RAD on AI - 8th Season Premiere Edition

Hello Everyone.

I have missed our AI discussions, but I felt I needed ample recovery time after blowing my prediction in my last missive before the last season’s finale.

What I would like to do in this Season Premiere Edition is to briefly discuss two things: (1) explain why I was so wrong with my David Grobin Archuletta victory prediction, and (2) the chances of victory for the remaining Top 10 contestants.

OH YE OF LITTLE FAITH
As you might recall, I went against my true feelings of who SHOULD win (David Cook) and felt compelled to go with the fave of the non-sense screaming teenage girls who I believed would blow up their cell phones with text votes and any other voting mechanisms to get their way. What I truly underestimated was extent of the audience of “American Idol” beyond the screamers. The “Silent on the DL Majority”, if you will. Face it: there are a lot of folks out there watching and voting for this show who are too cool to admit it openly. I am sure you know some of them. Anyways, the SDLM rose up to be heard and to stand up for a quality all-around musician and performer and good music (I’ll admit it: my wife and I voted 10 times ourselves). Now, if only those people would buy/download his actual album (we have not).

WHO HAS A SHOT AT IT THIS YEAR?

From my limited viewing so far this season (I just cannot get motivated to watch this drivel anymore until we get serious and get to the Top 12), I have already formed some opinions. I will list the candidates below in the order of least chance to win to best chance:

Megan Joy – This year’s Kristy Lee Cook. I know she is supposed to be quirky and funny and refreshing and commercial and whatever else, and that’s why the judges brought her here. But, I am sorry: I remained unconvinced of any real worthiness she brings to waste two minutes of my time listening to her. Fine, I get that those who are voting for her (i.e. the judges) are not listening to her but just looking at her, but, even then, what in the world is going on with that ridiculous mural on her arm? One more thing (and this goes out to all the others with children), if she continues to attempt to use her child to get sympathy votes…let’s just leave it at that I will not be pleased.
Kris Allen – My wife thinks he’s cute. I don’t care. I have nothing else to say. He has no chance.
Michael Sarver – Still forming an opinion on him. He can sing okay, but he bores me silly. Maybe, he can get better, so I’ll reserve judgment.
Anoop Desai – Likable dude. Certainly not the worst singer here. I actually think he can be a decent stage performer as well. Here is his issue though: This guy must NOT be allowed to pick his own songs anymore. He is killing his chances. I mean for real – he has tried Monica’s “Angel of Mine” (what?), Bobby Brown’s “My Prerogative” (his personality helped him get away with that bone-head pick), and this week’s “Beat It” (no extra comment needed, right?). Also, he is an extremely preppy son of first generation Indian immigrants and he is from North Carolina. I don’t even know what to say about that weird mix. Thumbs up for the Great American Melting Pot, I guess?
Danny Gokey – Well, this guy definitely knows how to give his all in a performance. I like him, but there is no greater evidence of the need for Paula to stay medicated than her virtual guarantee that he will be in the Final Two. He’s easy to root for, but there are better, sellable folks here. Huge props, though, for an excellent arrangement and performance of “P.Y.T.”.
Adam Lambert – you either have to love or hate this guy. Ridiculously over the top in everything he does, but, I think one of these weeks, he is also going to show that he can calm it down as well. He has talent, no question. But, I’ll just say that he has some characteristics that we will have to see if “Middle America” can deal with in their American Idol. He’s got the Hollywood and New York City (Theatre District) votes coming in. I’m just not sure Kansas City is rushing to the phones for this guy.
Lil’ Rounds – When she stops trying to sing every song like Mary J. Blige, I will believe in her more.
Matt Giraud – When he stops trying to be Justin Timberlake, I will believe in him more.
Scott MacIntyre (aka “The Blind Guy”) – Okay, I’ll admit it: I have been rooting for this guy since his try-out. How can you not? He could ride that wave to the final four. I just really wish he could sing just a little better, so I wasn’t hoping for him just because he’s blind. It’s still early and there still could be some nervousness in him. I hope he does get better. David Cook did. One last thing: is anyone else a little wierded-out when he’s performing and just wish he would put on a pair of sunglasses? I feel very ashamed for saying that, but it’s true.
Alexis Grace – Serious contender, but I think the judges have led her a little astray with this “naughty-it-up” thing. This girl is a mother for goodness sake. Let her be her.
Allison Iraheta – Even at her young age and only one performance that I have seen (this week’s), it is clear to me that this girl has the “It Factor”. I can already see that she can do it all vocally, and her stage poise and professionalism is a gift. My wife is very concerned about the extreme red hair turning off voters deeper into the competition (kind of like Carly Smithson’s tattoos and non-American-ness). I sure hope not.

Before I go, I have to comment on this four judge format. Either Kara and Randy has to go. They are saying the same thing every time with the only difference being Kara saying “riffs” and Randy saying “Dog”. And, finally, I wish Paula would just stop talking.

Grand Ole Opry week next week. I am very afraid of what Anoop will try to sing. I feel “Man, I Feel Like a Woman” coming on.

Take care. I need your comments