Are Patriots Sending American Idol a "text" message?

5/04/2003 | Jon Alvarez

[jonalvy44]

I have a confession. I watch the tv show "American Idol". I place all blame for this on my wife. She's a singer and music fan, thus I'm FORCED to tune in. I actually enjoy the show, the contestants are very talented and we enjoy the competition. This week's show was a bit different, though. Fans phone in weekly and vote for their favorite contestant. This week, Ruben Studdard, already proclaimed to be the winner of the show by some judges, almost got the boot. Trenyce, a wonderful singer by her own right, got the hook instead. This is where the drama comes into play. Joshua Gracin, a 22 yr old Marine, has advanced to the final four. Seems the judges and various other media pundits felt this was Josh's week to receive a pink slip as they felt he was not the strongest singer. Rumors have begun circulating that Josh is advancing because people at home are voting because he's a U.S. Marine! The judges of the show were so upset and indignant when front-runner Ruben almost got the boot that they actually protested on air pleading to America to vote for the best singer.

Now, upon reflection, I can see their point. However, I also feel that since the name of this competition is "American Idol", doesn't it make sense to choose the person that best fits the definition of an idol? Websters defines an idol as being "an object of extreme devotion, such as a movie idol". Doesn't it makes sense for the winner of this competition to be someone Americans would look up to, to idolize? Josh Gracin may very well best fit that description. He's a devoted husband and father who also has made the decision to serve his country. During the show, he's shown great poise and class by expressing no reservations about having to exit the competition were his unit to be called to Iraq. If you've never heard Josh sing, I suggest tuning in. He's got a great voice and will be a country star someday.

Are Americans voting for Joshua Gracin because he's a Marine? Possibly. I've never made the effort to phone in a vote during the 2 seasons of this show. Tuesday night will be the first time for me. I will be voting for the person I feel is most worthy of my admiration. My vote for Joshua Gracin will be a vote for the type of person most worthy of being called an "American Idol".

I Will Cast My Vote For Josh Gracin!

Jon Alvarez Syracuse, NY PABAAH: Patriotic Americans Boycotting Anti-American Hollywood (Become a Member)

[Glenn]

Are Americans voting for Joshua Gracin because he's a Marine?

They sure can't be voting for him because of his voice.

I think this past week was a Simon Cowell backlash vote. People felt sorry for Josh and voted in droves to piss Simon off.

Josh has a smart mouth and a cocky attitude. The sooner he is off the better.

[jazzlite]

If Miss American is judged on more than just physical appearance, what should the American Idol not be judged on more than just a singing voice? My vote goes to Josh.

[BlessedBeGod]

I've watched religiously -- both seasons.

I think Josh has a great voice, but doesn't really know how to use it. He's also been going downhill, giving worse and worse performances lately. It's too bad -- he's got great charisma (or did until he started dissing Simon so much).

I think Josh would be much better off doing just country, which is what he wants to do. The American Idol is supposed to be pop, which is why I was glad the rocker dude Patrick Lake didn't make it.

Josh probably is being voted for a lot because he's a Marine. That's no reason to vote for someone to become the American Idol. It should be based on talent and stage presence, not what their job is.

I haven't decided who I want to win yet. I'll need to listen to their future performances. But Josh is probably going to be voted off this next week, as everyone's ticked off that Ruben ended up in the bottom two last week and not Josh. Josh KNEW he should have been in the bottom two; he just held his head in his hands and couldn't even look up when Ruben was told. There's going to be a big backlash against Josh for this. (The message boards are full of it.) So don't be surprised when he's out this week. Hopefully a country music label will pick him up.

[patriciaruth]

Josh has a smart mouth and a cocky attitude. The sooner he is off the better.

So you want Americans to idolize a stupid person and a wimp? Or Polyanna?

That may not be the American ideal post 9/11.

[Glenn]

he just held his head in his hands and couldn't even look up when Ruben was told

Thanks for making that point. He was as un-Marinish as he could be in that moment. The Sultan of Sulk.

[Glenn]

So you want Americans to idolize a stupid person and a wimp?

I've already said I think Josh should be out of there ASAP.

[Our God given right to be free]

I watch it also, it's a nice break from the news. Perhaps they should change or lengthen the title because the shw has to do with the most talented SINGER. Sorry but I don't think that's Josh. I respect him as a marine but not the title of what the show is about. The other three that is left are much more talented.

[patriciaruth]

Guess I've got to watch the stupid show now and see if I agree with you.

[Guenevere]

#9...I don't even watch these things.....

...never!

..then my grown daughter spent a couple nights here (while her house was being fixed),...

.. and she's an American Idol addict.

I got hooked last week!

Clay is the one......but I really like Josh for all kinds of other reasons.

Clay should probably get it!

[heylady]

I agree. This week I will vote for Josh. The song he sang on Wednesday night was great. Ruben is one dimentional..a Barry White wannabee. Funny that Simon is eager to tell the females to loose weight but seems to have no problem with Ruben's total inability to move on stage.

[BlessedBeGod]

I think the reason he doesn't tell Ruben to lose weight is that it's pretty hopeless -- he weighs 350 pounds. The girls (and Josh, too, whom he chided about his weight) are much closer to their ideal weights and could easily lose the extra pounds. The entertainment business is about image, too, not just talent. Simon knows that, and is only trying to help them.

[Unknown Freeper]

Josh should have been gone weeks ago. Kimberly should win it all. Reuben second, then Clay. Josh should be ashamed to be a Marine. Josh knows he should not be there at this point.

[Unknown Freeper]

Let me rephrase that. He should be ashamed to say he is a Marine.

[muawiyah]

You want I should whack the others Jon?

[lsee]

I respectfully disagree. Listen to this singer and compare his vocal talent to the other finalists. Clayton Aiken

This young man is not a wimp, just built like one. He's got a powerful voice and a heart for good. I don't know much about Josh's character, but I'm noticing he doesn't react well to criticism or pressure. I'd rather idolize someone who can sing like Harry Connick Jr. Here's Clay's definition of an American Idol.

What is your definition of an AMERICAN IDOL?

Someone with a talent that leaves a mark on American society and inspires people to think, feel, love, act.

Why do you want to be an AMERICAN IDOL?

American celebrities have an amazing amount of influence on the way America thinks, feels and acts. I think that such influences should be used in the most positive way possible.

[jonalvy44]

no...just making an observation. I don't think "American Idol" has truly spelled out what the show is all about. I think alot of people are seeing Josh Gracin as someone to admire and deserves the nod. I think Clay is a wonderful singer, too. But the show is not "American Singer".

[Admin Moderator]

Hey thanks. I was just thinking that what we needed was a good textbook example of 'topic abuse' so as to show people what not to do.

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This would be a great example. Thanks, AM

[jonalvy44]

I think Clay is a wonderful singer, too. But the show is not "American Singer". I'm just picking up on a vibe here...Patriotism is soaring, and it may be carrying over to other realms, as in this example.

[Glenn]

I'm just picking up on a vibe here...

You're not picking up on anything. There is no vibe there. Josh is a loser. There is nothing I would want one of my sons to idolize about this sulking, Garth Brooks imitating, immature, zero-charisma, way out of his league prancer.