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.
Hate to say it but I think Bo is great (even when not singing a genre he's comfortable with) and Anthony reminds me of a teeny-bopper remake of a song already recorded - something's missing. But, I like bluegrass, southern rock and country best; while pop, r & b and jazz are farther down on my list of favorites.
My point is, many different tastes in performers and music make the voting interesting and not surprising. I don't feel that the show's winner represents everyone's favorite. I do think the top ten performers represent everyone's favorite.
Seriously?
While Fantasia's CD didn't reach #1, it has gone platinum. Meanwhile, the latest CD from the vaunted British teen Joss Stone has not as yet -- it's only reached gold status.
What does the writer want from Fantasia?
Can you put her side by side with Lindsey. To me, they look like sisters...Did she come back for another try with a fake ID?
I agree. The Bo-bashers here obviously have no taste. But making him sing showtunes was cruel and unusual punishment--for him and us!
Carrie, Bo and Vonzelle are the best of the remaining singers.
As you know I'm not a Bo fan. Don't like hard rock. Anybody who thinks Anwar and Nadia are great singers is crazy, although I think both of them are better than Scott. I think this answers the question who is voting for Scott. I have been a Carrie fan from the start and will continue to support her to the end. My hope is we can get rid of Lt. Dan.
BTW..my daughter says that Simon was bitiching last night after the show about all the hoopla/promo fro Ryan's "star"....also that ABC news mag is working on an expose of AI..focusing on the, ahem, "relationships" between the contestants and the producers...shall I post the links to the thread?
I think Bo could win, but hope that he doesn't, because I don't have any faith in their ability to market a rock singer. If he comes in second or worse, he will have more control over his music.
Rock fans don't go for manufactured stars, they like people who blaze their own trail, who either put their own twist on the status quo (Creed, which borrowed heavily from Pearl Jam's darker stuff), on classic styles (The Hives, Franz Ferdinand, The Killers' 80's retro sounds) or do something profoundly visually different, even shocking (Slipknot, Marilyn Manson).
What are the guys who made Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken chart-toppers going to do with Bo, who looks like he walked out of an Allman Brothers album jacket?
Please do!
And BTW, for your veiwing pleasure, Google has much better Julia pics than the one I posted :)
Bo is great. You're nuts, dude.
I'll post them..If you'll tell me what to type in Google search for Julia?
I have to agree with you!
bump for later
you probably just hate rock n roll! lol
Most of her songs sounded more like screeching.
Try "Julia Demato". There are at least a dozen different pics--most of them very good :)
The thing is that different people like different types of music.
He seems to be limited to only one style. Not very versatile.
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