Mar 04 2009
American Idol judges showing bias - shock, horror - or just another bad hair day
The American Idol judges are a bit dim this week. The contestants don’t SOUND the same - but some LOOK the same. Check our photos. But let’s get back to the voices and agree the girls sound the best !!
The last batch of 12 are in the spotlight and at 17-years-old, Taylor Vaifanua (photo 1) is growing in confidence and talent right in front of our eyes. She totally nailed Alicia Keys’ If I Ain’t Got You. Kara DioGuardi babbled about personality. Simon totally dissed Kara, but also said Taylor was a bit generic. What?!?
Singing Abba’s The Winner Takes It All may have been a step too far for Arianna Afsar and she had a few pitch problems, although the clever switch to some of the lyrics could endear her to the voters. But Simon hated it, which could sway other voters away. Randy Jackson thought the song was too big for her and Kara agreed: “totally wrong for a cute 17-year-old.”
The song chosen by Felicia Barton (photo 2) was No One and she brought a whole lot of power to Alicia Keys’ anthem. A couple of pitch problems but overall a great performance. The judges are happy she’s back, and so are we.
Kristen McNamara (photo 3) was on Nashville Star when young but chose Tracy Chapman’s Give Me One Reason for this show. She growled this bluesy number and the judges should have been impressed. But they seem to have a downer on the girls this year. What’s goin’ on?
In her interview before singing Kendall Beard (photo 4) said everyone can relate to her song, This One’s For The Girls by Martina McBride. There is no doubt it was also one for the country fans, with power and passion behind her voice. But, again, the judges chose to diss another girl. Seems rather biased.
This seems to be a common problem with this season of American Idol. The guys are good, but not great. On the other hand, some of the girls are great. But the editing and comments continue to promote the guys. Bah!
Choosing to shout Mary J. Blige’s Be Without You may not win enough votes for Lil Rounds. Yes, she has a big voice, a big r&b voice, but not sure if we need another r&b diva.
So can’t wait for the public vote, yet scared the girls will be losers again.
In another aside, Simon has promised (threatened?) to have a Simon Cowell Week, where he will pick the songs. Given the many bad choices by the contestants so far this year, it could be great.
See our scorecard for a ‘balanced’ view of American Idol performances.
