Celebrities
American Idol: Simon Cowell and the Gang Cry Wolf, Stop the Games
By Shirley Kennedy
May 1, 2007

I always find it interesting how many fans of American Idol hang on Simon's every word. To a certain extent, so do I. However, I don't take Simon’s word as gospel, nor would I follow him off a cliff like a lemming, as so many fans do. Two weeks ago, Simon told Melinda to cut out the 'surprised' look. Of course, that’s all you saw the fans talking about on the official boards. Simon said it, so it must be gospel. Last week, he reiterated to Melinda to suppress the look of surprise so that he could compliment her. That seems to now be a theme with Simon. If you watched the “Idol Gives Back” special, you were repeatedly treated to Simon’s look of surprise over the conditions in Africa.

American Idol: Simon Cowell and the Gang Cry Wolf, Stop the Games

Either Simon has been living under a rock (and he obviously hasn’t) or he can’t take his own advice. Simon, I know you are aware of the famine, AIDS epidemic, genocide, Darfur, and other health and social issues in Africa, causes championed by celebrities from Angelina Jolie to George Clooney, so stop with the feigned look of surprise. In fact, that entire show was fake, but we’ll get into that later. First, my usual recap.

Chris Murders 'Change the World'

Because of the “Idol Gives Back” show, the theme last week was “inspirational songs.” Chris kicked off the show by murdering another song by another of my favorite artists, Eric Clapton’s “Change the World.” The judges can continue to falsely compliment Chris all they like, but I’m no more convinced. He tried really hard not to sound nasally at the beginning of the song, and that effort served only to highlight just how weak his vocals are, so he lapsed back into the nasal zone. Judges, quit selling because I ain’t buying. This week will, hopefully, be his last.

Melinda Delivers Goosebumps

To highlight just how bad Chris’ vocals were, Melinda singing Faith Hill’s “There Will Come A Day” followed him. In a word: Goosebumps. Melinda has such an incredible talent. Week after week, she entertains the audience with her awe-inspiring vocals, bubbly personality, and warm, genuine smile.

I’ve earlier referred to Melinda as this season’s Elliott Yamin, and Simon reiterated that thought by referring to Melinda’s performance as a “vocal master class,” as he did with Elliott’s rendition of “A Song For You.” Again, from a purely vocal perspective, Melinda should win this thing hands down. Unfortunately for Melinda, the show embraces other traits besides vocals, so she has to fight each week to keep her performances interesting enough to remain on the show.

Blake, not so much

Speaking of changing it up, Blake gave his rendition of John Lennon’s “Imagine.” I like Blake a lot, but there was absolutely nothing special about this performance. In fact, it was rather boring, and I was beginning to “imagine” myself falling asleep. Like LaKisha, Blake seems to be losing his verve. Perhaps the themes are wearing thin with him.

I think he is most comfortable beat-boxing, and the last few themes have not allowed room for that. As a result, I sense a bit of discomfort from Blake. He’s not the strongest vocalist, but he has a pleasant enough voice that will work in the studio. In addition, he’s attractive, very likeable, and will likely do well in the industry. I do, however, see him more as part of a group than as a solo act. I don’t know that he can carry a career alone.

LaKisha - No More Former Idol's Songs

LaKisha, choosing another American Idol winner’s song, sang Fantasia’s “I Believe.” Her first few notes were totally off-key, and Fantasia has such a different voice that no one should ever attempt to do her music unless the performer is going to really change the song up. LaKisha failed to do that. She tried to sing it exactly as Fantasia did, and that totally didn’t work.

I’m trying to figure out why LaKisha continues to choose former winners’ songs. If she was dead set on choosing a winner’s song, she should have chosen Taylor Hick’s “Do I Make You Proud.” Not only would she have avoided the comparisons, but I have no doubt she would have sung it better than Taylor Hicks. Instead, she had to endure the overly harsh criticisms of the judges. I refer to the judges’ criticisms as “overly harsh” because even on her worst day, LaKisha sings better than the one upon whom they heap so much undeserved praise, Chris.

Phil Finds His Groove

Phil continues his bid to be one of the top performers this season with his rendition of Garth Brooks’ “The Change.” Phil’s vocals were good, and his performance was very emotional. He seems to be coming along nicely in the competition. His last two performances have earned him a spot in this final group of competitors, and he should continue to improve upon his performances. This week the contestants choose Bon Jovi songs, but Phil’s earlier attempt at a rock song didn’t go over too well. Hopefully, the improvements he has made will even encompass rock music.

Jordin delivers again

Jordin ended the show with Rogers and Hammerstein’s “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” from the movie “Carousel.” Though the song has been recorded several times over during the years, Jordin managed to make it her own. Jordin has consistently improved this season, giving her a distinct chance of being this year’s American Idol. Even though Jordin is only 17 years old, she already has the ability to connect emotionally with the songs she chooses, resulting in a moving rendition of a song often thought of as an anthem.

American Idol tricks - enough

Now that I mention that Jordin is only 17, the trick that was played on her last week was deplorable. She maintained a strong front until Ryan announced that no one was going home, and Jordin collapsed on the couch in tears. Was that really necessary?

Why can’t this show’s producers just put on a show without all the game playing? I know the answer—because they love all the controversy and the hype, like that big duet between Celine Dion and the ghost of Elvis. Can someone pass the Cheez Whiz?

While the special effects were definitely very cool, the whole thing was just stupid. The show was supposedly put on to benefit charity. While I think this is a very worthwhile, noble cause, tricking people into voting to raise money and playing with the contestants is pretty low, even for Idol’s producers. Most Americans have hearts and can feel for the plight of the less fortunate. The show should have simply been honest and asked people to vote to raise money. Having people vote for their favorites, when they had no intention of counting those votes last week, is nothing more than a cheap parlor trick.

I liken this behavior to the little boy who cried wolf, and we all know what happened to him when the wolf really came to pay a visit. The producers of American Idol had better quit playing with people. They did not find the best talent this year, and that talent will logically continue to wane, as will the viewing audience. I’m sure Idol would like to go out with a bang rather than being canceled for low ratings. If they continue with the tricks, I suspect they will experience the latter.

Shirley has a Bachelor’s of Arts in Political Science with an emphasis on Creative Writing and a Master’s in Public Policy. She is currently working as a freelance writer and freelance publicist for several bands and musicians.