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Time for Idol

Posted Saturday, January 26, 2008, at 7:40 PM
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Paula, Randy, Simon--they are back! It's American Idol time again. There are not many television shows that I am faithful about watching but I freely admit American Idol is one. My twenty-something daughter got me hooked on the show several years ago.

At that time I got caught up in watching the actual competition down to the final two performers. But, I have discovered the tryouts for the show are much more entertaining.

The question is always, how have these folks gotten through life without anyone telling them how bad they truly are? And, what kind of friends do they have? I know I can't sing and my friends never hesitate to remind me.

Nobody told these folks just how horrific they really are, except Simon. Oh, and Paula and Randy cracking up into laughter is sometimes a pretty good give away.

Some performers don't recognize the laughter is a result of a really bad performance. After they get turned down they go out in front of the camera crying, shouting and swearing they will be back. Just you wait Simon!

Of course, there are the occasional performers who come back to try again. They were bad the first time and usually worse the second time and, their performances are shown over and over again as promotions for the show.

Sometimes I feel sad for the performers especially the really serious ones who honestly don't know how bad they are. Maybe they don't have friends. I'm sure after some of their performances any friends they do have are embarrassed to admit they know anyone who sounds and looks so bad.

Let me recap a couple of the bad performances from this season. You'll be seeing the good performers later in the season. Of course, you may be seeing recaps of these folks as well.

There was Alberto who sang his own composition, "Lift" whose refrain was "It's a tragedy." Simon didn't hesitate to tell him he was a tragedy.

Then came Aaron who sang "Leave me Alone." At least they think that was the name of his song as he mumbled the entire tryout. Simon was speechless.

Christina came dressed as Princess Leia in her made for Star Wars convention outfit. Simon reacted just like Darth Vadar.

Douglas was carted off by security after alternating between shouting and whispering. The title of his song was "Livin' on a Prayer."

Twenty-two year old James was encouraged to tryout by his tour guide friends. This poor guy's performance made Randy and Paula break into uncontrollable laughter. What a practical joke to play on a friend.

Alexis seemed to be more demonic than musical. She promised to moon Simon if she could. She will surely be seen on the promos over and over.

One of my favorites is Valerie who made fun of all the rejects, then became one herself, and realized it on camera.

And, try outs aren't over yet. Be sure and tune in January 29 at 8 p.m. We can compare notes on what has to be the best entertainment on television.

Comments
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Are you really this gullible?

These people (at least a VAST majority of them) know full well that they cannot sing.

The producers know full well that they cannot sing.

What they can do (and apparently quite well) is give the audience another "hook" to lure you into watching the show. They are the comic relief for the viewing audience.

And before you go feeling sorry for them - realize that they are there for one reason - make it or break it - to get on television. They are looking for their 15 minutes of fame.

William Hung(?) was a perfect example - although he may have been just a little more genuine in his performance. Here was a guy who could clearly not sing. However, he sucked so bad that he ended up getting national exposure - and a record deal.

(Personally - I do not watch ANY shows like this. Actually I dont watch much television at all...and least of all something so mind-numbingly vapid as American Idol.)

-- Posted by Molon Labe on Sun, Jan 27, 2008, at 10:02 PM

I can always count on you, Monan, to attempt to ruin what would normally be a fun blog.

We all understand the basis of the show. It is, however, something entertaining to watch.

Lest we not forget that it has produced two people who have turned out to be very successful in there music careers.

Thank God there are people like you who are so willing to share your ideas with the rest of the world and make us all feel bad about our own opinions.

-- Posted by johnny1010 on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 6:16 AM

Wow, Molon Labe, I didnt realize you were so far beyond everyone else to have any guilty pleasures in life.

After a long, hard day at work there is nothing I like more than collapsing on the couch and indulging myself in gossip magazines and watching American Idol. I don't care if its real or not, my mind can decompress.

-- Posted by indtonyc on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 8:36 AM

Johnny & Indy -

LOL...my but arent we a little sensitive today? (Or is it that one can respond to a blog only if it fits within your definition of acceptable? I am not trying to ruin anything - merely commenting, which is what these blogs are for, are they not?)

The writers point of view came across as sincerely believing that these people were clueless as to their lack of talent. I was merely addressing that. (I am analytical by nature.)

I will not begrudge you the escapism you seek. I am merely amused - to say the least - that American Idol watercooler talk gets more airtime around the office (any office) than the current state of our government, even during elections.

By all means - have all the fun you want prognosticating who will win, who will be voted off, and whatever else you dare to speculate about.( I cannot honestly participate in such musings, as I have no foundation of knowledge about those involved.)

I hope that you are referring to Kelly Clarkson and that little country - music gal as your two people that have hit it big off of that show. (Even granting you those two - that is two out of how many? Counting winners and runner-ups of course...)

And no, I dont have guilty pleasures. I have pleasures to be sure, but none that I feel guilty about. (My idea of unwinding after work is a mixed drink, a comfortable chair, solitude, and a good book - maybe something in the line of Gibran, or Poe, or Terry Brooks.)

-- Posted by Molon Labe on Mon, Jan 28, 2008, at 9:24 PM

I myself am a big fan of Poe and Gibran but I also enjoy a little mindless activity in the form of American Idol.

By the way, of course the post was acceptable, I was just merely referring to your tone. So, I guess I was just "commenting" on your tone.

-- Posted by indtonyc on Tue, Jan 29, 2008, at 10:56 AM

And the current state of our government (mostly during elections)...is filled with just as many lies and deceptions as American Idol.

-- Posted by indtonyc on Tue, Jan 29, 2008, at 11:12 AM

I like it, but I usually wait until they get to Hollywood. I don't waste time watching the prelims where they make fun of people. That really bothers me. I also get mad when people have no interest in singing, but they go on national TV and act stupid. Who can forget the "Like a Virgin" guy or William Hong. Well ... maybe William isn't a good example. That poor guy might have really thought he could sing. It's all just a circus and in my opinion, the producers script the whole thing.

-- Posted by hereforyou on Tue, Feb 5, 2008, at 11:43 AM

Actually William Hung made a lot of money from his 'career' after American Idol. http://www.vh1.com/artists/az/hung_william/bio.jht...

I forgot about the 'Like a Virgin' guy - I think his name was Keith - but I haven't read anything about him. This year's most memorable non-singer was on Tuesday night singing 'you ain't got no money - get yer (bleep) back home'

-- Posted by owenmama on Thu, Feb 7, 2008, at 12:11 AM

Keith Beukelaer .... found a couple of links - his and Williams Hung's audition is over at YouTube.com http://www.spiritus-temporis.com/keith-beukelaer/

Molon - not everyone likes numbing their minds with alcohol and books written by tortured alcoholics (Poe)after listening to the news stories about our government, community, etc .... some think it's just fun to kick back and take a break from the seriousness of it all with a little mind-numbing singing contest. Life's too short.

-- Posted by owenmama on Thu, Feb 7, 2008, at 12:42 AM

I really enjoy watching the prelims to American Idol. At first, I didn't like how Simon was so mean to the contestants trying out. However, I came to realization that most of the ones who can't sing are probably scripted in by the writers. There is no way that these contestants who can not sing really think they can and throw tantrums on National Television. Some of them really act hurt by the criticism...and that is what they are doing...'acting.' LOL! I think it makes it even more fun to watch! We don't even see half of those trying out. They are the real ones who simply just don't make it. They accept it and go on...and we don't see it. The producers have to make a good show...so why not throw in a little extra drama!

-- Posted by Sunflowermel on Thu, Feb 7, 2008, at 3:09 PM

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Maribeth Ward

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