'Idol' finale aftermath: Did the judges cost Archuleta the win?
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- May
- 22
Did David Cook really win “American Idol”? After the judges’ over-the-top love-fest for David Archuleta on Tuesday, I can’t help but be surprised.
Or can I?
As I wrote Tuesday, I didn’t think Archie’s performances were superior as the judges would have had you believe. Randy Jackson reacted to every Archuleta song like the Beatles just took the stage and called him “Dawg.” Simon Cowell declared a win for the younger David by a “knockout,” and treated Cook as if the he just punched Archuleta in the face. In fairness to Paula, she didn’t appear to camp one way or the other Tuesday night, but she’s now known for judging performances that haven’t happened yet. (It’s Paula … from the future!)
So on a show whose credibility and ratings took hits this year, let’s assume for a moment that the voting was legit. (A gold envelope should do the trick, no?) If 97.5 million votes were registered and David Cook won by 12 million votes, it appears that America not only got it right, but also was sending a message that the judges’ words don’t mean much at all.
This is a problem. On paper, all of the judges are credible, with Randy and Simon’s extensive industry experience paired with Paula’s pop career. But when they unfairly fawn over some contestants and show alarming bias against others with equal or more talent (Carly Smithson, Syesha Mercado), they appear to be nothing more than pawns for the producers. It’s one thing to reward performers for excellent performances—both finalists were solid for the majority of the season—but it’s another to overcompensate in the process.
I used to believe Simon was the lone voice of reason on the panel, but after this season, I don’t even trust him anymore. To add insult to injury, host Ryan Seacrest, who never before seemed to side with one contestant over another, agreed with Cowell’s assessment that Archuleta defeated Cook by “knockout” Tuesday night, replying with “Well said, Mr. Cowell.” Who asked you, Seacrest?
So when the voting lines opened after Tuesday night’s show, I believe viewers—especially those who preferred contestants not in the finale—wanted to send a message. Based on Tuesday night’s remarks, Archuleta was the guy the judges wanted us to pick. Cook, who was the better performer for the bulk of the season, won.
It’s well-documented that “Idol” wants to make changes before Season 8 begins. If the judges are just going to be puppets for the producers anyway, maybe it’s time to cut the strings.
(Photos by Michael Becker/FOX.)
This entry was posted
on Thursday, May 22nd, 2008 at 11:33 am by Chris Serico.
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Who with even half a brain freaking cares???????