One of the dumber comments in a while...

[jonb]

Elton John: 'Idol' vote is 'racist' (http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/Music/04/27/leisure.john.idol.reut/index.html)

I love the last sentence.

Ruben Studdard, a black crooner, won the top prize last year.

:)

[Slider451]

American Idol is all about presentation and appearance. True musical talent comes in low on the list in this setting, mainly because the public isn't qualified to judge it. Even I, a trombonist for over 25 years, often find myself disagreeing with Randy and Paula on who is "pitchy".

People will vote for someone they admire and identify with. To call that racist is pretty stupid. And since only 11% of the U.S. is black, Sir Elton's logic would suggest that there be only 1 black competitor left. Instead they're still dominating the late-game numbers. Either that's due to a higher percentage of minorities among the voters, or the talent really is rising to the top.

I do find it perplexing that the red-headed 16 year-old dude is still around. He's been the least talented of the bunch since the judges stopped choosing and let the votes decide. I have to admit the only answer I can come up with is that he's the last white guy left.

[Holdstrong]

I haven't watched the show much but the episode I did catch was the "movie" episode with Tarentino as guest judge. That little dork was the only one I liked. And I think I liked him because he is everything that every other American Idol contestant isnt.

I hate the crap songs they sing, I hate the crap way they sing them.....

That kid may not be that talented but I was giddy with joy when he sang 'A kiss is but a kiss' from Casablanca. Without any long drawn out over the top "hey momo look at me I can reveberate my voice" notes. It was just a good ole classic sang the way it should be.

If I was going to call in and vote, it would have been for him.

Hey did that John Michael Lewis or whetever the heck his name is get dumped yet? Now that dude was terrible.

[marklutes]

John PETER Lewis got dumped a few weeks ago. But he was far better than John Stevens, the redheaded kid who couldn't carry a tune if you gave it to him on CD. They both suck. The only real talent on that stage is that La Toya girl. She's amazing and if she doesn't win it will be a shame.

[Holdstrong]

the redheaded kid who couldn't carry a tune if you gave it to him on CD.

Really? I guess I haven't watched it enough. I only saw him in his initial audition when he did a spot on Tony Bennet and then when he sang a perfect "As Time Goes By" in the movie themed episode. My office mate here tells me he has sucked otherwise though :( and he even forgot the words in one show.

He struck me as an old school crooner. Maybe I was just psyched to see someone singing something other than MoTown or Michael Bolton. Oh well.

I need to catch up on my reality TV. I got a kick out of that "pick the gay guy" bachelorette rip off.... as un-pc as it was. But ony caught the first 2 episodes.

I need TiVo

[Slider451]

I only saw him in his initial audition when he did a spot on Tony Bennet and then when he sang a perfect "As Time Goes By" in the movie themed episode.
Yep, you saw his only good performances. His "As Time Goes By" was tolerable and, like you said, a nice alternative to the oversinging and ridiculous runs the other contestants sang that night. Otherwise, he's been way out of his league.

I agree with Mark. La Toya is the best of the bunch. I'll be surprised if she doesn't take it all. Fortunately you don't have to win the contest to win a successful career. Case in point: Clay Aiken.

I initially felt slightly embarrassed to post here and acknowledge that I watch Idol. Glad I'm not alone with this guilty pleasure. I swore it started as just something my wife and I could do together. But I can no longer deny that I'm into it. :D

[jonb]

http://www.cnn.com/2004/SHOWBIZ/TV/05/26/american.idol.ap/index.html

A fitting ending to this story given John's comments.

I didn't watch any episodes but I've heard that this girl was pretty darn good...

[tripwire45]

Gee. I never watch this stuff (actually...I only watch Star Trek: Enterprise on broadcast T.V.). I didn't realize it was such a big deal. Of course, I've never seen "Survivor" either. Guess I'm just not "with it" in terms of popular cultural icons.

[jonb]

Guess I'm just not "with it" in terms of popular cultural icons.

I certainly wouldn't feel bad about that. If you ask me, most people are too "with it" nowadays when it comes to pop culture. Reality TV has seemed to intensify this. I don't feel reality TV is necessarily bad (I will admit to having a Bachelor/Bachelorette addiction :D) but at the same time it seems that more and more people are interested in watching other people live their lives rather than living their own. And that certainly is a shame...