Life's One Big Movie: Idol Buzz : Why This Season Promised Much.. but Delivered Little,

So, I know it has been sometime but I have been longing.. yes, LONGING, to write my take on this year's American Idol. As those who know me, you'd know what a gigantic Idol fanatic I am. So to those who've been curious what my take on this year's Idol is, here it is :

So where do I begin.. I believe this season had the potential to be the BIGGEST, BESTEST season ever. But on the way, things just congealed and really icky fungi grew on the show as a season with great potential turned into a competition that would be just as exciting as a soccer match between Selangor FC vs. Dundee United - really, would you even buy a ticket ?

The New Judges :
That admit it, Steven and Jenny managed to peck their way right into our good books during the audition rounds. Steven was funny and well, J.lo surprised many of us by being a "real" judge. We were not expecting that. But as the weeks have gone by we realize that J.Lo has been really so-so, giving very vague comments and Steven has basically made us wish that we had Paula back - at least there was some drama with Paula and we could poke more fun at her.

The old Judge :
I don't know what you think, I think Randy has just seen an opportunity to take center stage this season. At the Top 6 or 7 (can't remember), I just didn't get why Randy had to get up on stage on endorse the life outta James. That was totally uncalled for. As useless as Steven has been this season, I'm just disappointed and disgusted at Randy. It just seems as though he trying to show Simon and the world that he's "the man" right now. Not just him, I think the judging panel had already planned out like the type of artist they want. It only make sense - with a year of many changes, especially with Simon gone, that they would try to look for the artist that would SELL the most records, rather than the BEST singer.

Wildcard round :
Personally, I think the season's first wrong move was here. Since many really don't care about his round, I leave it really short. Ashston and Naima were WRONG decision. Stefano proved himself and deserved the spot.

Diversity :
This was the year that we all hoped that would break the mould and have a diverse bunch of Top 13 and we got it !!!.. for all of the hard work to go to voting waste !! =(

James Durbin - Metal
Casey Abrams - Blues
Jacob Jusk - Soul
Haley Reinhart - Jazz Soul
Lauren Alaina - Country Rock
Thia Megia - Teeny Pop
Stefano Langone - Pop
Ashston Jones - R&B
Karen Rodriguez - Latina
Paul McDonald - Folk Pop
Scotty McCreery - Country
Naima Adedapo - Caribbean/Reggae
Pia Toscano - Ballad Pop

With the heaps of different genres, we are sadly left with TWO boring country singer and an inconsistent but potentially GREAT Adele-Duffy-like singer.
So much hope. Simon usually favors pop - but he get the best out of them. I think that what's missing this season. Someone getting the best out of ALL genres. I must congratulate and salute Jimmy Iovine for his great amazing work with the contestants this season. It was no small feat.

Eliminations :

First was Ashston - at Top 13. It just proved the ridiculous decision by the Judges to bring her back after America voted her out at the Top 24. Someone much better could've filled that spot.
Then Karen, who was shoving down the Latina heritage thing down and deeper into our throats. Admittedly, she was NOT the worst singer, and not the worst female singer either, of the Top 12. FIRST SURPRISE ELIMINATION.
Then, Casey was voted out. I mean, seriously America, Casey ??? I blame the complacency of America. But as least the judges were sensible enough to save him. SECOND SURPRISE VOTE.
America then came to their senses and voted the ACTUAL two worst singers left in the Top 11 - Thia, who was just 'bleh' throughout the season and Naima, who was just plain weird.
It's still so hard for me to say it but.. it was Pia's turn to go. I just can't accept that if America were to be more active, we could've gotten Pia saved if Casey didn't get voted out earlier. THIRD SURPRISE VOTE.
There was only so much we could take Paul and his pink roses and he was given the boot at the Top 8.
Top 7th spot went to Stafano, who, for me, was given a torrid time during his stint. Unfairly, I think the judges themselves didn't believe that he could go far and that make himself believe it.
Top 6 was sad as Casey got voted out again. Never has a saved person been eliminated so early. It was getting ridiculous. FOURTH SURPRISE VOTE.
Top 5 gave Jacob a farewell. Sadly, I think Jacob was THE best singer on Idol this season. I believe Randy just wanted James or Scotty in the finale and was so biased towards them. Jacob had some really stunning performance where, I think, the judges knew it, but did NOT give enough credit.
And that left us with James.

Speaking of James.. :
Since we're fresh of his elimination.. let's talk about this. When I first saw James, or heard him sing, I was WOW-ed. The obvious comparison to Adam would always be a shadow over him. Let's face it, the only reasons we might prefer James over Adam is 1. James is straight, 2. James has tourettes syndrome and autism (pity the boy, yes. But don't base your vote on it) or 3. James brought hardcore metal to the Idol stage. But come on, there is no way James is even remotely in the same league as Adam. Voice ? Adam was smoother. Control ? Adam was far better, while James ALWAYS has to scoop his way to hit his "big note". What else ? Based on talent, Adam. Period. Thus, though I believe James WAS one of the best singers on Idol this season, I was never rooting for him to win because I'd be really upset if James won, based on the fact that Adam, who was superior couldn't win his season.

So where are we ? :
Personally, when it was the Top 13, I predicted a Pia, Jacob, Casey and James Top 4. None of these are in the Top 3. That is just sad. But there's a theory that James' fans would move over to vote for Haley and the country fans' vote would be split between the two youngsters. I just can't believe Scotty is still there. He doesn't even try.. pfft. Lauren seems a little childish but her cover of Carrie Underwood's song at the top 5 was evidence that this girl has the chops to becoming America's Next Idol. Lol. But, my goodness - let's pray that Haley wins. I think that the most relatable and sensible choice, yet making the Idol season 10 different from other seasons, America NEEDS to vote for Haley. It's the ONLY way to justify the most terrible eliminations ever experienced on an Idol season (collectively) with the diversity this season was expected to have by this stage.

What Idol has proved this season :

Randy needs to go.
Idol CANNOT handle to many genres in ONE season
America is still racist when it comes to general votes (I believe more racist than sexist) - having the first 6 or 7 elimination or non-white (only leaving Jacob, and even that most of the time in the bottom 2 or 3).
America loves its country (the music genre that is). This is sad as it doesn't have what it takes to beat the other genres internationally.
We miss Simon - someone who was decisive (and contrary to some beliefs, I, now, conclude, that he is more partial than Randy.)
Jimmy Iovine - GREAT MENTOR.
We should give J.Lo one more season's chance.

That's all for now. I could write more but you may not read on.. haha.
You can read this amazing blog on Idol's past few days. I love reading Lindsey Parker because she can really write plus, she's hilarious. Here are some of her recent posts (theories included):