OK, we’re down to 24 competitors for “American Idol”, and similar to last year, they’re divided by gender into two tribes groups, with two guys and two girls going home each week. And with the power now in the hands of dial and text message happy people across the United States, it’s time for some commentary about how things go down from here on in. These aren’t predictions, but just things that competitors (and viewers) should look out for throughout the competition:
– The “semifinal” rounds are where you start building your fanbase. In these three rounds, you’re given free reign to sing whatever songs you’d like, but thet key word here is sing. Now is not the time for you to “show off your fun side” or to try something different or very demanding. We’ve seen time and time again where a contestant will try something that is out of their comfort zone, and it’s generally reflected in their performance. Keep to your strengths, and your personality should come out and allow you to connect with the audience better. If that means that (God forbid) you have to crank out the Diane Warren, go for it – you may not get another chance to make an impression on the voting audience.
– Despite what the judges say, the voting public is never wrong. The winner is decided by popular vote, and because people are voting for their favourites (as opposed to voting someone out), some pretty good contestants will end up going home sooner than most people would think, and some bad singers will be hanging around longer than some might expect (coughScottSavolcough).
– Randy, Paula, Simon, Simon and Nigel have done their job – they’ve eliminated singers down to 24 people that represent a collage of singing styles, and who they think would be a true contender for the title of “American Idol”. But don’t fool yourselves, they do have favourites and will do everything in their power to push them forward. You only have to look at Fantasia Barrino and Carrie Underwood as proof of their influence.
– ‘Idol’ has given us some… “interesting” theme weeks, which have ranged from Billboard hits to big band to Broadway. And as you can imagine, this is not always a good thing. However, you have to roll with the punches, and if you’re presented with a theme that, overall, doesn’t play to your strengths, chances are that you can find something that you can change to fit your strengths. Does this mean that you should “cheat” and sing a song that only marginally fits the parameters of the theme (like Suzi Rawn did on ‘Canadian Idol’ with “Higher Ground” and “American Woman”)? Ideally, no. But go that route one too many times and you start alienating voters.
– And finally, you need to remember is that if you want to win, you WILL have to show some variety in your singing style. While some one-dimensional singers have made it all the way to the Final Two (Clay Aiken, I’m looking in your direction), all the winners have shown that they can adapt to various song styles and tempos. Don’t think that simply singing ballads (Mikelah Gordon) or having zero stage presence (Scott Savol, Casey Leblanc) will get you to the end. People want to see that you can grow as time goes by.
IP Linkage
– Eric really needs to write a monthly “TV History” column. Ain’t no way I would’ve known that much about the significance of Oswald the Lucky Rabbit. We need to find out if Go Nagai fits in there somewhere. Oh yeah, there’s some Olympics and wrestling stuff here too.
– The TV Staff (ok, six of us) post our lists for the Top Ten Shows of 2005. You can let us know what you think on message board.
What I Watched:
Thursday:
‘Survivor: Panama’ (CBS, Global) – Well, the four tribe concept was quickly abandoned as two tribes go to war. That, or they say the ratings for ‘The Amazing Race 8: Never Happened’.
Reward Challenge – No question that Casaya got smoked. Whether La Mina had a true game plan or not is debatable, but Casaya definitely lacked one. Why did you have the smallest member of your tribe lug around the snakes when Bobby was RIGHT THERE?
Immunity Challenge – Both teams actually worked pretty well, but constant switches on Casaya coupled with La Mina’s finding a method that worked did the purple tribe in.
Now, let’s get to the castaways:
La Mina
Misty – I have no idea what all those red dots are on you, but it looks itchy.
Ruth Marie – You’re the only older woman on this tribe, so it’d be a good idea to hook up with Dan and Terry.
Sally – Once again, nothing really to say to you.
Dan – Being picked last sucks, but at least you’re with your alliance-mate.
Terry – Fate obviously wants you to be the leader. Will you take the ball and run with it, or will you let one of the young guns take charge?
Austin – It’s hard to tell at this point whether this tribe’s “young alliance” is solid. But if it is, you’re sitting pretty.
Nick – You’re in two alliances without really trying to be. Can you play the game well enough to avoid getting voted out a la Dolly?
Casaya
Aras – What the hell were you thinking?
Bobby – We didn’t hear much from you, but it’s obvious that you’re on the outside looking in.
Cirie – Well, voting out Tina didn’t hurt you. Too bad that other circumstances have conspired to screw you over.
Courtney – You might want to think about ditching the mouthy lads
Danielle – ditto.
Melinda – Why were you voted out first? Who knows? I’m sure that the Idiot Alliance doesn’t know either. It doesn’t really matter though – Cirie will be joining you in the Loser’s Lodge soon enough.
Shane – I’m thinking that your mood swings are a result of your detox, but you need to get it together or you’ll be voted out sooner than you think. Don’t forget, all it takes is one person to flip and you’re outta here.
Bruce – You took the exile well. Hopefully you can help Cirie and the others turn things around.
‘My Name is Earl’ (NBC, Global) – Christine Taylor looks skinnier for some reason. Funny episode again, but I could’ve done without the exagerrated swelling from the bee stings.
‘The Office’ (NBC, Global) – Conan’s cameo was absolutely perfect for the world of ‘The Office’.
Friday:
‘Arrested Development’ (Fox) – So long. It’s been fun while it lasted.
‘Sin Cities’ (Showcase)
Monday:
‘Torino 2006’ (CBC, TSN) – Given that several women crashed on one of their runs, I don’t think that lugers will be using this Olympics to try and attract people to participate.
’24’ (Fox, Global)
Tuesday:
‘King of Vegas’ (Spike)
Wednesday:
‘American Idol’ (FOX, CTV)
‘Lost’ (ABC, CTV)
Bits and Pieces
I got nuthin’ to say.
That’s it for this week.
