I'm still shocked at the Idol results on Sunday night. I'm surprised that America didn't like Jeremiah and voted him into the bottom 2. But I'm more surprised that the lackluster judges didn't save him, instead choosing to save Laci instead.
Laci is nowhere the singer Jeremiah is. She doesn't have the range nor talent. She will be out next week and forgotten, whereas Jeremiah will get a job on Broadway and will be a star.
I'm bot alone in this assessment. I check reviews on the Internet and most articles or blogs say the judges decision was "disastrous."
Part of the problem is the Idol formula. They save the results for the last four minutes of the show, trying to build the drama and get viewers to hang in there until the bitter end, then cramming the final results down our throats, rushing over the rolling credits.
The judges elected to use their save, which was fine, but, as time was running out, they had to make a quick decision. They had to be surprised that Jeremiah was in danger. They get paid literally millions of dollars to make this snap decisions, but then a stress-out Katy fumbles with the decision: Laci.
Why not give the results sooner and at least give the judges a commercial break to make up their mind? Viewers follow their favorites, wait that long for the end, then the judges rush a final decision? Those few minutes effect careers. The producers of American Idol need to think twice about their process and not short-change the contestants or viewers.
So why were Jeremiah and Laci in the bottom two? Laci has a smoky, husky, breathy voice. Her second song, "Open Arms" was much better than her first Woodstock tune ( the Woodstock theme was pretty limiting ). She has none of the range of a Steve Perry, who originally did "Open Arms" with journey. But she did a good job with an emotional song and finally "belted" out on a song .
Laci was surprised she was saved, stating that she "is not a belter" and was concerned she would get the ax.
Unfortunately for Laci, her fate is sealed. No one who has been saved has ever won Idol. Only one singer has even finished as a runner-up after being saved. So, unless she suddenly sings incredibly well next week, she's a goner. America doesn't care for her, although give her credit for getting this far.
So why did Jeremiah in the bottom two? His second song, "Somewhere" from West Side story, was in his wheelhouse, a Broadway belter, showstopper tune. I can easily see him doing these type of ballads on the Great White Way in time. The judges thought he started off slowly then picked it up.
His first song was a gospel tune done by Joan Baez at Woodstock. It wasn't that good until the end.So maybe America didn't care for his song choice or his performance.
Maybe the public didn't care for his continuing story of being gay and his alienation from his parents. I don't think this is the case or else we would've seen Jeremiah in danger before.
My thoughts on the other survivors:
Alejandro- He should've been voted off last night. He even admits he is still working on his singing. He is an amazing guitarist but this isn't "America's Got Talent." It's a singing competition. His first song, "White Rabbit" was an embarrassment. I could hardly hear his whispers. That song needs a belter, a powerful voice, not a timid voice like his. Credit Alejandro for getting out of his comfort zone, but it was the wrong song.
Alejandro did an original song later, and it was better, an acoustic song featuring his guitar. Again, better but not awesome like the judges make him to be. Alejandro isn't the greatest thing since sliced bread. Katy proclaimed that he would win the whole thing. I still don't think so. America is voting, and if they can ax a real singer like Jeremiah, Alejandro is in trouble.
Wade- He was good last night, channeling Joe Cocker. He didn't forget the words last night,a novelty. He is awkward, nervous, an everyday Joe and America likes him. He may be the ultimate underdog in the competition. He may slide into the finals, unless he screws up again next Sunday. Wade is unpredictable so you never know.
Madison- To me, she is now the favorite to win. She was just OK last night, her second song better as well. She can sing anything, and someone has gotten to her about her clothes, hair and make-up. America likes her better than Laci and I do too. Aside from her change in appearance she could always sing, from her audition til now. I hope she doesn't go Hollywood and lose her girl-next-door appeal.
Laine- Obviously the producers want, or think he will win it all. Why have the gigantic letters LAINE in back of him while he sang "Johnny B. Goode" last night. It reminded me of a slick Elvis-like production number form an Elvis TV special. Like his hard, plastic hair, Laine seems too polished for me. He went from the simple, unassuming kid who almost didn't audition this season to a cookie-cutter like star. Someone got to Laine as well a few weeks ago, playing on the "good ol' boy" Southern hick persona ( ala Elvis)
Some Internet articles are now picking Laine to win it all. Granted, he did a good job with "Johnny B. Goode", although I'd still like to see him lose the guitar if he's going to play out the Elvis thing. Elvis was most dynamic without a guitar in the way of his gyrating hips.
There was a really annoying, over-enthusiastic fan in the audience, who Ryan Seacrest brought on stage midway through the show. He needs to stay in the crowd. I think the judges were afraid of this idiot.
Speaking of judges, it's great they all get along. Sounds like idol will be back next year since they are calling for contestants to audition this summer. I still miss Simon and his honesty. The judges are getting paid millions of bucks yet continue to soft-soak their reviews. Not one singer is bad, everyone is a star, etc. Katy has taken the ditzy thing too far. She is no longer funny. Lionel goes on a rant and preaches to everyone, and Luke didn't even make a comment when Laine sang his last song. What a waste.
Gabby from last season performed. She must've had a face-lift. I didn't recognize her. She is promoting some "hot" single called "I Hope." She was merely a filler of time, instead of the producers doing the right thing and giving the results part of the show a little extra time.
Next Sunday two peole will go, leaving the final 3 for the last show. My prediction, without hearing anyone, is Madison, Alejandro and Laine making the finals. With the departure of Jeremiah, anyone is in danger of getitng the boot. I wouldn't be surprised at anything now.
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