Who to Blame? The 5 Biggest Culprits in American Idol's Worst Season
Even if Crystal Bowersox ranks among American Idol's finest talents (and I believe she does), something's rotten in the state of Seacrest this year. Last season, Idol rejuvenated itself with a blend of personalities -- from subtle craftsman Kris Allen to sparkle sorcerer Adam Lambert. This season's Idol cast is dogged by a number of distracting elements -- and worst, the Idol-consuming populace is confused over the true culprits in this fiasco. Thus, we're ranking the five biggest contributors to Idol's weakest year. Hopefully number one will start to garner the skewering it deserves. Daggers ready!
5. The Kara/Simon Sideshow
This unfortunate non-drama subsided in recent weeks, but the memory burns on: Kara DioGuardi, who gives arguably the best criticisms most nights, confused herself for the star of the show and wasted our time caressing Simon's shoulders and gnawing his chest. At season's start, DioGuardi mentioned to the press that she felt obligated to revive some of Paula Abdul's shtick, which included contestant sympathy and an unpredictability factor. Well, that explains her flagrant attempt to stir up a saucy, buddy-buddy relationship with Simon, but it doesn't justify why she thought it should be so time-consuming.
4. Contestant Nervousness
No one should be crucified for showing nerves on a national stage, at least to start. But if these contestants are serious about pop idol status, shouldn't this platform be more empowering than discouraging? Lee DeWyze's worried warble, Aaron Kelly's prenatal shakes, Casey James' cautious bleat, and Alex Lambert's post-vomit trembles were eye- and ear-sores all season long. It made them seem like unwilling combatants, the least telegenic quality an Idol contestant can have.
3. The Themes/Song Selection
By this time in Idol's run, we need cooler themes. These months of outdated ideas ("Inspirational Week," anyone? "Frank Sinatra Week"? "Elvis Week"?) have transformed the talent pool into a mushy, urgency-deprived karaoke machine. Some of the burden is on the contestants themselves, who don't need to choose "I Believe I Can Fly" or "When You Believe" but labor our tolerance anyway. Still, the quantity of available goodness is seriously limited, and I can only think of a handful of times where the singers mined gems -- aside from Rolling Stones week, the competition's best moment.
2. Ellen DeGeneres
Let's put it bluntly: Ellen DeGeneres could not have been any worse this season. She was scarcely funny. She almost always agreed with and watered down Randy's "points." She couldn't authoritatively stand behind a negative criticism. Worst of all, she never justified her position on the panel, resembling a specter of the TV icon we once knew. Reviewing her comments from throughout the season, she said a version of the phrase, "You know I'm a fan" or "You know I think you're great" to nearly every contestant. You'd think a new presence infiltrating Idol's long-established panel would do more to substantiate her gig than pander to contestants.
1. The Voters
Surprise! You did this to yourselves! As much as we can lay into the judges' inconsistency, Ryan Seacrest's unhinged showmanship, or a cast of wheezing wannabes, the main problem with season nine is horrible home-viewer voting. There's a reason we were promised a year of standout female talents at season's start: Your Top 5 should've been Crystal Bowersox, Siobhan Magnus, Didi Benami, Lilly Scott and Katelyn Epperly. Lee DeWyze's (GrizzLee Bore) tuneless whimper-growls, Casey James' unassuming coffeehouse appeal, and Michael Lynche's Cool Whip commercial "soul" should've deserted Hollywood weeks ago.
We've witnessed so much sympathy voting this year -- from Tim Urban's continued survival to a grim use of the Judges' Save, all on behalf of the lagging male talent pool. Siobhan and Didi -- discernible personalities who not only had great voices but utilized them singularly -- gave one "off" performance apiece. Lilly Scott and Katelyn Epperly were voted out after some of their best efforts. When you reinspect the oeuvre of the four remaining guys, you find plenty more misses than hits.
While viewers can claim that Idol's personnel shifts have added a layer of annoyance to the show, they can't claim they didn't design this strangely uninteresting turnout themselves.
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Comments
i wish miss bowersox would clean herself up she looks like she needs abath
Voting for a person to leave instead of voting for your favorite to stay is a terrible idea. Under this format, someone like Crystal would be eliminated early because she would be seen as a favorite, so the fans of the other singers could gang up and elimnate her. The winner would be the blandest, most mediocre singer of the group. Sorry, bad idea.
