February 19, 2004 - What Were You Thinking?

Host Ryan Seacrest announced at the beginning of the show that the top two contestants were separated only by about one percent, with about 28 percent for one and 27 percent for the other, adding up to more than half the vote.

As they went through the names, they called down the top three. First was Camile Velasco and then Lisa Leuschner. And then it was between Matt Rogers and Marisa Joy. I was absolutely certain Marisa would be in the top three and was shocked to discover that she wasn't, especially given that Camile, Lisa and Marisa were also the judges' choices for the top three.

When they came back from break, they finally announced the top two. I was not at all surprised to find out that Camile made it, but I was absolutely shocked to discover Matt had also been selected.

I mean, what were people thinking? Was this the "I want to make Simon's head bleed" vote?

Yes, he's very personable. Yes, he has a big voice and has demonstrated that previously. But we're no longer measuring potential. At this point in the competition, it has to be about being able to compete under pressure at a level worthy of being a finalist.

Much as I like his personality, Matt did not do that.

The only reason I can imagine that people voted for him is that they remembered what they'd seen of him in previous episodes. They remembered the good-natured, football player with a voice like an opera singer, and they forgave him for choosing a song that was absolutely wrong for him and then giving an uneven performance. They wanted to give him a chance to prove himself.

But at the end of last night's show, he got a chance to perform again. At least he was consistent: it was just as bad the second time. If he had auditioned that way, he would never have made it through to this level.

Even though I think that Matt has a great personality and possibly the potential to be a great singer, it's incredibly unfair to judge him for any other reason than the performance he's capable of giving under pressure. Especially when someone like Lisa Leuschner gets up there and sings her heart out.

If Marisa had edged out Lisa, I would have understood, but I don't understand this choice. I wish there were some way of letting Lisa know I felt she was robbed and that she's better than this. She has potential, and she should give it another shot. Somewhere, somehow it's going to happen for her. Maybe the fact that she got it this far will help her.

My advice to Camile, if she wants to advance, is to find her voice. Get back to who she really is. Then she'll truly shine.

To Matt, I would say, "You got lucky. You got an unexpected second chance. Now it's time for you to prove that you deserved it." Because if, next time around, he performs the way he did this time, I can't see voters letting him slide twice.

Last night's selections made it seem as if American Idol has gone from being a talent contest to being a popularity contest. If that trend continues, look out world: William "She Bang" Hung could be the next American Idol.

Other Musings by Alyce on American Idol:

American Idol Index

Moral:
She-bang, she-bang! Oh, baby, and she move! She move! I go crazy.