The winning article so far...

I would say that this is the best article you've come across yet! Incredibly on target:

http://www.elitestv.com/NewsPub/Stories/2003/04/03/10493909429.html

Suspicions

I am trying to remain excited and optimistic over the remainder of the AI season. But after watching this week's "results" show I am well... just annoyed with a few things. Let me see if I can just release the pressure on my brain.

Remember me gushing with excitement about how this season's fan base was broader and more apt to be voting for the best singer versus the popularity contest of last season??.... I think I was saying that.. it's all so hard to imagine now. Well, I went back and read the blog and yes, that's what I thought. I do think back then it was true. We did get an incredible talent pool into the finals this season, not the puff balls from last season - or CLOWNS as Simon so affectionately calls them. That was.. until the wildcard show. That's when Randy and Simon injected the cream filling - namely Madrigal Mishap and Kim Lite. Trenyce was decidely a quality pick. And the viewers even got it right with Clay as their choice. But even on that show there was a strangely odd "mishap" with the voters results. Remember that? Suddenly Ryan seemed to be holding a card that noone (and I mean no one) could read?!?! Huh? And it then took the entire show to get a new card with the results printed on it? HUH!?! So the judges were forced to choose their picks without knowing who america chose. Hhhmmm... hardly seems logical that not one of them would have selected THE BEST SINGER THERE (Clay), but instead would choose some mediocre clown if they didn't know he had been chosen by the viewers. So what was that all about? What was really going on? And then it all started to fall apart... week after week we have been asking when those sorry picks Madrigal girl, Kim Lite (plus Hairdresser) would get voted off so we could enjoy the show??? Well.. we finally saw some relief when Julia departed Hollywood. But now what's happening??!!! WHAT'S GOING ON!!!!???? How the heck could ANYONE, ANYONE believe for a minute that Carmen and Kim should for any of the past weeks be "safe" or even worse not even in the bottom 3(Carmen last week, Kim this week). Instead we saw Rickey quite undeservedly in the bottom 3 last week. Then this week we were pained to see Diva Kimberely & Trenyce standing there as well!!!!!!!!!????????? I ask again WHAT IS GOING ON??!! My early theory is now exploding into little pieces of brain matter that are quickly turning themselves into evil thoughts of suspicions that this whole thing smells of money and reality show directing, versus actual viewers votes. There I said it. I finally got it out. You can disagree... you can laugh, whatever. I'm just ranting that's all. No comments needed.

Not only didn't Madrigal Girl or Kim Lite get a much deserved boot this week (although clearly we have to acknowledge that Rickey or Josh realistically should have been voted off instead this time - but they weren't even in the bottom 3 and that's a whole nother issue. Don't you worry - I'll get to that in a minute!) ANYWAY - what was I saying? Oh yeah - not only didn't Madrigal Girl or Kim Lite get booted, then they come up with this ridiculous fix that NO ONE gets voted off AND that the vote totals carry over to next week. Now here's the thing... was their creme puff about to get the axe and they just couldn't deal... or is this simply setting up a Trenyce or Kimberely Locke vote off next week by saying that they just had such low vote totals carried over that it just doomed them from the start? Will Madrigal Girl have a magical uprising of votes and her low vote total carried over just won't be a factor? I can't wait to see. I can't wait. Girl, don't let me have to fly to Hollywood and kick somebody's A$%. Cause I don't want to ruin any nice shoes getting them stuck in the crack of someone's... well alright that's enough. I am a nice diginified mother of two small children.

Whatever.

So... who the heck really voted for Josh after his heinous performances of late? Nevermind I can answer that one too. This phenomenon is best explained by a quote from you: "Face it, people: he can be our American Hero but he CAN NOT be our American Idol. Not with that voice." I can't believe people are confusing the war efforts and their need to support our troops with our need to vote for the next pop star! GET REAL! I have to laugh at this one it's so pitiful. Not even worth dishing over right now. Now when it results in the real talented contestants getting booted so he can ride a flag all the way to the top then I'll have to rant over that too. I'm just curious about something though: how are all those marines sitting in the audience every single week? HHhhmm... shouldn't they be busy right now in light of the current events. I have to say that the article that you pointed out to me this morning states the key points of the Josh phenom. Perhaps I'll post the link to that next. Everyone should read this article.

Alright here's the thing: is it possible to start a Save the Divas campaign? I mean can we muster up enough support and massive votes next week to make it impossible for them to claim Kimberely Locke or Trenyce were voted off? The reality is we'll never know the truth about our votes. But I would like to be able to hold that this entertainment that we so love will not be tarnished by a ridiculous sham of an ending. I'm not sure what's going on... either our votes don't really count and it's all a producers fantasy OR the viewers that started the season have abandoned their favorites and the phone lines have been taken over by massive waves of teenagers voting for cute fellow highschooler Carmen and half naked Kim Lite and all of the Marine units using their recon phones to dial in votes for Josh. I tell you ... if Kim Lite or Marine Boy make it to the final 4 I'm buying a ticket. And don't even go there with the thought of Madrigal Girl in the top 4!!!! Kill me now...


