Posted on 04/21/2005 10:53:52 AM PDT by capitoltex
Once again, we've reached that point in the American Idol competition where the voting trends seem to defy all logic and reason.
From a relatively objective point of view, two excellent singers, Nadia Turner and Anwar Robinson, have been sent home, and two mediocre (at best) singers still remain among the top six contestants. Some fans of the show are up in arms, unable to cope with the fact that we'll be subjected to at least one more week of the song stylings of Anthony Fedorov and Scott Savol. In particular, Mr. Savol seems to have struck a negative chord with many viewers.
Last season, we were in a similar situation, with crooner John Stevens and the pretty-but-vapid Jasmine Trias inexplicably outlasting far more talented performers like Jennifer Hudson.
Much print has been devoted to the voting dynamics of the show, but it seems that something is happening that the show's producers probably weren't counting on: some fans are purposely voting for the singer whom they deem to be the "worst."
Witness the web site (www.votefortheworst.com) "Vote For The Worst," with it's tongue-in-cheek mission statement:
This show is not about finding the next big superstar. Your favorite contestant probably won't win, and will probably get a record contract anyway if they're good enough. LaToya London had an amazing voice last season and she didn't make it past 4th place. Fantasia won the competition and her record sales are dismal because 19 Entertainment barely even promotes her. What a great "prize."
TV is supposed to be about the entertainment value, and what's more entertaining than a fish out of water outlasting the big fish and sharks? This pledge is to keep whoever we've selected as the worst competitor in the competition by voting for them for the entire time alotted every week. Even if you live outside of America, tell people about the pledge and spread the word. At the top of this page, we will post a banner with the contestant that we're supporting. If you so choose, vote along with us and help keep the no talent of the week in the competition.
For the time being, the "Vote For The Worst" crew has thrown their support behind contestant Scott Savol, and quite a few fans seem to be on board.
Now, will these renegade voters actually alter the outcome of the finals? Unlikely. With consistently more than 30 million votes cast each week, and far more in the finals, it would be hard for such an effort to swing the needle once the competition gets down to the final 3-4 competitors. But in earlier weeks, when there are more choices and the voting is closer, it's somewhat easier for these folks to make a difference. The only real question is how many of the "good" singers will get sent home while the "worst" remain.
Excellent analysis. I think you're right on.
Welcome to the club ye old hag:)
Thanks. We don't have one foot in the grave just yet.
That movie still freaks me out.....ugh!
me too but i liked her dirty pillows
Why, thank you!
Thank ya, ma'am :)
They're pretty popular -- I know TOOL's second album debuted (?) at no. 1.
You can't take anything any TOOL member says seriously. They like to F with people.
ROFL!!!
but do you think any of the target audience for the american idol winner would have a TOOL album in their collection? Probably not.
Well TTTT, I haven't liked pop music since Rosemary Clooney, so you're probably right on that....
A burning question in my mind:
Why the heck are people voting for Scott?????????????
People from www.votefortheworst.com are voting for Scott because he's the Idol producers' worst nightmare. VFTW is actually getting radio and some press coverage. Hilarious!
You are none-too-bright!
Fantasia's project reached number 2 on the Billboard R&B Chart and presently resides at #11. The "HipHop" project, as you put it (when it is really R&B), peaked at number 8 on the Billboard 200 Chart and has occupied a position for 22 weeks.
Now tell me Brainiac, how has Fantasia's effort been a financial failure? Stop speaking nonsense! You are probably upset that Clay (that effeminate guy) lost to big boy.
P.S. I don't even care for Fantasia - but facts are facts!
Also, Clarkson's first project did not burn up the charts!
I think the concept of voting for the worst "candidate or person" is all the rage among liberals.
Clarkson's project went platinum. I do not watch the show, but I knew that Ruben was the best choice out there.
I guess I should go back and re-read the post to which you're replying, cause I have no idea what I said that would make you read into it all that you said.
Clarkson's first project showed she had long-term marketability and staying power. She's still around, two plus years later. Where has Ruben been? And despite supposedly good record sales, I have yet to hear ANY of fantasias singles on the radio. I hear clarkson's "since you've been gone" at least twice a day.
That said, the people at American Idol don't want america's real choice to win. They're setting it up to get a wide demographic PC reach across all possible markets. First winner- pop princess. Second- R&B guy. Third R&B girl. Fourth will be a white rocker guy,or a country diva that they can repackage as the next LeAnn Rhimes, mark my words. They're the only markets they've not yet exploited by the executives in charge of marketing the Idol winners' Albums.
Fantasia's also went platinum! Sounds like they have both made some impact, but neither dominates the airwaves. I can't imagine, from a financial standpoint, why you would say that she was a bad choice. Again, my friend, she does not do Hip Hop! You must be like 40 years old or something. Do you know what is considered Hip Hop?
I also don't watch the crap -- never have -- but how would you know that Reuben was the best?
Screw Reuben! Did he even release a project? I don't follow the show!
Again, Screw Reuben!
You don't listen to Top 40 or R&B and this is why you have not heard Fantasia!
I have never heard Kelly on R&B or Hip Hop stations, but I have on Top 40. So I must assume that you do not listen to Top 40, R&B, or Hip Hop. If you listen to any of the three, you are sharing falsehoods, because you would hear Fantasia.
If you must lie, don't bother writing dude!
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