Well, after thinking back over both shows it is becoming fairly clear to me what Idols plan is for this year. As in years past they have picked thier final 2 and are going to do thier manipulative best to ensure it happens.
In the past the voters have blown those plans apart at times, and this year they may again. here are a couple cases in point:
MISSES:
Season 5 From Day one everything was in place for a Katherine/Daughtry final. They were sure Taylor and Eliot would cancel each other out. The voters decided differently.
Season 8 Last years was guys year, and the picks were Danny and Adam. Kris came out of nowhere to slide in.
SUCCESSES -
Season 7 This was David and David from day one. I think AI wanted Archuletta to win, but they got thier final 2
Season 6 They wanted Blake and Jordin. Melinda was the best singer, they knew that so they loaded the field with Divas to siphon votes from each other. For once it worked and they got the final and Champion they wanted.
I see much the same manipulation this year. They have decided it is agirls year, but I think they also want Casey in the final. In my opinion the AI plan this year is a KATIE/CASEY final. Thier alternate is Soibahn. They have loaded the mens side with duds to ensure a “Casey and his ladies” top 4 or 5.
Andrew is the men’s wildcard, but they have loaded the field with the same coffee-house style singers Andrew, Crystal, Didi, Lilly in hopes they will all siphon votes from each other and cancel each other out.
Big Mike is here just for the feel good story.
They also threw some sweet kids in there for the boy band lovers (Aaron, Tim, Joe, Alex) in the hope one of them will catch on and at least represent that demographic.
Michelle is the Diva demographic bone for this year. She is polished enough that if she makes a run AI won’t be horribly upset, but she is really just plan B to keep those viewers watching as long as possible.
Siobahn is the true backup plan to Katie. She is different in a darker way, and can step in to the lead female role if Katie stumbles But AI wants thier POP princess.
Casey is eye candy for the female voters, and is also the Country fall back if thier other annointed ones falter. AI knows they can always count on good country sales, and Casey has the package to make it big.
I can barely remember last nite's show! lol
In the case of "taylor & eliot" I think the voters got it wrong (even though I liked Taylor) Where is he? He's amounted to nothing....very disappointing (like BO) who I also liked and keep forgetting Carrie won! Who of course has made it big...
But back to Taylor's win...Daughtry was the best one and he's made it big too.
So the voters aren't always right .... I just can't get myself motivated to vote (didn't last year) maybe I will this year...