Musings
an Online Journal of Sorts

By Alyce Wilson

Copyright 2007, Fox Broadcasting

Many people had predicted that either Haley Scarnato or Sanjaya Malakar would be leaving American Idol this week, so the results came as a surprise.

Departing from the usual pattern, host Ryan Seacrest didn't announce the bottom three. Instead, he did a bit of a switch.

Bringing up groups of three contestants at a time, Ryan announced that they were safe. When he had Sanjaya, Haley, and Phil Stacey stand, many assumed they must be the bottom three, but they weren't. Instead, he identified Stephanie Edwards and Chris Richardson as the bottom two. So my guess is that one of the previous three would have rounded out the bottom three; there's no telling which one.

The studio audience howled in disbelief, especially because the two of them are generally considered to be stronger singers than some of the other contestants. But this is by no means the first time something like this has happened. Usually, this happens after the so-called stronger contestants turn in a weaker performance. Even though their record might be strong, fans are fickle.

Stephanie had a strong start early in the competition, but the last couple of weeks she's been faltering. The on-site judges have consistently called her performance passionless, and this week it was really clear, as she seemed almost robotic. As other contestants like Jordin Sparks are growing and coming into their own, voters are less likely to throw their support behind someone who, two weeks in a row, has failed to impress.

Chris Richardson has a fan base that's helped by his looks and charm, but many people have commented on the nasally quality of his voice, which probably deters some voters. Also, his performance this week lacked the wow factor.

It just goes to show that Chris Richardson fans need to come out in force if they want to keep him in the competition.

This up and down weather is beginning to get to me. We've had strange, seesaw weather all winter long. As we enter spring, I was looking forward to the sort of nice, spring days we had a week or so ago. Now it's back to being cold, and I'm back to wearing warm sweaters when I walk our doggie, Una. Not to mention the wool winter coat, wool scarf and hat.

Poor Una can't decide whether to shed or not. She's gone back and forth on the subject and is currently sporting a shorter look. I feel sorry for her now that it's gotten chillier. But she doesn't seem to mind. Maybe she finds the brisk air refreshing.

The worst aspect is the occasional snow that hits us with a sucker punch, like the white stuff that came down late last week and still lingers in shady areas.

Yet, we've had a few bright and sunny days, so there is hope. As every passing day grows longer and the months creep into spring, I guess the weather will cooperate soon. For me, it couldn't be soon enough.

More on American Idol:

Musings on American Idol Season 6 (2007)

Musings on American Idol Season 5 (2006)

Musings on American Idol Season 4 (2005)

Musings on American Idol Season 3 (2004)

Copyright 2006 by Alyce Wilson

March 2007 Index

Musings Index

What do you think? Share your thoughts
at Alyce's message board (left button):