OK. Last night's results on American Idol were incomprehensible. Are Americans deaf? There are only 2 real "artists" in this contest and that's Crystal Bowersox and Michael Lynche. They are the ones consistently fabulous. They are true singers, who deliver every time with passion and feeling. They are the only two who perform each week as if they had their own show and were being paid to entertain and know who they are and what to give their audience. They are so far beyond being "a contestant" in a singing competition. But America votes Michael Lynche off?
So what the heck is going on here? Are the voters so swayed by one negative comment from Simon Cowell that they follow like sheep when the other 3 judges thought Michael was amazing? No, that can't be it or that sweet, young Aaron would have been sent home when all 4 put him down. (Thank heaven they didn't!) So it must be something else that makes voters want to send home one of the two best contestants while they keep "pretty boy", Tim Urban, in the competition.
So then, I can only think there must be a glut of female voters who value looks over talent. Come on folks! Tim Urban can sing. So can I. It stops there! So he's got a nice smile. Needs a haircut bigtime. But singers like him are a dime a dozen. I've seen them in local talent contests. He wouldn't make the quarter-finals! Casey's cute too. Both are marketable from a looks point of view. But at least Casey has some real talent and can sing with passion as he proved singing that "jealous" song. Definitely his best to date.
Don't get me wrong: I don't dislike Tim Urban. Seems like a nice guy. But so what? This isn't about being nice, or good looking. It's about talent ... real talent! Siobhan has talent. So does that other young gal...can't think of her name. Both have great voices. But honestly, Tim isn't even in their league.
Aren't we looking for a new American Idol here? If this were America's Top Model, well then, I could see the votes for looks over talent. But isn't this supposed to be a singing contest? Isn't this a search for the best new voice of 2010?! Well Tim Urban sure isn't that! Even young Aaron has way more to offer. At 16, he has emotion and passion beyond his youthfulness. Singers who can't move you aren't worth listening to in the long run. They'll never sustain an audience or create a "give us more" demand.
Thank heaven the judges utilized the save on Michael. It shouldn't have been necessary to save him. No way should he have been in the bottom three. Next week two will have to go. It's time to get selective. It's time to vote for talent, charisma, the "it" factor that set Adam Lambert, Allison Iraheta, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood apart in the past. Don't make the same mistake this year. Don't send a Chris Daughtry home and keep a pretty face. If Taylor Hicks and even last year's winner ... what was his name? ... is forgotten this quickly, then who will remember Tim Urban than little more than another Sanjaya who overstayed his welcome? Bah!