American Idol - Is It Rigged?
Posted: Thursday, May 01, 2008
by Lorrie Davids
American Idol's Neil Diamond week has been described as chaotic by many following the progress of the show. Within a season of great talent exhibitions by both guest stars and contestants, this week will be remembered for something more.
American Idol is presented live each Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's show displays each contestant being mentored by a famous singer or songwriter, then performing their choice of song from the mentor's vast repertoire. This week was no different, except each singer would sing two songs. The legendary Neil Diamond coached each contestant in the final five along as they tried to make one of his songs their own. It was after the first performance by the five that the chaos began.
After the first set, Ryan Seacrest asked the judges for an over view of each singer so far. Randy gave his comments, then Paula and the controversy began. The first singer reviewed was Jason Castro. Paula gave her comments for his first song, then gave a critique of his second yet-to-be-sung song. Hearing the audience rumbling and both Ryan and Randy trying to help her over her faux pas made it clear that all who heard, heard her correctly. Randy said something to her and Ryan joked about Paula's prophetic abilities. Paula claimed she thought Jason had sung two songs. Uh oh!
Speculation since Tuesday night's dramatainment has run the gamut from Paula being under the influence of something to American Idol producer's need to own up to a fixed event. During Wednesday night's live telecast, Randy assured viewers that rumors were false, they loved Paula and she is part of their family. No explanation was given why Paula had notes on both of Jason's songs. Personally, it would have been hard to perform a second song knowing the judges already had made up their minds on how I was going to sing, so kudos to Jason.
Even after all that, American Idol logged over 40 million voter's phone calls Tuesday night and I am still watching. Is American Idol rigged? I don't know because things are often not what they seem. I will keep watching and rooting for my favorites. I love music and competition and American Idol provides both. Here is my prediction: The final two will be David Cook and David Archuleta, with David Cook winning the whole thing.
Do you watch American Idol? I'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions.
American Idol is presented live each Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday's show displays each contestant being mentored by a famous singer or songwriter, then performing their choice of song from the mentor's vast repertoire. This week was no different, except each singer would sing two songs. The legendary Neil Diamond coached each contestant in the final five along as they tried to make one of his songs their own. It was after the first performance by the five that the chaos began.
Speculation since Tuesday night's dramatainment has run the gamut from Paula being under the influence of something to American Idol producer's need to own up to a fixed event. During Wednesday night's live telecast, Randy assured viewers that rumors were false, they loved Paula and she is part of their family. No explanation was given why Paula had notes on both of Jason's songs. Personally, it would have been hard to perform a second song knowing the judges already had made up their minds on how I was going to sing, so kudos to Jason.
Even after all that, American Idol logged over 40 million voter's phone calls Tuesday night and I am still watching. Is American Idol rigged? I don't know because things are often not what they seem. I will keep watching and rooting for my favorites. I love music and competition and American Idol provides both. Here is my prediction: The final two will be David Cook and David Archuleta, with David Cook winning the whole thing.
Do you watch American Idol? I'd love to hear your thoughts and predictions.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)Strange but this is show business. I didn't watch the show to see what Paula had said or started to say but rigged I just don't know. Favorites, well that is another issue. Yes based on opinions a bad word here or there sways the masses much like our politics do. The general consensus as I understand it is that David is the winner. Now which David is the real question? Next week the last female. After that, well the young man with the dreadnaughts [does it really matter] and then which David wins? Does that matter? The good ones will stick like Daughtry or Underwood. This crop, well I really don't think so, do you? I liked some that are already gone for talents sake. Best wishes.Hi Robert, thanks for reading and commenting. I agree that some of the better ones have already been eliminated, especially Michael Johns and Carly Smithson. The MC, Ryan Seacrest has often reminded viewers to vote or their favorite may be gone the next week. No matter what happens, few will remember the names of most of these singers in weeks, even days to come. I have read that David Cook and Chris Daughtry are friends, pre-Idol days. Daughtry and Underwood are making great careers after Idol; hopefully the two Davids will also.
It could be that the judges have chosen their favorites and they say whatever. They are not always correct on music accuracy. However, if America really decides, then nothing the judges do or say will affect America. I don't know. I was enjoying this show in the beginning but have lost interest. I agree with who you think will be the last two and the final winner.Thanks, Beckie, for reading and commenting. I think after Sanjaya last season, the producers wanted more control. I'm not sure how they can if America does truly vote, unless they manipulate the totals. Even if I learned it was rigged, I'd probably still watch. How sad is that?
With the amount of money involved and no penalty for bad behavior I have pretty much accepted the fact it is rigged and corrupt. Disappointing show and I think it may spell the beginning of the end for the show.Hello, Anon. I appreciate you reading and commenting on this article. Yeah, you are probably right, but I still hold out hope. There have been a lot of explanations for Paula's critique of the second song before it was sung. I watched and really enjoyed "The Next Great American Band" that was on towards the end of 2007. I thought the musicians were better and the show was done well. I've heard Idol is being revamped; who knows what will happen next.
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