May 26, 2010 9:23 AM
American Idol upset: DeWyze over Bowersox?
I didn't know about DialIdol, which makes predictions based on call patterns. They are calling for an upset: Lee DeWyze over Crystal Bowersox:What is so remarkable to me - having had an insider's view during Hollywood Week with Maddy - is that these two individuals were the most unpretentious singers in the competition.
Contestant DialIdol Score DialIdol Range Accuracy
')">
Lee Dewyze DialIdol Score Margin of Error 12.008 2.385
Lee Dewyze is predicted to be safe.
Lee Dewyze
1
- - ')">
Crystal Bowersox DialIdol Score Margin of Error 7.687 2.442
Crystal Bowersox is predicted to be voted off.
Crystal Bowersox
2
- -
Believe me, out of 170some singers, there was lots of style, lots of superficiality, lots of EGO. Lee and Crystal were not like that at all.
And neither was Casey - who was in the final three. He actually played praise and worship songs in the holding room, gathering dozens of Christian contestants in singing together.
Hmmmm. come to think of it, it's interesting all three finalists play guitar. Until recently, AI didn't allow instruments. This has been a good addition to the show.
During Hollywood Week, Lee wandered about with his guitar, striking up "What If God Was One of Us" with different groups.
Crystal's audition in the Kodak theater was the most memorable of all. She came forward with her guitar - dressed so non-flashy in comparison with the other women contestants - opened her mouth and took everyone by surprise. We were all on our feet cheering. Oddly enough, Simon was critical of her that time - saying you could hear that kinda stuff in any roadhouse in America (or something like that). I notice they cut that remark when they showed her audition on TV.
Anyway, this is really what American Idol was all about - giving someone a break in the music industry - someone who would otherwise never make it. I am thrilled for both of these winners.
Everyone asks if Maddy will try out again. I doubt it. The show has changed, become less family friendly. I didn't appreciate Lady Gaga and other edgy artists, nor male singers who grab their crotches (are they afraid that they're about to lose something or what?) and sing demeaning lyrics about women.
One of AI's biggest problems this year was stretching the results show into an hour and filling it with guest artists. Remember when AI was regarded as beneath contempt? Now every name in Hollywood wants to get booked on the show.
Also very cheesy and painful to watch were the group numbers - lip-synched, adding insult to injury. Maddy and I ended up skipping shows for the first time - not even that interested.
But we watched last night to see two very, very deserving singers give it their best. Your thoughts? With Paula gone and Simon leaving, it just doesn't have the same old magic.
Posted in Entertainment, Maddy, Music | Permalink
Comments
I totally agree with you. I've been a fan since Season 1 and thought this was the worst season ever by far.
They need to make major changes:
1) With Simon leaving, the entire judging panel needs an overhaul. My recommended panel is Harry Connick Jr. (very popular guest mentor), Kirk Franklin (keep it family friendly and give a longtime music voice) and Fantasia Barrino (a well-qualified past winner to keep its roots alive). NO fourth judge. The panel needs to be chosen as a threesome and experimented together to make sure they have strong chemistry.
2) NO more non-Idol guests. Most of them sucked, have no connection to the show and were there just to promote themselves. While there would be a few family-unfriendly guests (like Adam Lambert), they would be the exception rather than the rule.
3) The contestants need to all be different styles, diverse and VERY good singers! That is what brings the ratings more than anything.
4) Remember that it is a family show. They obviously forgot this year with their R-rated guests.
Posted by: Craig | May 26, 2010 10:16 AM
I hope this poll is right!! I predicted several weeks ago that he would pull an upset like Kris Allen did last yr (presuming they would end up being the top two...they were my two faves all along).
I do agree with you about the family friendliness aspect. I did not allow my children to watch the hollywood rounds (save Maddy's :)) because some of the people were so raunchy. Then the week to week shows, we fast forwarded through current artists since again, not really kid friendly.
We won't be watching next year. Without Simon's snarkyness, it just won't be any fun anymore.
Posted by: Phyllis | May 26, 2010 10:38 AM
I personally voted for Lee DeWyze. Probably 20 times. I rarely, if ever, vote but I thought the judges were extra hard on Lee. I love the tone and sound of his voice and would listen to his music more than Crystal. I bet others were thinking the same thing as they casted their vote.
Posted by: Heather Seal | May 26, 2010 10:42 AM
The thing I enjoy about this show is that winning doesn't guarantee success in the music industry, the runner-up usually gets music deals and releases too. Either way, Lee or Crystal, they will both do well in the music industry and both deserve to be in the top 2! I've enjoyed you "insider's view" this season Barbara.
Posted by: Addie | May 26, 2010 11:36 AM
I don't think Lee over Crystal would really be an upset. I think they are both deserving and both great singers, but I personally voted on whose album I might actually buy. Crystal is great, but her style doesn't really connect with a large segment of the population. I love Lee's voice, his humility and how much he has improved throughout the season. It felt like he actually really learned, and that impressed me. I think it's going to be close either way.
Posted by: Megan McConville | May 26, 2010 1:41 PM
I don't think we will watch next year. AI is the last tv show that we have held on to after we quit cable and put the TV in the closet (literally, we pull it out every Tue and Wed night, and for the occasional movie from the Library). I don't think it will be the same with out Simon and we have already started skipping some of the Wed night shows. all of that to say, I am a HUGE Chrystal Bowersox fan, I would totally buy her album. I think Lee is good too and will be happy with either of them. :)
Posted by: Amie | May 26, 2010 4:35 PM
I'd love to see Maddie on there. I have no doubt she will go farther than she did next time around. She and you know the ropes a lot better now. It is amazing how well she did for a first timer. I firmly believe that had she just picked song that fit a very pretty, young 16 year old, she would have made the top group. She is one talented young lady, and if I ever make to your area when she is performing, I will be there to see and hear her!
I agree that there were too many professionals showing off on the show. It is supposed to be about the contestants and it just isn't as much about them any more. But the acts that appeal to a lot of young people are naturally going to be booked. For all of Lambert's talent, I have never been impressed with his acts. Great voice, lousy act. Lady Gaga is a whole other thing. Don't like her style, but that young lady is pure talent, another Madonna. I've seen her grow into what she is today, and it really is the direction that fits her persona. And there is a market for it, just not what I buy.
Posted by: cath young | May 26, 2010 7:30 PM
I agree with every letter of your summary Barbara. With the added comment that the show will tank without Simon.
Posted by: Lisa G. | May 27, 2010 7:41 AM
They really should have ended the show. It felt like a series finale last night. Rumors are that Madonna might be a judge? Lord help us.
I was going to be happy with either Lee or Crystal winning. I'm really glad Lee won, I really liked him as a person. I think that's who Simon wanted to win, knowing what a nice guy he is and that he needed the contract, whereas I think Crystal would have something lined up regardless - she's such a great talent.
Maybe Maddy can try out for the show that Simon is doing. I think it's supposed to be less about pop and more about talent. :D
Posted by: Debra | May 27, 2010 9:50 AM
