprised, I thought this week would be easy for her.
I thought Paris - even with her attitude - gave the best performance.
3 - Jim
Oh, and I think the name of Paris' song was "All I Do".
4 - Donna
I think Kevin has confused pity with adoration and I think it's gone to his head. Surely he'll be the next to be eliminated. I'm not a big Ace fan but he did much better than Kevin on Tuesday night. I'm not a Bucky fan either but I must say that he pulled it out...even though the "dance" moves could have been omitted.
Chris Daughtry is very talented but he's one dimensional. All of his songs are rockin' no matter what he's singing. It makes me think that is the only genre he can pull off.
Taylor Hicks is my pick. He's brought something to the show no one else ever has. He's original which is what the show claims to be about while they're trying to fit everyone into the same little mold. Don't let them mold you Taylor - stay true to yourself and your music! We're behind you 100%!!
5 - trooper_D
Taylor is a 'fun' performer. Win or lose, this guy has fun just performing on stage.
Kevin is getting a bit arrogant lately. I guess he thinks he's invincible and will make it all the way. I don't think so. In his dreams maybe.
Mandisa's got soul and rhythm. Paris is okay, Kelly's fine, Katharine's holding her own so far.
Chris and Bucky are probably gonna have a battle of the rock singers, with Chris probably coming out on top.
The top 3 I'd like to see.... Chris, Taylor and Mandisa. But these are just my choices, America has the last say as to who makes it there.
6 - chantal stone
Patfish...please check your song titles ("Do, I Do", "Knocks Me Off My Feet", "Signed, Sealed, Delivered", "All I Do") before posting your articles.....Stevie Wonder and his music deserve that respect. kthx
7 - Rocky
Mcphee can really sing. I think she is the most appealing female. She also has some "junk in the trunk" which i am also a big fan of. Kevin and Ace stink on ice. Paris is over confident and annoying. I trully hate the way she says "thank you". Paula and Randy's comments are irrelevant. I liked Chris' last performance. It was the first time he didn't sound like Eddie Vedder. I would pay money to see Taylor perform if it was a small venue and could watch him dance. Elliot has the best voice, although he look like Tumnus from the Chronicles of Narnia. I tell you the truth.
8 - Tom
I thought your comments about Liza Minelli were way off base! Have you ever seen Cabaret? She has plenty of talent. And a uniqueness lacking in many of today's manufactured celebrities.
I say Mandisa and Chris are usually the best, but this week Katherine McPhee was great. She had so much emotion in her performance. By the way, the song she did is an old Aretha Franklin hit.
9 - John
OK, let me get this straight. You were impressed with Buckey, but were irritated with Katharine. That is just intellectually dishonest. You can't grade on a curve in this competition. There is only one winner. Buckey and Katharine are not even in the same universe talent wise. Please don't waste our time.
10 - avis
because he looks like .........
11 - Stinky Z
I think Reuben is going to win again. He's the best. Plus, I know for a fact he loves monopoly. Who wants pudding?
12 - Dana
I think Taylor is the next American Idol, He will always be my idol no matter what!!!!! I love you Taylor!!
13 - Amanda T.
I think that all 12 are very talented. My opinion is that either Chris or Mandisa will go all the way. There still is a long way to go though, anything can happen .
14 - Kathryn
I think there are many talented people, but the girls are the best. i think the best are mandisa and Lisa tucker. i think they are going to be the finalists.
15 - Ahmed Khurram, Pakistan
Hi i am ahmed from Pakistan, First i thought Paris will become an idol. But now i say that paris is too short always change her hair style and her voice vocal is going deeper. now i say chris daughty is the best rocker. He is better than paris When i first heard his song it was great . chris will become an American idol or who eles.
16 - RENEE POOLE
BUCKY IS A GOOD COUNTRY SINGER AND EVEN BETTER PERSON.
17 - Maliha
they should save themselves the trouble and just announce chris daughtry the idol.he has it.he rules.
18 - abdallah saggaf
paris should go home.....yesterday!
19 - Junja
I really like Chris Daughtry, and Katherine McPhee. They are my favorite so far. I think that they will be the last two remaining. They both have great vocals and strong voices. They are most likely to be in the remaining 2!!!!!
20 - Poloy
Taylor should go home!!!!! For SURE