I think the problem this year was the cuts from the beginning in the different audition cities. They let people go that should have been on the show and people came onto the show that should not have been. They passed up too many really good people. Simple lack of real, deserved talent is what the problem was. Long gone are the days of awesome every week by the likes of Daughtry, McPhee, Clarkson, Underwood, Sparks, etc...I remember loving at least 2-3 contestants every year and watching to see the amazing performances each week. This year, there are only 2 great performances amongst them all. Bring on the real talent next year. Still a great show. I love watching these dreams come true! Judging was good too. Even though I love Ellen, I dont know if she is needed! Dont bring a judge just to fill time, it shows.
Personally I think Idol has been in the toilet for several years, the beginning of it's demise was when Taylor HIcks won and did absolutely nothing after. I think the appeal has faded and we all have gotten sick of hearing the same old schtick from each of the judges, you can almost guess verbatum what they're going to say, kind of like on survivor when Jeff asks "worth playing for?" or "I'll go tally the votes" TV doesn't get more predictable than that, and unfortunatly, when watching "reality" TV we want the unpredictable. The shock value. That is the element that Idol has lost over the years. no one wants to see/hear the same thing over and over.
Ellen takes away from the show - she needs to go - Virginia - rockledge FL
First off they cut out all the little clips of the contestants to let you get to know them People have a hard time connecting to the contestants if they don't have a way to get to know them.
Second, why do they insist on taking these singers out of their comfort zone? Why not let them do what they do best? You don't see Neil Young put down his guitar and walk around with just a mike,but they insist these kids do just that. They have them sing songs that are outside of the type of songs these kids will ever sing if they make an album. Frank Sinatra??????? Really??????????
They surely pimped Bowersux and Dweasel this year. WTF??? He has an edge on her as far as handling a melody but neither of them has an ounce of phraseology in their vocals and Kara knows that as sure as she knows Seacrest's boyfriends. There's nothing unique or remotely interesting about their performance either. Is stage presence not even a consideration? Mannequins at least have an excuse!! Bowersux imagines herself as the reincarnation of Janis Joplin and Dweasel just thinks he's Joe Cool. Can you say 'dime-a-dozen at CindyLou's Bar and Lava Lamp Lounge on karaoke night'??!! Not that it matters, but these two future ex-county fair opening acts will sell the least amount of CDs ever for the idiots who produce this show. Forget about finding a replacement for Cowell...time has come to shut this Amateur Hour down.
Like him or not, last years Adam Lambert is hard to top. He could sing any song and the showmanship he displayed was so unique and professional. There did not seem to be any song or vocal range that he could not conquer. In comparison, this year's talent looks blah. I am not saying they are not good, just dull in comparison to Lambert. People with no musical background should not be judges such as Ellen. Kara who was recently married, just looks ridiculous drooling over Simon. Even Simon has backed off making some of his critical remarks. Guess he wants to leave the show with good behavior. I don't have any strong feelings about the last two idols left. I will not be too excited if either of them win. I have always had a favorite on all the other shows.
I haven't watched a single show because of Ellen's presence. Who gave her credentials to judge singing talent?
What?????
I have been disappointed in the show from the beginning this year. Was this all the talent they found in all those thousands of people out there? I think they lowered their standards or just rushed to get though with their pick.
I was never blown away by anyone this year. You know look at someone and say "Wow now thats a star". I have done that in some of the previous years.
When the audience takes time to listen to the show and then takes the time to vote then LEAVE THEIR VOTES ALONE! How dare you take it upon yourself to change it. The voters then tried every week to vote him back off. You screwed up on that move.
The mentors. Do you know the definition of a mentor? Not Miley or Adam Lambert. Do you think the contestants really took them seriously
The only mentor that impressed me was(my mind just went blank) the guy that sounds so much like Frank Sinatra. He spent a lot of time working with them and helping rewrite some of their music and the judges just blasted everything he did. I would not even think about coming back to help them out. Honestly, he was so funny that I thought they should get him to replace Ryan.
Now speaking of Ryan. He is so full of himself. He takes time away from the contestants and judges to do his little talking and trying to make funny. He talked to his Mother one show and then the show was cut short because they ran out of time. Simon didn't even get to finish what he was saying about the contestant they just ended the show. That should never have happened. Everyone I talk to says if they do not get rid of him they are not watching. He walks down the stairs like he is "Queen of the Show" and he honestly thinks the audience is applauding for him and not the show. What is up with his tailor made suits that are too small for him. Has anyone noticed that or is it just me. They don't even begin to fit correctly.
