Above: Allison Iraheta and Adam Lambert crank out Foghat’s “Slow Ride” on American Idol
I never, ever watched American Idol until this season, and I doubt I’ll ever watch it again. While highly entertaining, I think the judges suck and the process – while beneficial to virtually unknown singers – is demeaning and humiliating.
To the benefit of the singers during this season, they all held up well for the most part against the egoistic and idiotic ramblings made by judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. I’m especially irked over their treatment of Allison Iraheta, one of the show’s top performing women (or teen – she turned 17 during the season), who was booted at fourth place behind Adam Lambert, Danny Gokey and Kris Allen (who is getting on my nerves).
I know that music is subjective, and therefore very personal; but if I listen to the voices of the top four without watching their performances, Allison tops them all. Granted, Lambert has a way about him and Gokey sang his heart out. But, Allen? C’mon folks – this is turning into a popularity contest that’s based upon several factors other than talent. I even heard that Lambert made the dreaded “Bottom Three” several weeks ago because Bill O’Reilly seemed to urge listeners to vote against the “gay guy” after “outing” Lambert on his show.
Give me a break.
But, to the American Idol’s credit, they have a semi-great concept: Throw the last ten top talents together in a house and make them live together for a few weeks. This group became tight and they urged each other on. After the show ends, the entire top ten goes on tour together as well, which gives them all a chance to hone their somewhat undeveloped talents.
Allison? If she doesn’t have a record deal by the end of this year, I’ll want to know why. Even at my age, I would arm wrestle any fan to be the first in line to own her first CD. But, I get it – not many men watch American Idol and young women will vote for cute guys. What is wrong with this picture? Women! You should be voting for other women. It’s time to give each other some backing here, especially against such pompous idiots like Cowell.
But, since Allison didn’t make it to the top (and it would have been great with her against Adam, as they rocked on stage together with Foghat’s “Slow Ride”), then I urge all women to vote for Adam. If you’re not voting for his incredible vocal range and stage presence, then vote for him because he can relate to the joys and agonies of eyeliner.
Here’s a bonus for Alliholics – watch a five-part interview with Allison on EW’s PopWatch.
