Sunday, May 23, 2010

Down to the Wire...



Wednesday night is the finale of the ninth season of American Idol. While much has been written about this season's failings—Simon Cowell's obvious boredom, the group of relatively lackluster contestants and performances, the majority of themes being a retread from previous seasons, the judges' more-contradictory-than-usual feedback—the show still continues to draw very strong ratings.

Having watched the show since the middle of the first season, I'll admit I've been less than enthused this year. While Tuesday's final showdown between Crystal Bowersox and Lee Dewyze is one I'm looking forward to watching more than any final pairing in years, I'm growing more tired of the show. From the judges' increasingly annoying behavior and lack of respect for the contestants, Ryan Seacrest's trying to create "moments" where there are none, and the control preteen and tween girls seem to have on the show's results, I'm starting to think that Idol is moving past its prime.

While I'm rooting for Crystal Bowersox to win, I have a feeling that the judges' none-too-subtle "pimping" for Lee Dewyze, plus his clear appeal to the show's core female audience, will propel him toward the win. I think Lee is talented, and his win won't disappoint me, but I feel that once again the producers are trying to manipulate the show toward what they think is best rather than letting the audience decide. But that seemed to backfire in the last two seasons, with David Cook and Kris Allen surprisingly defeating favorites David Archuleta and Adam Lambert, so it will be interesting to see what happens Wednesday night.

So until then, "Mama Sox" rocks! (And if you don't believe me, check out this performance, or any of her others on YouTube.)

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