PLEASE GET RID OF RYAN. PLEASE GET RID OF ELLEN. BRING IN SOMEONE THAT CAN HELP THESE KIDS.
If Carrie Underwood had not had someone watching out for her before she ever got to Idol she would have been treated in the same way these people are. Some of these kids honestly think these people are looking out for their best interest and they are only looking out for the shows best interest.
I HAVE WATCHED MY LAST SHOW. THIS YEAR WAS A CATASTROPHE!!!!!
Yep-they are relying too much on "personality" and not enough on TALENT. They let a ton of extremely talented people go at the start-who didn't even make it into the top 36. It was nauseating. Plus you got it so right with those top 5 girls-they should have been there. PLus perhaps the girl who didn't get chosen for top 36 with wavy brown hair and the red streek in her hair-what was her name??? and Also the girl who tried out 3 times. Anyway-hoping for better next year.
Crystal has been the only one on this show who has been consistently good. She is also truly an artist, which is why I believe she will not make it. She will probably have the same fate that Adam Lambert had last year....she is just not mainstream enough to win it. The bible belt is not going to vote in a guitar playing, harmonica playing dreadlocked girl to win it, just like they didn't vote in a gay, glam rocker. Unfortunately. Lee Dwyze is good and cute, so he is definitely going to win. Do I think he should win? No. But he will. I have not seen every season of this show. I think I've seen half of them. And the one thing that I have learned is that this show is not about talent, per say. It's more about popularity. Remember Taylor Hicks? After seeing him sing a couple of times, I was real tired of that guy. Chris Daughtrey was FAR superior than him, but he won. But look at their careers. Very few Idol winners have gone on and had very successful careers. But others have. I say whoever wins, wins, but Crystal will be successful.
I love american idol, but im tired of hearing you sing to old for your age. Aron was wonderful, katy was wonderful, but you put them down so much for singing and dressing to old. you did the same to david archeletta. I think he should have won. It did seem that everyone wants lee, but of the two i think crystol is the best. I agree with betsy, cut down the voting to one per contestant. I know it seems wonderful when you have the voting of millions, but older people dont have the patience that the teeny bopers do and some people have automatic voting machinens. it isn't right. Simon if you go it will fail. sorry randy, but im tired of your favoritism. and Ellen you should have your own opinion. Kara you got better this year. I love idol, because it gives some people a chance to do something big with their voices. Do you all really believe Rubin should have won over Clay? NOT! sorry clay did something to make idol mad, but he really has a beautiful voice. Adam should have won last year he is a real talent. I don't like some of the things he does, but he is a great singer and that is what it is all about. IDOL BE A BIG ONE AND LET CLAY AIKEN SING ON YOUR SHOW AGAIN I HAVENT HEARD ANYONE SING LIKE HE DID WHEN HE SANG TROUBLE WATERS.
I disagree with you, Louis, on a few issues.
5)Kara is not very good. She says this is what this show is all about. What a stupid , overused statement. Her whatever with Simon was silly.Her obvious favoritism to Casey showed she can't be neutral. And I think sometimes she would try to be critical of him just because of this. So I agree on # 5 except that she doesn't gives the best critisms
in my opinion.
4)Nerves- ok, After a couple of weeks, this should not be an issue. but I think this year more than previous ones, these singers had not been performing already for any big audiences. So they were overwhelmed when they first performed on stage. Auditioning in front of four is not singing live in front of millions. But, yes they have to get over that to an extent. But I hear Streisand still has bad nerves so..
3)This one you nailed! Gosh, the themes suck. There has to be a better way. The judges complain that that is too old fashioned , or that would never make the radio and look at the themes. As you say Sinatra, Elvis, movie themes. Of course the song selections are horrible for the most part. Adam Lambert was the only one who came up with a current twist to every category last year.Didn't matter the theme.
2)I agree with you on Ellen. I love Ellen, but here she is so predictable with her phrases. We don't need four judges anyway.
But all of them are predictable as to what they will say. I can almost predict them before they open their mouth,except Simon,the one I never know what he will say. He's not perfect, but he is much more on than the other three.Next season we will see what he brought with him gone.
I am not looking forward to it.
1)Here is where i totally disagree with you. With the exception of Siobhan, no one else was any better than what they ended up with.
