[etee]

OK, last night Jennifer Hudson went from the top of the heap to the next (wo)man out. I have to say, Ryan handled it (letting us all know that the Divas were at the bottom of the heap) well. It was also the first time I have heard booing from the audience that was NOT directed at Simon!

I thought Randy's and Paula's remarks about it being something other than a popularity contest were spot on, but basically wasted. After all "pop" music is all about popularity - how else do you explain some of the crappy singers the genre has produced?

The silver lining to this particular cloud is: any of the 3 divas (Latoya, Jennifer, Fantasia) should be able to get a recording contract -- and, if they were really smart, they would form up as a trio ("The Three Divas"?) after the show is over. Take Elton John up on his offer!

I just hope that "America" extracts its collective head from its collective [beep], and decides not to give us John Stevens as the Next American Idol (or even Number 2.) Whether it is Stan Laurel or Bill Clinton he reminds us of (thanks Simon!), we don't need him singing over our radios and TVs.
_________________
Cheers,
-etee
"Supreme Commander of the Buffalo Wing, Spicey Chicken Cartel"

[etee]

And then, to add insult to injury, I heard two more really dumb things:

1) Elton John referred to Jennifer's release from AI as "Racist". Bull-oney, Sir Elton. There are enough things that are legitimately the cause of racism and other forms of xenophobia, let's not trivialize the matter.

2) Hate mail directed at AI, and other various types of offensive communications (including death threats?!?) aimed at John Stevens. Now, really, folks -- this is, after all, a television show -- not the War Against Terror! I don't mind skewering John Stevens' performances at all -- I happen to agree with Simon, they are horrid, awful, and other not nice descriptions. John may have a career in music ahead of him, after he gets some voice lessons - or, even better, a larynx transplant from someone who can actually sing! However, his (lack of) talent in no way is a capital offense. He's only a 16 year-old, for cryin' out loud - so knock it off, already!

I have a kid that age, and if the public were calling for his assassination, I am not sure what my reaction would be. I am sure it wouldn't be nearly as calm as John's parents have been.
_________________
Cheers,
-etee
"Supreme Commander of the Buffalo Wing, Spicey Chicken Cartel"

[BobCat]