With the closeout of American Idol, Season 9, last night, there are a few things on which to comment, I think.
Season 9, by most reports, was rather underwhelming in its totality, and it's difficult to see any of this year's contestants going on to have a career like Carrie Underwood or Chris Daughtry. I know the producers look for certain "packages" that seem to fit a particular mold that they think makes good television, but they are supposed to make for good recording artists after the show is finished, as well. I'm not so sure AI has been as successful at that part of it.
Lee DeWyze was this year's winner, beating out a better, more complete musician and performer in Crystal Bowersox. How many times have we seen this happen throughout the years? Yet, those who ultimately win the competition riding the waves of millions of votes usually seem to flop in the marketplace after they cut their first albums. How is this possible? What happened to all those fans who swept them into prominence?
The finale results show was filled with musical stars from the baby boom generation, Hall & Oats, Joe Cocker, Barry Gibb & Robin Gibb (the remnants of the Bee Gees), Alice Cooper, Chicago, and I'm thinking that the nod to those watchers who are older is nice, but these folks really need to retire. They just don't have it vocally any more.
I seem to have a thing for Siobhan Magnus.
With the leaving of Paula Abdul after last season, and the departure of Simon Cowell after this season, one wonders what will happen to the Idol franchise. It's true that the format is quite easy to replicate, but the personalities usually aren't. With a slow drop in ratings over the last couple years, I think that will be accelerating.
I really can't see attending the Idols on tour concert coming to our local civic center this year. Unless it's to see Siobhan.
Out.
