American I Dull

  I had watched AI over the past few years more as a casual observer rather than a fanatic.  Part of the reason I remained non-committal was in the end Idol became more of a popularity contest than a singing competition.  Carrie Underwood was able to use Idol as a launching pad for her career.  Otherwise winning Idol was as if gravity was temporarily suspended for one night.  However such (not so) notable artists: Taylor Hicks, David Cook, Lee Dewyze and the immortal Kris Allen's careers careened downward the second the Idol lights dimmed.  I wouldn't recognize any of them in a Holiday Inn lounge which would be a big gig for any of them these days.

  The only other reasons to watch the show were Simon's sarcastic and biting commentary and the train wreck of intoxication Paula Abdul.  Idol's formula although neither original nor ultimately very entertaining was a success.  I was skeptical as to what Steven Tyler and Jennifer Lopez could bring.   Unlike "game show hosts" Paula and Randy these were two legitimate musical superstars.  Early on I was surprised.   Jennifer and Steven due to their diverse and extensive musical backgrounds identified all kinds of unique talent.    This year's Idol saw performances of music outside the mainstream by artists such as Ryan Adams.  There was an eclectic mix of blues, rock, jazz and country.  Idol was like an old time travelling rock and roll show.  Each week was fun, full of surprises and very entertaining.  

  At some point Steven and Jennifer lost their influence over the show and eventually we returned to I Dull.  If you went to any blues club in any major city you would hear someone better than Haley Reinhart.  Likewise if you went to any singing competition at any mall south of the Mason Dumbass line you would hear a dozen Lauren Alainas.  Scotty McCreery is great old school country nothing more and nothing less.

  At the end of the day lets remember Idol is not about music but rather about selling Ford, Coca-Cola and AT&T.  The producers know both what demographic and which geographic region to please.  Lauren Alaina will win and like most of her predecessors the last note we hear from her, thankfully, will be tomorrow.  This is why I believe Idol is fixed because America can't be that tone deaf.  Then again many Americans voted for George Bush.  Twice.

KOKO