But that might be a little harsh. I think Randy put it better when describing Casey James' performance of It's Alright With Me. "Dude, funny thing about those lyrics. That song was just alright with me." Wow. I think William Shakespeare better watch his back with this poet around.
But seriously -- if the judges are not giving standing ovations and wiping tears of joy like proud parents on graduation day at this point in the competition (basically, the end), I think it's time for the producers to rethink their process. And I don't mean writing in some ridiculous Jump the Shark move like the night they saved Big Mike. While I was happy one of the few halfway talented contestants got to stick around an extra week, it unfortunately meant Idol had to stick around an extra week as well. No, I mean they are going to have to decide if they want to truly be a vehicle for discovering the next big pop star and concentrate on finding the best undiscovered talent? Or are they going to merely be a "reality show" with characters and scripted drama (a la Big Mike's baby's birth) that true talent avoids like the plague -- the Gong Show meets America's Next Top Model?
But besides the mind-blowing vocal chops of Kelly and Tamyra, Ruben and K-Lo, Carrie and Elliott, Fantasia and Latoya -- need I go on -- this season was lacking all the originality of previous seasons. Remember David Archuleta's infusion of Sean Kingston's Beautiful Girls into his performance of Ben E. King's Stand By Me? Or Fantasia's tear-jerker Summertime? Or the jaw-dropping and hip gyrating Katharine McPhee getting down and dirty with a drum for Black Horse and a Cherry Tree? I voted for her that night.
What, pray tell, was remotely original about Crystal Bowersox's choice and performance of Melissa Ethridge's Come to My Window. Seriously? That's what you bring to the Final Three? That's like a coach starting his third-string quarterback during the Super Bowl. We want to be wowed Crystal-- it's the least you could do for the people who endured these last 12 weeks.
But the worst of it is these clueless contestants' need to explain their song choices to us each week. As if we bought Lee DeWyze's vague explanation that "he likes to sing songs that mean something to him." So what does Simple Man mean to you Lee? "Because when I play it, I'm really happy playing it."
Here's a crazy idea -- how about choosing songs that you can sing -- and sing really well? How about choosing songs that highlight your vocal strengths rather than flaws.
The judges' performances haven't been any better. Simon, undoubtedly counting every second til he can escaped to his new show, has been in an almost comatose state this season. Kara is annoying at best and the producers' attempt to fill Paula's void fell flatter than Ellen's chest. Speaking of -- I have to TiVo her show every day to remind myself that she really is funny. In fact, she's hilarious. But I guess there are only so many ways to say "It was OK." Just not enough material. Who would've thought Randy "all I can say is dude and dawg" Jackson would be the life of this neverending party?
They may have redeemed themselves a wee bit tonight with their song choices for the final three. Note to producers: when it becomes apparent that the kids are unable to make their own song choices, let somebody else do it. (I would say that this is indicative of a generation that has had all their choices reduced to "click here." and "are you sure you want to navigate from this page?" but that's a whole other discussion, and this soap box is starting to buckle under my weight.)
So as we come to the close of the season (I think Randy's prophetic nod to Lee will prove true), I just have one thing left to say...
Casey James does look like Bucky Covington
1 comment:
well done
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