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 These months of outdated ideas ("Inspirational Week," anyone?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
Preach the gospel, sister!!
Ellen is about worthless and pointless. She has no musical background and I've said since the beginning she does nothing but mimic Randy. Just once I'd like to see HER give the first opinion for the entire show. Hell, she's not even funny. Kara: Yep, she's an authority but has continued Paula's shtick. Constantly rambling and babbling on but she looses out to my mute button, QUICKLY. Randy knows his business but I get sooo tired of hearing "YO YO YO" and "YOU DA BOMB" and "CHECK IT OUT, CHECK IT OUT." Simon is the BEST judge they have but his leaving WILL be DA BOMB for Idol. They should seriously consider bringing Gene Simmons on as his replacement. Not a Kiss fan but I like Gene's common sense approach to life/business and he DOES have the musical background....unlike one waste of air judge on the panel.
Jan, I think you're right about AI being rigged. I especially noticed it this year (maybe because Simon doesn't care to hide it anymore?) They gave Casey a really horrible song. But, I'm not saying that I was a Casey fan. I'm just so disappointed about the way the show played out this year. You can so tell that Simon favors Lee. It's kind-of sickening.
After Siobhan went, the thing was so predictable. I was looking forward to a Finale battle between Crystal and Siobhan. IMHO they were the best two this year, even though I miss last year's "magical" contestants.
IMO Siobhan should have won. IF we only looked at TALENT--no emotional hype, no being swayed by appearance or other biases--Siobhan had the best voice. But her appearance, personal style, and overuse of that 'yelling' (which the judges seemed to love in the beginning but lost it's appeal very fast) plus the younger easily-swayed voters lost for her. Her elimination was a surprise. But now I imagine Lee will win even though Crystal has the more 'versatile' voice IMO. LEE is a good-looking male (larger female audience), Simon's favorite, he has improved immensely, and Lee's vocal style appeals to more people.
To sum up, both Crystal and Lee have the vocal chops to win. In my mind, they're a tie. I'm glad I alone don't have to decide. I favor Crystal but won't cry if Lee wins.
Yes, I agree. Casey got a raw deal!
First of all, ADAM LAMBERT IS AWESOME!!!!
I hate most of Simons words. He can be horribly cruel, which he should no confuse his nastiness for helping them. I just hate to look at him most of the time. He can be nice and fair at times, but mostly, he's just a jerk.
I hate the way Kara was alway hanging on Simon for a bit there. Don't they have other relationships. Is she hitting on him? I wanted to barf.
I love Ellen. She is kind, funny, and sweet. Glad she's there! And I love her television show and her dog food, Halo.
I think there should be a 'Simon like' judge who can critique honestly, but not cruely. Theres a big difference.
The songs this year have SUCKED. I fast forward mostly 1/2 of the end of each song. I mean who is picking these things?
And the talent, sorry. Most of the top ones were aweful. Dede was beautiful, and would make a wonderful model or actress, but I would rather listen to nails down a chalkboard. I could go on, but someone really has to get 2nd, 3rd, or 4th opinions of what talent is. The only really good ones this year were Lee and Crystal. Casey is ok, but he's candy to look at!
Better revamp this show guys. Pick better talent and better songs. Get simon to stop tourturing these poor contestants in front of their friends and family. I just hate the way Simon acts. I wish he would grow up and get some manners...
I agree with everything you said. This year was very bland and boring, but I did enjoy watching Siobhan mainly because she gave me some entertainment and her voice, in my opinion, was very good. Crystal started to do same ole, same ole. Lee really shined on the Halleluah song. I feel spoiled from last year with Adam Lambert. I actually looked forward to him singing and showing off his talent. I don't know if I'll be watching AI next season....it seemed to be a waste of time this season....thank goodness for recording. I think they need to revamp the voting system. I will miss Simon because he tells it like it is.
I was not excited about ANY of the three finalists, but least of all Lee Dewyze. He is really forgettable. If Crystal and/ or Casey had been given the hype, sound and support that Lee had with 8 incredible backup singers (all of whom sang better than Lee) and the prime spot at the end of the program, they would have fared better. Maybe the producers wanted Simon's choice of song to shine, since he is leaving - whatever. At least Casey is real good looking and was himself, not hyped up.. Crystal is unique and talented, but needs to polish up her physical image, get rid of the dreadful locks and work on her teeth - she could be so attractive, but her look week to week hardly ever changed and it always seemed like she just rolled out of a bunk bed.
