Idol Thoughts

In the early seasons of American Idol, we discouraged the kids from watching because Simon’s judging style was so mean. Now we’re watching it.

I usually agree with Simon’s comments, but the thing I find most sad is the self-consciousness that affects some of the performers as the competition goes along. Even when they’re resisting his feedback, they seem self conscious about it. For example, I used to look forward to seeing what Siobhan would do, sing, wear… Now I cringe waiting to see what she’ll wear and when she will let out the scream.

Somehow Crystal Bowersox has remained true to herself. I agree with Randy’s comments that watching her is like seeing the second coming of Bonnie Raitt. Her gospel/blues take on Saved by Elvis Presley last night was amazing. Even the glitzy guitar didn’t tarnish her unspoiled appeal. Without making a big deal out of it, she also seems to play well with (and acknowledge) the backup singers and band – and the other contestants. Early on the judges seemed to be baiting her by praising Siobhan’s performance over hers but she joined in the praise as if she were talking about a particularly gifted member of her own band or a fellow musician at a jam session, saying simply: “She was amazing.”

Speaking of the judge’s influence, I’m also suspicious of their sudden kindness to Tim Urban, who they used to ridicule for his simplistic arrangements and ever-present grin. I think the recent praise is a strategy by the judges to avoid fanning a cult fire that might have crowned him ahead of the more musically worthy contestants.