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 These months of outdated ideas ("Inspirational Week," anyone?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
#1 Reason - K A R A -- bad Judge; doesn't give Contstructive criticism.
It's all about her.
#2 Reason - Vocal coach. They need a good one to advice the contestants. These are amateurs.
#3 Reason - the best talent left early.
#4 Reason - Siobhan Magnus left too early. The show died after her exit.
Dan.. I so agree with you! I think Adam's downfall last year was that Kris was true to himself every single week last year and that is what gave him the win the end. Adam is a great performer, and after his 'Ring of Fire' I couldn't wait to see what he'd do next. As far as the conspiracy people, I read somewhere that Kris beat Adam by a few hundred thousand votes so it was a legit big win. I like Adam, but I like Kris' not trying to be anyone but himself better - if that makes sense! I also think that too much talent went home too soon this season. I didn't think about it until I read some of the other posts, but I have to agree about some of the teens voting 'with their hormones' and voting many times at that. There should perhaps be a limit on votes. I think I got in twice all year to vote. I also agree with you as far as all the kids trying so hard and I wouldn't want to be in their shoes - well I can't carry a note in a bag anyway! VERY good post Dan from another Virginian!
Noted! Banning it riiiiiiight now.
WHY AMERICAN IDOL SUCKS THIS YEAR:
-They type-casted this season, as Mil illustrated.
-The prospect of Simon not being there to tell the truth. Also, he seems to have a "Well, it doesn't matter anyway" attitude.
-Kara DioGuardi. Simple as that.
-Siobhan left, showing how much every one else sucked. (She was my Adam Lambert this year.)(PS- because of this, I refuse to watch the rest of the season.)
-Ellen, much as I love her, doesn't know about the music biz.
BUT MOST OF ALL: THE TEENAGE GIRLS THAT WOULDN'T KNOW A TALENTED SINGER IF IT BIT THEM ON THE @$$ AND ONLY CARE IF THE CONTEST LOOKS GOOD (OR 'HOT')!
idol sucks
hope so to
idol lol lol waste of time
Everything I want to say has already been said, but I'll comment nonetheless. When I think back to some of the truly electrifying voices in shows past - remember Bo Bice, singing acapella in a single spotlight? Adam Lambert singing anything at all? And David Cook, who reached right out through the TV, grabbed my heart, and twisted it? I watched this year and not one single singer made any impression on me whatsoever. I watched until they picked the final dozen and still couldn't even remember anyones name. So I gave up. This show has gone so downhill it isn't funny. Ellen was rather disappointing. Simon is bored. Kara is a dope. Randy is still OK.
The runner-up is always the winner, and I believe that is why the show gives it to the (worst) runner-up because they would NEVER have a chance on their own !! This show is getting WORSE, and yes Kara thinks this show is al about her-she needs a relaity check !!!!
The weekly winners should be picked by REAL MUSICIANS, not just any controversial "celebrity". THEN, the viewing audience can have a say in the FINAL SHOW.
- The show now, is ONLY a POPULARITY CONTEST, AND NOT A TRUE TALENT BASED SHOW. That's what you get when hundreds of thousand of "kids" call and vote for who they think is the "cutest", or has the "dreamiest eye", etc
-No wonder the two of the biggest and best judges have left and/or leaving.
- I won't watch it any longer.
I agree with #1. The voters are the worst, not just this year every year. The BEST singer never wins. The judges should have no impact. Just because someone tells you what their opinion is, you don't have to agree. I don't agree with alot of the remarks here. So. Unlike, most people I listen to most of Idol. Don't watch it. When I hear a good voice I pay attention. The past couple of years I've heard some incredible voices, (unfortunately none have won). I won't get into how last years winner was to me forgetable, but they seem to have found an entire cast of the same mold. Excuse, me while I yawn....
I completely agree with your points.
Only thing is that some of the song choices were not completely their fault.
Siobhan wanted to do Crowded House's "Don't Dream it's Over" on Inspiration week as opposed to "When You Believe"(which would have been amazing) and was on the list that idol provided, but for some funny "reason" they couldn't get it cleared. And to this it makes one suspicious as to the potential behind-the-scenes manipulation for the producers to play favorites and clear songs only for their favored ones.
I think since Simon is leaving. fire the other 3 judges Hire Howard Stern as the only judge and they will have record ratings!
Adam Lambert gave the audience a taste of real legitimate talent last year and is a hard act to follow. He also did a great job mentoring, considering the raw, underdeveloped talent and sorry song choices that were available. They all seemed to pale in comparison and just didn't have any stage presence or wow factor. Idol should be about the talent, and not the judges so much. Paula, Simon and Randy were a great fit. Kara was just annoying and there really is no need for 4 judges. Ellen has some funny moments and is very likable, but the original 3 had the best chemistry. Simon is obviously bored and has mentally moved on. The voting isn't always for the most talented and texting over and over isn't fair.Also unfortunately there are many prejudiced, hate-filled individuals that are more concerned with using entertainment media for their own moralistic rhetoric, instead of supporting the most worthy singer.
Adam Lambert? I watched the last episode before they picked the winner. It was the only episode I watched. Kris was clearly better. Adam is a bullsh*t artist that gets by on smoke-and-mirror theatrics and pro-homosexuality sympathy. That is the reason why Adam has a 'career' now compared to Kris. Adam was the designated gay 'face' of Idol and homosexuals in the entertainment media decided to pretend that he won even after the public clearly didn't want him as the Idol champ.
