The Fix Is In
I've watched (and lost) enough horse races to know when I've been had. I have long thought American Idol was fixed. There is no way to confirm the actual number of votes, if any. They never announce how many votes each individual contestant received, if any. Finally, there is absolutely no independent accountability with regard to the voting.
Now I know, AI, like government, Wall Street, professional wrestling and life in general, is fixed. Haley doesn't belong in the top 10 much less the top 3. I wouldn't get off the couch if she were singing in the kitchen. But she is not controversial and easy on the eyes. Lauren Alania has not improved since her audition. However, when Steven Tyler dubbed her the "next" American Idol after that audition both the judges and the show were boxed in. Plus she is young, innocent and represents the South and Midwest a large portion of AI's viewership. (Ironically this part of the country's intelligence or more accurately lack thereof also saw fit to support President Bush unconditionally.) In a few years she'll be the country version of Kirstie Alley, a big (as in size), b-list has been. I see Dancing With the Has Beens season 2013 in her future. Scotty has the talent, is the All American boy, wears that big cross and sings country. Nobody can dislike him.
That leaves James. Poor James, the devil worshiping, metal loving, tattooed, jewelry and bandana wearing rocker. James represents everything the Fox Network raves against daily. (You think Fox consultant Sarah Palin had James' back?) So despite the fact that he had both the most talent and the most originality he is odd man out. Also with all that he has overcome he epitomizes what America used to reward: hard work, desire, and courage. Now America rewards greed. Greed in television terms means ratings.
It's good to know that if you're the slightest bit different The Man will still do everything to keep you down. Of course The Man doesn't have much trouble given the apparent stupidity of the American public (concentrated largely between the Coasts which is also coincidentally where AI gets it's largest viewership).
At least my Wednesday and Thursday nights will be free to surf from here on. James Durbin you're welcome to join us anytime.
KOKO
