I just read Tracey’s comment about American Idol, and I figured there’s no need to wait until tomorrow to discuss some Idol-y business. Normally I’d just answer T.’s comment in the comments, but it’s pretty far down the page, I don’t know if anyone will see it, the fate of the nation depends on this discussion, etc.
So here’s the issue. Simon (one of the AI judges, for the uninitiated) recently predicted on Larry King Live that the final three contestants will be my favorite Taylor Hicks, Chris Daughtry, and Kellie (Dawn) Pickler. And everything I’ve read in the few hours that I’ve been home has offered the same reaction to Simon’s Pickler prediction: HUH?
But I think I know the reason.
Just for the record, my picks for the final three are Daughtry, Hicks, and Katharine McPhee.
I think what Simon gets, however, is that Pickler is going to be the favorite of a great many teenage boys because they think she’s, um, well, um, a hottie. I was unaware of this phenomenon until I found myself in an AI discussion with some teenage guys from church last week. Now they didn’t come right out and say that she’s a hottie, because that would’ve been, you know, awkward since I’m basically old enough to be their mama. But what they did say was stuff like “Yeah, I definitely think I’ll be voting for her” and “Who cares how she sounded?” and “It doesn’t matter that she gave the worst performance – she’s Kellie Pickler!”
Ergo, Simon’s prediction.
The only thing about Simon’s theory that really gives me pause is that I’m not entirely sure that teenage boys are the most loyal voting demographic. I didn’t survey the guys I was talking to, but I should’ve asked them how many of them actually voted. My guess, though, is that Simon figures the following: Daughtry pulls in the teenage female vote, Pickler pulls in the teenage male vote, and Hicks pulls in the older folks – you know, the ones of us over 30 who are sitting around in our rocking chairs while we clean our dentures.
So I am resolved to vote each and every week for two people: Taylor Hicks and Katharine McPhee. And if you have your own top three picks – or any AI thoughts at all – SPEAK UP, for the love of pete. :-)
OK, I’ve tried to comment three times last night! :-( Yay, I got through!!!
Wanna hear what mega smart thing I was actually going to say? Sorry to let you down, it’s not that big.
“I Love Idol the first few weeks. Hearing the horrid singers and seeing the diamonds in the rough. But for some reason after that I just lose interest. (I think most reality tv has lost it’s sparkle for me.)
But you keep put the votes in for us old folks. Those young whippersnappers don’t usually have what it takes to hold on to the limelight after the show is over.”
I’m sticking with my original Top 3 prediction of Chris, Taylor & Mandisa (although all three of these skew old, since, of course, late 20s is ancient).
I really like Katharine; she has a great voice, and I think she’s adorable (did you know that I read one review where the dude called her “Rubenesque”–as in the ample-bodied subjects of baroque painter Rubens, not Rueben Studdard of Idol 2? If Katharine is considered Rubenesque then the world is going to heck in a handbasket and we all might as well sign up for liposuction right now!). I digress.
Anyhoo, I DO like Katharine, but I think there are some people out there (mostly women) who find her a bit smug and kind of goofy (I am, of course, basing this solely on the opinions of other T-ball moms and the ladies that work in the chiropractic office that I vist, but I’d consider this a good cross-section of Middle-American women). Therefore, I don’t think Kat’s going to make it to the Top 3. Maybe I’m wrong,though!?!
I think people are over Paris, Ace and Lisa, and Kevin is just killing time.
Elliot is the wild card.
Yes, I think Simon is right on with his predictions. I think that McPhee’s votes and Taylor’s votes will begin to be split. Or maybe it will be Chris’s and Taylor’s split. I think America is rooting for a guy to win this year. Our top 2 guys are exceptional and as cute as Pickler is, McPhee’s voice will carry her to third spot!! Maybe even second. I’m pulling for Taylor because his voice is soooo different!! Chris is like Bo — he’s great and all but not completely original. Taylor is an original and America is going to pull him through — grey hair and all!!! Now let’s not forget about Mandisa!! She may end up pulling up that 2nd or 3rd spot because her pipes make a joyful noise!!! That’s my take!!!
ek, you make me smile.
*Laryngitis Yawn.*
Correction:
Laryngitis Yawn. :)
Funny article about Paula’s impact on the show:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/11928034/
I loved the part about sunshine flowers puppies. :-)