Last week we met the one hundred and seventy-four hopefuls that made it through to Hollywood Week. That group was culled down to forty contestants and then again to the Top Twenty Four — twelve males and twelve females.
This week, the very first interactive audience voting for American Idol Season Six begins the journey that will change the lives of these talented singers. Tonight each of the twelve 'boys' (as they are called on the AI website) will sing and be voted on. Tomorrow, the twelve 'girls' do the same.
Before going on, I gotta get something off my chest here. It's the voting process. I do think that it's cool and how else do you get America's choice for who they think deserves the whole enchilada? I even do my part in supporting my faves in doing the voting thang... dialing until my stubby little fingers grow weary. But I look at the way the process works and I wonder how fair it really is.
At what point does the contest change from someone getting the majority of the unique - i.e. one - vote to someone receiving the most multiple votes per household? Is there one? Does it matter either way? Well, I think it does. Look at the past seasons and you'll see what I'm talking about. There's always at least a couple of contestants, especially once you get to the Top Twelve (males and females combined) stage, that are voted off, much to the surprise of many.
Last year's Chris Daughtry is a prime example. His following on the show was very strong. Executive producer and director Nigel Lythgoe, in a recent Q & A teleconference said, "I can tell you Chris Daughtry was my favorite from last year." And the success of his album Daughtry, deemed by Soundscan to be the fastest selling rock debut in its history, certainly confirms the fact that Chris has the chops that helps make the rockin' world go 'round. He may even have received the most unique calls for his performances on the show. But, he didn't bring home the title because he didn't receive the most votes... period.
Article comments
1 - Phillip Winn
I normally quit watching once they've finished the open auditions, but my kids want to keep watching, so I'm sticking around longer this year. (I bet Fox hopes that happens a lot!)
On your one-household-one-vote idea, how would they enforce that? Only by throwing the doors wide open can they ensure anything remotely approaching fairness: sufficiently motivated people supporting any of the candidates can vote repeatedly. With one-household-one-vote, that would break down quickly as one-number-one-vote, which means they'd have to reject no-caller-id calls, right? It would be a mess.
As far as last night, I thought the best singers -- based on last night only, rather than overall -- were the beatbox guy, the former backup singer, and the last guy, in that order. But I like Sanjaya, Slige, and Sundance, too.
2 - georgio
your one vote per household is an excellent way to vote..Idon't bother to vote because I hate the present system
as for last nights singers I can only say ...THEY ALL STUNK !!!!....not one of them had star quality.
3 - Jean
The voting system is so flawed that I don't bother voting. The person who will win is not the one with the most TRUE votes, it's the candidate with the most dedicated fanbase willing to multivote over and over and over and over and over... Daughtry didn't have that, but it's obvious that he won.
4 - richard
sorry i feel the show last night was really bad i felt like none of the guys had any real feeling for what they were singing and it was like watching a karoke singalong Simon i felt the same way what were this guys doing you have first love the song and then put the feeling into it not just follow the words
5 - richard
please have the people understand the songs they are doing was written and recorded by someone who cared last thankful there were no pack dogs in the house they would have cryed too good luck tonight
6 - Emily
After watching Lakisha Jones tonight, my jaw just dropped. The way she presented herself was beautiful and that voice, it was outstanding
7 - tink
Thanks to all of you for stopping by and giving your opinions on A.I. While you were here, I hope you checked out some of the other great Idol pieces here on BC.
Phillip: I remember that one of these tv talent competitions had a program in place that would only let someone vote one time per contestant per show. Hhhmmm, maybe Nashville Star a few seasons back?? ACK...getting old sucks!!! Anyway, the point is that it can be done, that the software is out there. Also, no-caller-id phones can be disabled per call. Our's is blocked and can be unblocked just by pushing one key.
Georgio: At some point in the season we'll talk more about 'star quality' and I hope you come back to tell us your take on it.
Jean: What can I say...I know what you're sayin'.
Richard: Same as with what I said to Georgio, check back later so you can tell us more about your thoughts on things like presentation and song selection.
Emily: Am just getting ready to catch up with tonight's episode (it's been DVR'd). Good to hear that you felt Lakisha put her best foot forward.
Now that you stopped by once, do come by again. I'll be looking forward to hearing more about your feelings on the show as the season progresses.
8 - carol
I just think this year the show has lost some sparkle. None of the guys stand out. Who can ever compare to Clay Aiken anyway. I'm hoping it gets better. So far, I'm bored. I just watch for a Clay mention or him showing up as a surprise and stealing the show like he did on the AI5 finale. Still bugs me that Clay didn't win that "fixed" season!
9 - lucky
It doesn't really matter who America votes for anyway. Look at last year's contestants. Taylor wins, gets little support and lots of dissing by Simon, Chris comes in 4th and gets mega-promo and lots of praise. Why? Because Chris plays the game and fits into the box they wanted. Taylor doesn't.