This year's crop of American Idol hopefuls have already given fans plenty of surprises: from shocking eliminations to full-blown Internet scandals. What gives?
When American Idol began, TV viewers had seen nothing quite like it before. The harshest critics likened Idol to variety shows like Star Search, but the differences were evident even to them. Letting America choose their winners, young and unknown singers were told to perform on command for a nation’s viewing pleasure. And almost immediately, it was a big hit.
The format of the show did not change from season one to season two, and hasn’t changed since. Why play with a formula that already works? But, despite the show’s popularity, there was nothing really new to be seen on season two. Thanks to the media’s best friend (scandal), American Idol enjoyed an even bigger limelight as allegations flew and lawsuits were filed, voting mishaps were cited and headlines were made.
What could American Idol 6 possibly do that hasn’t already been done on the show? Internet picture scandal came into play early in the competition, though this at least had been seen by Idol fans before (in a previous season). While the first season is always marked in history as the first, and the second is marked in TV history for voting scandal, something special (and new) just had to come out of this newest season of the FOX reality hit.
Though it’s an idea that probably shouldn’t have worked, it’s been a bit hit for Idol this year: bad singers. Sounds crazy in what’s supposed to be a singing contest, right? But Simon Cowell is wrong: American Idol has always been less about the singing and more about contestant popularity. Any contest where America gets to vote (be it on talent or the Presidential election) is bound to devolve into just that: a popularity contest. American Idol is no better, and this year’s singing seems to prove it in a way no previous season ever did.
American Idol shockers this year don’t involve Antonella Barba’s breasts or the bigger-than-life voice of LaKisha Jones, though the two have received their fair share of press. This year, it’s been all about the jaw-dropping eliminations that didn’t happen.
Antonella Barba’s beauty helped her to hear at least a few positive comments from the judges this year, but when it came to her singing even her own fans were harsh. The media, the judges, and the armchair critics all said her pipes couldn’t make the cut, though she survived a handful of voting rounds before finally saying good-bye the night the Top Twelve was decided. Many were shocked she stuck it out for so long on the so-called singing show.
Even more shocking to fans, critics, and judges alike is the continued tenacity of Sanjaya Malakar, seventeen-year-old up-and-coming teen heartthrob. His waving locks, shy smile, and exotic good looks have made him a new mainstay of the Idol stage (as one of the top ten finalists, he will officially be part of the American Idol tour that begins this summer). But all parties seem to agree on one thing: the boy just can’t really sing that well. Compared to other contestants, Sanjaya looks and sounds like a little brother who’s simply trying too hard (his most recent Wednesday performance) or not hard enough (all his other stage performances).
With so many lackluster performers still hanging around (critics have also routinely bashed American Idol 6 contestants Phil Stacey and Hayley Scarnato, whom Simon Cowell said he didn’t even remember one night), American Idol shockers this year have been early eliminations for great singers. Sundance Head’s departure was surprising to most, but the true surprise of season 6 was the untimely elimination last night of Stephanie Edwards. The nineteen-year-old singer has been a favorite of judges and critics alike, routinely delivering energetic performances and compelling vocal stunts. The elimination of Stephanie Edwards seemed to stun judges and the live audience alike - while Sanjaya, Hayley, and Phil sat safely in their stands. This year’s shocking results shows are even creating rumors that Idol voting is being sabotaged as sites advocating voting for poor singers gain in popularity. Is it true? Is America now voting for the worst singers, instead of the best?
Either way, American Idol is usually the top-ranked show. And, from the very beginning, it is the viewing public who gets to decide. If they want bad singers, then that’s what FOX is going to give them. At least it’s something new for a show that is starting to fade in the ratings department.