Siobahn was the best and did not deserve to go home. She is talented with an original,creative image, a great voice, almost perfect pitch and love the scream!
Face it, the entire season was a yawn - except Siobhan.
I agree about too many little girls voting - the results are less balanced as the number of little girls get phones and text in votes. The older audience can't get through to vote, and doesn't have the time to waste trying over and over.
To make the voting more representative of who consistently is the best, the vote tally should be restructured to allow some accumulation of previous votes as well. Even Elvis had a bad night once in a while.
Moi
NO ONE CAN TOP THE YEAR OF 'ADAM LAMBERT'.
Sadly enough.
This year
was hum-drum
Simon was more
cruel than ususal.
Songs choices sucked.
Talent was just OK.
Love Ellen! She's the only one
there with a heart and she's honest,
yet kind.
I agree that it should have been Siobhan and Crystal. Mike disappointed me on almost every song because he had the ability to sound so much better. The judges wasted their save.
I like Lee. Yes, he's shy and reserved, but I love his voice.
Crystal reminds me of a Hillbilly.
Casey sings ok, but he's fun to look at.
Like Ellen, but 4 judges is just stupid.
Goodbye Simon, I won't miss you...
I loved to watch Adam Lambert. He was truly talented and entertaining. His music is not for everyone, but at least he kept me interested in the show and I watched specifically for him. I felt he could sing any song and put a twist on it. Kris Allen was very generic.
I'm sorry, but Casey was boring and dull. Every song he sang sounded exactly the same. Crystal and Lee at least added some differences in their songs. I think for the most part, the judges do a good job, especially Simon....it's the voters that mess things up and websites like "Vote for the Worst".
Well, not EVERYONE agrees with you! I happen to LOVE Lee, he's a great singer and I hope he wins. I don't like Crystal at all, she's boring and I don't like her style of singing. As for Siobhan, are you kidding me???? She sounded like my cats fighting when she sang, if you could call it that. All she did was screech, she was HORRIBLE and I'm glad she's gone. GO LEE, you'll all just jealous fools.
The young girl "SHELBY", who had survived a stroke, was THE BEST VOICE of the entire season ... and those SCHMUCKS kicked her off before she could get going...................how discriminatory!
EVEN SIMON SAID "THAT WAS A MISTAKE!"
I bet she would have had quite a following ... and would have WON!!!
I love Lee, he's an awesome singer, you must have wax in your ears. As for Crystal, she's a BORE, don't like her. You think Siobhan should still be there??? You must have wax in your ears, she STUNK. Let's see who has hit singles afterwards. Don't count on Siobhan and maybe Crystal will in white trash land. Not everyone agrees with YOUR stupid opinions.
I agree with you. Thank goodness for the DVR. The only one I truly enjoyed this year was Siobhan and after she left I lost interest. Crystal and Lee were okay, but no pizzaz. Casey was very boring. Okay for one song, but I couldn't listen to an album of his. They need to change the voting system...one vote per phone/house and then let the judges override EACH contestant one time.
Our family watched AI until this year. The truth for us is that last year was horrible. Although talented, Adam Lambert creeped us out--way too much of a drama queen. Chris Allen was sweet, but powerhouses like David Cook and David Archeleta were a hard act to follow. We were especially tired of the four judge system--three judges were more than enough. They lost Paula, who was the heart of the show. So--we gave up and didn't even WANT to watch this year. Looks like we didn't miss anything.
Sorry, but the only way to really change the voting would be to do away with unlimited voting. They should charge like $20 for the ability to "power vote", otherwise each phone line is limited to one vote per line. that way you are going to have Idol CONSUMERS deciding who moves on and not tweentard girls who just vote for whoever they deem is "cute". Sorry, but the Kris Allen fiasco from last year is proof that no matter how many votes the winner gets it's not going to make a difference if nobody goes out and buys the CD.
