Feb 05 2009
Tears, Tantrums and Thrills - yes it’s the harsh group round on American Idol
“Tears to the max” should be the new name for the American Idol groups round. The 2009 episode has contestants, their friends and families - and plenty of viewers - in tears over the eliminations.
Claims of sabotage and unfair were just the mild ones! On the positive side, there was plenty of praying as well.
Rose, Katrina, Jasmine and Lauren had somewhat of a disagreement over being “cute” or not for Team Diva (photo above). Tatiana had “creative difference” problems with her group, tried swapping, and caused upset in two groups. Meanwhile Kristin and Nancy spent most of their practice time trying to win an argument rather than a singing contest. 
Their name Team Compromise was just not happening but Kristin McNamara (photo right) got through by a squeak.
Love it or loathe it, group night should not be a surprise to the contestants and so the departures were sad - but warranted. We didn’t want to see Rose Flack leave, nor bikini girl Katrina Darrell, but they did not rise to the challenge. At least the producers gave them plenty of air time, despite being a “train wreck” as Rose was quick to point out.
Some extra pressure was added by Simon Cowell, who explained if anyone forgot the words, it was instant elimination. Fortunately the first group out was White Chocolate (photo above) and they impressed all the judges - so that’s India Morrison, Matt, Kris and Justin through. They used the different tones of their voices to great effect.
Alex, Ryan, Anne Marie and Emily (aka Action Squad) brought enthusiasm and athleticism. But Don’t Stop was the song and became the marching orders for Ryan and Emily Wynn-Hughes (photo left).
When Rainbow Coalition (photo below) sang a cappella the judges were pleased, so that included Danny, Jamar and Taylor Vaifanua all through as well.
Once again the lesson is plain – the music business is harsh, cruel and uncompromising. Which American Idol shows under the microscope and one of the reasons it is the No. 1 tv show with anywhere between 26-30 million viewers just on first-run USA only.