This season just had a crop of good singers, but no great standouts.I think Adam Lambert broke the mold and nobody can sing up to his performances. I don't ever remember a season where the contestants were so even. I still don't have a favorite with two to go.
ok, I think to fix Idol so that it might have a chance next season,here are a few things I would like to see.
1) Go back to 3 judges. Trying to replace Simon is impossible.
2) Definitely update the themes each week. It's ok to have an oldies week or one great artist of the past week, but it has to be more current.
3)I hate the voting. Come on-no limit to the number of votes is ridiculious. This is a accurate account of America? It's who can round up the most people who will vote 500 times a night.Put a maximum number on calls from one line. Dance with the stars does it, America's got talent does it.Idol is afraid they can't say with 40 million votes. But how many people or homes?
4) Also, let the judges decide who leaves after the bottom 3 is determined by the votes until the top 5. The one save thing is stupid.
I have more but I dont know if anyone is still reading so I think I will stop. I love Idol, but I am afraid next season if they don't do some big changes, it will fall. And Simon's new show in 2011 is going to be great based on what I have seen from Englands version.
And how strange is it that they pick these ludicrous "theme" weeks, like SINATRA or ELVIS, when you can't help but come across as anything BUT karaoke? Let them sing what they want...what works best for them. Maybe then you'll see some talent coming through. In the meantime, get rid of the moronic judges completely. Let the public, who is gonna BUY the CDs in the first place, make their own unbiased decisions. Might not seem like such a pre-determined fix then.
"just the announcer"? You obviously know nothing about doing a show like this. He is the captain of the show, the QB of the team. He has the hardest job there and if you knew anything about hosting, you would realize he is the best! He keeps the flow going and the judges
in line. I know he is not perfect, but don't under rate his talent.He is very symapthetic to the contestants when they get harsh reviews from the judges.He tries to help them. You don't have to like him, but respect the great job he does.
I no longer watch AI due to all the judge and producer manipulation all in the name of the all mighty dollar. When is AI going to wake up and smell the coffee, we are not blind to all the pimping that goes on for there favorite contestants. The producers can force a contestant not to sing the song of choice and sing it the wrong way, (genre) just so that an artist does not look as good as there chosen one for the show. They have the power to do what ever they want.
Most of the judging was worthless, be honest with the contestant so they can actually know what to improve on, in order to succeed in there chosen profession.
You would think that they would have more AI Alumni come back and perform on this show, instead they are having all these other artists appear on the show. It's all about ratings and the all mighty dollar, with AI.
We all know that Crystal Bowersox will win, so why watch? Will I be buying her music, no not my genre. But I wish her and all the other top contestants that go on tour the best of luck, for they will need it! I am so over this show...
The problem with voting is that you don't get the best... you get the most popular or the one who is able to drum up the most votes. It happens year after year.
I think the reason this year looks so bad is that it came directly after last year which was arguably the best season ever.
AMEN, Jerry. You are 100% correct!
I agree 100%...Ryan has become nauseating this season. He thinks when he walks down those stairs at the start of the show that HE is the star and everyone is there just to see his skinny butt. I think he has been totally disrespectful on many occasions to Simon like when he got right in his face one night. He acts like he's on drugs. What's up with him...did his boyfriend leave him?
I really like Crystal, and Lee, but I would like it a lot better if Siobhan Magnus had be in the final 2.She is different, interesting, and has a set of pipes that you seldom hear. That is the one, and biggest bad thing of this season.
Sorry, but with all that wailing, I never voted for Jennifer Hudson. She deserved to go...regardless of where she ended up today. I still say she suckers her fans with all that wailing. So many confuse that with actual singing ability. Listen how well she can't carry a tune on a simple ballad. On second thought, scratch that...her recorded songs are all Auto-Tuned. Her live performance tell the tale. She's average at best, and the same goes for her acting skills. LaToya London, on the other hand, was terrific and got the short end of the stick. Whatever. The show has it's faults and the whole world knows it. The produers are the ones with the money and the control, not us.
Ryan Secrest FUNNY?
I forgot to add that Siobhan should not be type cast, or bullied into one genre or another. Unfortunately, one of the best singers, IMO, that I have heard over the years, Eva Cassidy, had a much smaller carrier then she might have, if she had allowed the "business" to pidgin hole her. She died young, so what the outcome would have been we will never know, but she was a really, really talented woman. If you don't know her, check here http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eva_Cassidy. Even Simon should remember Eva, but it seems none of the judges remember what happens to an artist that is multi talented, and does not want to be led around by the nose.
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