Hell, why do you think Idol chose Ellen Degeneres as a judge? Immediately after the gay 'poster boy' failed to win Idol, they just happened to pick a grossly unfunny, unattractive, homosexual activist with zero singing talent or judging ability. Seriously? They didn't get their boy as the winner so they forced the show to put their girl on the judging panel.
Simon is leaving because the so-called Lavender Mafia would rather destroy the show, just like Adam sabotaged his career by rejecting Gene Simmons' advice, than miss a chance to flex their muscle.
Ryan Seacrest -- he has the most horrible, phony smile. It is so wide one could drive a car in it.
Actually, no you don't.
Please just let the contestants do their own thing. All these Sinatra, etc. nights are not what the contestants are all about. Let them do their own thing.
ABSOLUTELY agree with you. I stopped watching after Siobhan left. I was already bitter with the judges saving Mike. I thought that was a waste and the rest of the contest was predictable and boring. The judges are HORRIBLE. AI really messed up by letting Paula go. I think this is it for AI. We can thank Adam Lambert (not sure how anyone can top him), Paula being let go and Simon leaving.
lol I just played the Bo Bice episode for a friend the other day. I consider that to be one of the (if not THE) best performances ever done on AI. This show is done. Bring on X Factor
It all started for us with last years shoving of Adam Lambert down our throats. Having been a superfan since day one of the show it was so disheartening to watch and hear the judges say that Lambert had already won the competition way before the finale and to have Katie Perry on with a cape sayng Lambert was #1 was sickening. We have not watched one second of the show after our celebration of Kris Allen's win, will not watch and "What Do We Want" from Lambert, dissapear please. He is a screaching nontalent poser.
I believe AI is not so much rigged, but rather, they subtly influence their voters to choose the pre-ordained. How else can you explain why some of these no-talents can last as long as they did over contestants who are clearly superior? An example of this is Lee's "judges choice" performance. He got the best spot on the show to perform it, got the lighting, the choir, etc. Casey, treated like an afterthought, got some limp noodle lame-ass John Mayer tune. In fairness, he should have gotten a song where he could actually showcase his talent as a musician. Not a strong singer, but man can he play a guitar.
My biggest bitch about the show is the judges contradictory favoritism. They loved Lambert's high notes, but criticized Siobahn for example.
I picked Lee to win during Top 12 week, not because I like him, but after Cook and Allen, I figured he was their closest clone. A likeable kid, but based on talent, he's not worthy of being where he is.
The Top 3 should have been Crystal, Lilly and Siobahn, although I felt sorry for this season's cast. Adam Lambert set expectations so high,
there was no way they could live up to them. Like him or not, everyone tuned in to see what he was going to do next.
If the best they can do now is the likes of Andrew, Tim, etc., AI needs to shut it down. I can get that kind of singing at a karaoke bar.
I agree with the *Five Stooges* plus the manipulation and the pimpage ruining this show:
I have to wonder. On the Wendy Williams show yesterday and on several sites, Casey James was reported to have chosen Pride and Joy by Stevie Ray Vaughn and had been practicing it for five days when he was told he couldn't sing it and had to choose something new.
Sabotage? It has even been reported that he sang "Pride and Joy" at the rehearsal and brought the house down. Anything to keep TCO's finale????
1) ONLY ONE VOTE PER PHONE LINE--PERIOD! If they want real voting and not contrived...
2) NO JUDGE should be brutal--what does that accomplish. NO JUDGE should just mimic other comments alone--they should be able to add one of their own. CONSTRUCTIVE CRITICISM, DIRECTION, & PRAISE is what they need to grow. The rest of the theatrics with the judges is gobbling time that could be given to something productive. Three judges are enough along with one vote per phone.
3) In NO WAY should semi finals with 3 contestant's left feature ANY one performer with ALL the special effects of a VEGAS SHOW with special lighting, fog, choir, etc. and the other two just sitting or standing raw on the stage! WHAT IS THAT? To compare apples to apples they need the same advantages and enhancements.
4) Only a few theme nights sprinkled in with nights where they can perform their own song once or twice, and/or just pick their own now and then. If they choose badly, then that tells us something about the performer, doesn't it?
5) The wardrobe of the contestants was only so-so most of the time?? Also, If the experts on the show are trying to help them reach stardom, how about teeth, etc. being part of the deal--sorry but I'm a smile fanatic and missing, twisted or uncared for teeth don't make it in my opinion! This show is SUPPOSED to groom contestants to be the best they can be and hopefully the next AMERICAN IDOL. Well, it's a package--vocal talent, phrasing, timing, CONSISTENCY, showmanship, appeal to a variety, marketability, charisma, energy, grooming, wardrobe, hair, SMILE, etc! When you put yourself out there on stage, that's what's required. If they don't like or want to work on all of that, then they need to settle for a smaller stage than Television and American Idol.
I hope this show revamps a bit before next season & comes back better than ever. I really enjoy seeing the interaction between the contestants that are really caring as they become almost like an extended family, just as much as seeing their talent grow week after week. Sorry so many of you are so darn negative and unconstructive with your critques--but kudos to those that know how to say the positive with the negative as well as tell it like it is with class and NOT snide, inappropriate comments!
I couldn't agree more with the statements posted. The show this year was awful. The judges, talent, song choices.
Please, please put the show back to 3 judges and get rid of Kara and Ellen. Although Kara knows music, she is not fun to watch like Paula was. Anyway, I miss the Simon/Paula/Randy/Ryan AI.
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