The judges whittled it down. Now it’s up to YOU, America. The fate of 24 hopeful young (ahem) artists is in the palm of your hot little hands - well, in the cell phones cradled in those hot little hands, actually. Time to call Verizon and add the unlimited texting feature because it’s going to be a wild season…THIS is American Idol!
In past seasons, the judges have acted out when they disagreed with some of the voters’ decisions. Randy: “America got it wrong, dawg” (shake-snapping his fingers like he’s packing chew); Paula starts weeping and Simon threatens to never return to Idol. Well, in last night’s final cut for the top 24 it was the judges that got it wrong.
Two words: Josiah Leming.
Yes, he is a cry baby. Yes, his pity party (he’s 18 and lives alone in his car) got old real quick. Yes, he has the emotional maturity of a gnat, but personality aside, this kid has a talent the likes of which Idol has never seen. He sounds a bit like Coner Oberst of Bright Eyes, a brooding indie rocker type who should be signed to Sub Pop Records or something. The whole episode reminded me that even though these kids that are put through seem like the best, Idol really is a search for that sound which will appeal to the masses. By definition, that sound will be safe, it will be generic. There’s a reason Kelly Clarkson sells more records than Jenny Lewis. American Idol - still one of the best shows on television - isn’t searching for the “best” but rather the “biggest”.
Having said that, here’s who to watch: the australian guy, the adorable little 16 year old dude, and the Carly Simon-eque curly haired keyboard player chick.