I agree with many of the comments in the article but I think one thing that makes this year seem so 'awful' hasn't even been brought up: the fact that there were SO many very talented - and colorful - contestants on Season 8. After that, most anyone this year who doesn't have at least close to the calliber of Kris, Adam, Allison, David Gockie(sp?), Matt, etc. are going to seem 'lame'. I think that Sioban was excellent and gone too soon though I am happy that Lee and Crystal are the finalists. Crystal has talent, no doubt, and Lee has come a LONG way from his earlier performances. Still, not close to the calliber of Adam Lambert and Kris Allen. I think that last season we were all 'spoiled' and I know that the final week next week won't have the awesomeness of last years' final show with big talents like KISS & Keith Urban. I'm all for Lee taking it all this season and wish him all the best. Even with Simon leaving (eek!), I hope that after the dust is settled in that mess that season 10 can have at least some of the umph that season 8 had that made us HAVE to watch as it was THAT good!
ELLEN shouldnt have been hired. She has no music experience.Fire Ryan.
First I do agree Idol was weaker this year but where I feared the season would end up a disaster. In fact I think its finally found its grove at the end. I live in Richmond, VA and all these conspiracy theorist that the show is rigged is just so wrong. I'm a gay man who voted for Kris last year and not Adam, why? Well I think Adam got old, he scream started to just be that, a scream every single song. Kris, really grew from the beg of the show till the end. He nailed several songs that I still remember and listen to.
For this season, I think Lee has a great voice and I also agree that of Crystal. I think Lee should win and I don't think his demographic will push him over as much as you think.
They said that about Kris' win, that his home state "bought" it for him, non-sense, Adam was from California and had a much larger state that could have easily taken over and forced his win if that is the case.
The reality is, people get hooked on certain contestants and just don't like it when they loose. Understandable. But to trash the show, the system and contestants that are trying so hard up there right now, its unfair. YOU GET UP ON STAGE AND DO WHAT THEY HAVE DONE, then we will talk. I could not do it. So be careful before you so easily Judge....
Never watched the show, but it's good to hear the popularity of it appears to finally be dying.
When they let go of Paula Abdul and replace her with Kara di Gouadi or whatever her name is. The show lost its heart. No matter what anyone say about Paula she was the one that gives the show a balance. Kara is just B^^chy and Ellen is a blah. Nobody wants to watch a bunch of judge tearing the would be contestant and contestant to pieces.
I totally agree with most of the above comments, I find this years AI so boring I am constantly switching the channel between the NBA Games and AI to where in a few of the previous years I would never have missed a second of AI. I honestly do not understand the judges in whom they chose to be in the top. I have watched so many auditions that were 10 times better then the ones left in the top 2. I really think this show is fixed as others have said, how can it not be? There are a few that I don't understand how were voted off, and a few that have stayed around WAY too long just because of looks or W/E. I simply cannot watch any longer, I am dumbfounded that Siobhan was voted off while Bowersox was voted into the top 2. Siobhan had the most range and best voice out of all the contestants, but I think because she was her own true person the Judges wanted her out, so she is out! Who knows what really goes on with this show, all I know is that I have watched many other talent type programs and have never witnessed such out right favoritism. I do not know if I will ever watch this show again. But who knows what next year will be like after Simon leaves, it could be for the better or the worse. I personnaly think he is the only honest one on the panel.
I totally agree with most of the above comments, I find this years AI so boring I am constantly switching the channel between the NBA Games and AI to where in a few of the previous years I would never have missed a second of AI. I honestly do not understand the judges in whom they chose to be in the top. I have watched so many auditions that were 10 times better then the ones left in the top 2. I really think this show is fixed as others have said, how can it not be? There are a few that I don't understand how were voted off, and a few that have stayed around WAY too long just because of looks or W/E. I simply cannot watch any longer, I am dumbfounded that Siobhan was voted off while Bowersox was voted into the top 2. Siobhan had the most range and best voice out of all the contestants, but I think because she was her own true person the Judges wanted her out, so she is out! Who knows what really goes on with this show, all I know is that I have watched many other talent type programs and have never witnessed such out right favoritism. I do not know if I will ever watch this show again. But who knows what next year will be like after Simon leaves, it could be for the better or the worse. I personnaly think he is the only honest one on the panel.
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