American Idol don't we just love to get wrapped up in the madness? Yep, it's a sign...

and it reads "GET A LIFE" HAHAHAHAHA!

I'm out.

From: Shonda
Date: Thu Apr 3, 2003 11:11:20 PM America/Los_Angeles
To: Sandie
Cc: Deborah
Subject: AI

An interesting post from my fave blog throwingthings.blogspot.com on the AI black singers vs. white singers thing:
 
"The Hot Button's David Poland, whom I've rarely seen worked up on these issues, on American Idol and race :
I said it last time and I?ll say it again? the American Idol competition has an ugly racial element. This week, along with the scummy move of removing a competitor and not removing any contestants after putting the show?s viewers through the regular ringer, both black female contestants were in the bottom three. Virtually any objective analysis would put them both in the top half of the eight contestants. Last year, two black women singers ? one of whom is now guesting on Fox?s Boston Public ? were eliminated before clearly inferior performers.

I?m not a big fan of crying ?race.? And I don?t know if there is a way to get more black people to watch the show or to get more white people to vote for people regardless of race. But while neither of these two young ladies seems likely to make the Top Two, they both seem to deserve the Top Five. And based on this week?s voting, it looks like both will be gone in the next three weeks.

Unfortunately, given Josh Gracin's bizarre level of support from the voters, he's probably right. "

The "Results" show. Yeah, right. It was a WASTE of one hour of my life as Fox shamelessly made us all hang in the wind in the name of ratings. Then they FINALLY revealing that the hour was a sham as none of the contestants would be voted off. Ack! Blech! I was so mad.

That said...exactly what was UP with Trenyce and Kimberley being in the bottom three? That was CRA-ZEE. Especially after the heinous performances given on Tuesday night by Josh and Rickey. WHACK! The whole thing is WHACK! Especially since Fox plans to carry the votes from this week over to NEXT week!

Grrrr...

The results show

Alright, as you know, since I'm in the eastern time zone I have just seen the results show. And without revealing anything for you Shonda all I have to say is WHAT THE HECK ???? This is perhaps the most bizarre thing I've ever witnessed.... what the heck? And can I say one more time .... WHAT THE HECK??? Be sure to watch Simon's face when the results are announced. More tomorrow after you've watched.

I'm out.

Sandie

I most defintiely will agree with you (in regards to the disco show) when you rant about missing some significant songs of the era. I was channeling all my energies to make sure that Kimberely Locke would do a diva right and sing I Will Survive! She did not. I was lighting candles and chanting in order to ensure that Trenyce would dig deep and belt out some Donna Summer. ANY Donna Summer. She did not. And I just KNEW that I wouldn't have to worry cause one of our two blonde wonders would surely twirl about to an ABBA tune. I mean Dancing Queen and Madrigal Girl... can you get a more perfect match? Aaahhhh.... alas it was not to be. Come on, the real problem is that these children can not be to blame - they are but mere adolescents after all. Not one of them is old enough to even know any of the REAL disco music that we love! Just like the poor job the stylist did, so was the job the vocal coaches did. At least they could have been steered in the right direction!

And yes, let's address guest judge Verdine White.... oh honey, the 1970's press and curl on men has lost it's appeal to the masses.... oh, yet another style gone wrong. He didn't get the memo.

And that quote from the Throwing Things Blog has me rolling on the floor! Ohhhh... but sadly he's so close to being right...

I just came from reading this guy named Adam's blog called Throwing Things (throwingthings.blogspot.com). He had the FUNNIEST comment on LaShundra aka Trenyce. I quote it for you here:

"Lashundra is now channelling Whitney Houston so completely that not only does she sound like her, note for note, but she's also got the crack-whore appearance down, not to mention amassing her own criminal record of minor felonies."
-- throwingthings.blogspot.com

HAHAHAHAHAHAHA! That is so cruel.

Subject: 4 Crazy Outfits, 3 Brand New Weaves, 2 Painful Singers and 1 Afro that made me want to heave...
From: Shonda
Date: Tue Apr 1, 2003 10:10:34 PM America/Los_Angeles
To: Sandie

I'm having a hard time typing because I'm busy hitting the re-dial button to call the Idols line and vote for my girl Kimberley. The frightening thing is that I'm getting through EVERY TIME. Isn't anyone else calling for her? CALL AND VOTE FOR KIMBERLEY!

Ah, well...on to my recap:

I have to say that the disco did not pain me nearly as much as it did you, Sandie. Maybe it's because I sing these songs in the shower with my tone deaf voice -- and I think I sound good -- so I clearly have no ability to be objective. But, I do have some things to rant about regarding this week's show.

1) Where was "On the Radio"? Where was "I Will Survive?" And I will never, ever get over my pain at the heinous LACK of ABBA! I mean, how can you even THINK of the 70s and disco without thinking of ABBA?!!! For shame!

