So the first two auditions from American Idol are over, and I have two questions:
1) Why is American Idol taking such advantage of the contestants' tragedies?
2) Why do we need another judge?
First, the contestants.
On Tuesday night's show, they focused repeatedly on blind pianist Scott MacIntyre. Teaser after teaser talked about his inspiring story and how we're going to be so moved as we follow him through the competition. OK, so the guy is blind, and he plays piano. Yes, he's talented, and yes, he's a great guy. But unique? Hello?? Stevie Wonder, anyone? It's a lovely, inspiring story, but if that's the best the show can hang it's hat on, we're in trouble this season.
Then last night, it was Danny Gokey (pictured), a church music teacher from Wisconsin, whose wife died just four weeks before the audition. Good grief, do they need to take advantage of the situation, running teasers of the guy crying? Sure, we want to hear his story, but there's a point where it becomes opportunistic, and then just creepy.
Interestingly enough, the guy looks like he's a Christian and says he hoped to get through so he can tell the world her story. He's a church music teacher, and after doing a little research online, it looks like he might be part of Faith Builders International in Milwaukee.
I think that because I inadvertently found his late wife Sophia's Bebo page, and then her obituary, both of which listed the ministry. It's more than a little creepy, to be honest, looking at her personal pictures, reading about her watching Taylor Hicks on American Idol, and about how her husband is her other half. When her profile asks her to list what's she afraid of, she writes, "I'm not sure what I'm really scared of.... " (You can read more about Danny Gokey in this post about Sophia's Heart Foundation, which he set up in honor of his wife.)
But I digress. The guy has chops (every blogger's new favorite word) and a touching story, and if my guess is right, a whole ministry ready to dial up his number on voting night. I like him a lot. As long as they stop with the saccharine-coated, tear-jerker promos.
Now for Kara DioGuardi. OK, she's talented, accomplished, and beautiful. But on this show, she's redundant. We have brains and experience from Randy and Simon, and pretty from Paula. Unless they need someone to translate for Paula on her less coherent evenings, Kara DioGuardi is just another guest judge. Pretty to look at, but without any bearing on the actual results of the competition at all. At times, it looked like Randy, Simon and Paula made up their minds and thought to ask Kara for her vote as an afterthought.
Although, when she faced off against Bikini Girl (aka Katrina Darrell), I was certain that if it came to a fistfight, Kara could take her without any trouble. And when she told one contestant he was a "ballsy dude" and told another one "You've got a really big instrument" she did offer a couple of snicker moments.
All in all, American Idol has been a bit of disappointment so far. Too many commercials and teasers that don't pay off. Too much editing and story planning, not enough Ryan Seacrest goofing with the contestants. It's all just a little predictable, and feels like the show is trying too hard to do what has always come naturally.
Then again, we've only just begun. We've got six more cities and thousands more characters to entertain us through spring.
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And if you want more American Idol show recap, visit my Idol blog at NewChristianVoices.com.
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Ok So this is just set things straight, I have been a friend of Danny Gokey for about 7 years now. He is a great man and a great friend, I was also friends with his wonderful wife Sophia. We were best friends, when I heard about about her death is shocked me. We were not at all expecting this outcome. Danny absolutly loved his wife, what American Idol did was show his hurt and pain but they showed how he has triumph through it all. I don't feel that they expoited or took advantaged of him to raise rating or too keep the viewers interested. Danny did an phenomenal job at his audition, yes I am bias but that's the truth. My question is people what does him being a Christian or not a Christian has to do with anything? The real point is his testimony, his story of where he's coming from. He is promoting his wife's honor. The fact that you say he looks like a Christian...well that's compliment...who would not would to look Christ like? I mean that's what a being a Christian is all about right, being Christ like?! Danny has many many friends and yes we are just waiting to dail those numbers. Danny is the next American Idol! I am very proud of Danny and all that he is doing in honor and remembrance of his wife Sophia. And anyone who loses a sponse with in the last 6 months you are going to see sorrow, tears, and pain. And it's not to get attention or votings, it's what he's going through, it's the real deal. And love him for it, for loving my best friend so much to honor her and show the world who she really was. That's the real Danny Gokey!
His being a Christian only has to do with the fact that this is a blog about Christian music, so I'm looking for a way to tie that into my posts. That he was a worship leader at Faith Builders is the connection. That I was also able to tell readers more about the foundation he set up for his wife is even better.
I do feel like the show is doing some exploiting this year, more than normal. They're taking the sappy stories to a nauseating level this season. It's not enjoyable, and the teasers being held over through two hours of commercial so the story could be told near the end is just .... snore .... I'm not thrilled with American Idol this year so far!
Joanne
host of the GS blog
This is for just thinking,
Yes, the Bible does say that if you believe in your heart and confess with your mouth the lord jesus christ thou shalt be saved.
I think American Idol is just plain mean and that our society not only accepts it but embraces says a lot about our culture. And its not good.
I wish American Idol would reject their new judge Kara.. She is so dramatic and if I hear her talk more about the contestants personality then their singing abilities I will scream. She can't hold a candle to Paula so I say REJECT her from the show...Everytime she speaks I mute the tv!!!
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