2) What was Jewel doing in the audience? Yeah, it was good to see her, blah, blah, blah. All I could think was WHY DOESN'T SHE HAVE HER BUTT IN THE STUDIO RECORDING MORE SONGS? I mean, we haven't heard from her in years. I was thinking she was trekking through the Andes or climbing Kilimanjaro or having a spiritual conversion somewhere. That's an excuse for letting yourself become a has been. But there her behind was sitting in the audience of American Idol on Beverly Boulevard. That ain't no excuse for wrecking your career, girl! GET TO WORK!

3) Verdine. Verdine, Verdine, oh poor man. A weave? A WEAVE? A WEAVE!!!!!!???????!!!! Dear God, NOOOOOOOOO...

Glad I got that out of my system. Now, on to the contestants.

Overall, it wasn't a stellar night. I agree with you there. There were several moments in which I had sit on my hands to keep from gauging my eyes out at the pain of the major fashion disasters. And times I was forced to press the "mute" button to block out the howling that masqueraded as singing. Here's how it broke down for me:

Ricky -- Proof that not all black men were made for a time with hair pick handles were shaped like black power fists. His Afro gimmick was WEAK. Sad, even. And his song choice was...well, I don't like to talk bad about Hercules. He's so sweet and harmless. Let's just say that he earned his place in the bottom three this week.

Carmen -- Hair Extensions. What was up with the faux hair on everyone? That said, she was the best she's ever been. Which isn't saying much. My favorite comment was from Verdine (who I must say was a stellar judge because he didn't gush on anyone who didn't deserve). Verdine called her "sparkle-y". Which was a TOTAL dis that she didn't get. But that is all she is: sparkle-y. Sadly, I think she will hang on for another week torturing us all.

Kim Lite -- The Ho must go. Aside from the MAJOR PANTS mistake (did anyone else send up a prayer to the Gods back in the late 80s that we would never again be forced to look at cropped pants that buttoned just under the knee?), she once again attempted to dress like a whore in the hopes of confusing us into thinking she has talent. She shrieks instead of sings. Even Paula was forced to criticize her. I cross my fingers and toes that she is in the bottom three again.

Clay -- Was it just me or was he wearing a WOMAN'S polka dot blouse? Because it looked like a blouse, not a shirt. Whatever it was, it was WRONG. But he sounded FAB -- just not disco fab. I agree with you, Sandie, that he's slipping in popularity but I am positive that he will hang on until at least the top 3. After all, the boy is excellent.

Trenyce -- I call her Trenyce out of respect for her talent because YOU KNOW in my head I am calling her LaShundra (a smack on her Mama's head is called for on that name). She was good. Not great like she was Movie Week. But good. She sang very well and I LOVED her new weave (more faux hair). Although I could have done without the Members Only jacket.

Ruben -- I personally took off my panties and threw them at the TV when he sang Can't Get Enough of Your Love. It was sad because I was alone in my den and I didn't even have on pretty panties. But THE MAN IS AMAZING. Even when he isn't his best, he's smooth as silk and (to quote you) smoking the ladies. He has IT and even Simon had to acknowledge that when he said that Ruben should win the competition!

Kimberley -- She sounded GREAT! Very reminiscent of the Frenchie Band of Gold duet that I loved so much. Just flawless. Perfection. That said...SOMEBODY BUY KIMMIE A GIRDLE! Please! Because it is MEAN to put her out there and have us paying attention to her stomach rolls instead of her voice. The stylist should be FIRED. He (or she) obviously knows nothing about dressing real women.

Joshua -- What he did was an atrocity against humanity and he should be brought up before the International War Crimes Tribunal in the Hague. But you know they won't vote him off. No, they love him and his Marine thang. Face it, people: he can be our American Hero but he CAN NOT be our American Idol. Not with that voice. Let me just quote you back to you:

"That was clearly country crackhead stumbles into a disco and gets drunk enough to request the Kool & the Gang disco anthem.  Sad defamation of a truly classic group".

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!

Oh, I would have peed my panties were they not already stuck to the TV from Ruben's performance. Josh SUCKED. S-U-C-K-E-D.

In conclusion, if things go as they SHOULD, it would be Kim Lite, Josh and Rickey in the bottom three. Let's see what happens.

Okay, I gotta go vote for Kimmie some more.

Subj: dancing queen and other Secrest admissions....
Date: 4/2/2003 12:02:26 AM Eastern Standard Time
From: Sandie
To: Shonda

Well we finally got disco. And while we so wanted to be jamming around the living room to this great era... was anyone else thinking after the first 3 performances " OH GOD PLEASE KILL ME NOW!!!!" ??? Huh? Come on admit it.

Once again I have to say that those that have it - HAD IT tonight.
But let's start with those that don't. Horrible night for these sad few:

Rickey - oh my dear sweet Nutty Performer. I fear the end has come for you. This was the worst performance I've ever seen from Rickey and believe me I LOVE me some Rickey. Smooth as butter and melting my heart on that Movie Soundtracks theme show 2 weeks ago. But with the exception of one other performance, his was possibly the most painful and longest minute and a half of the show tonight. And that's sad considering how much I don't like Madrigal girl and Kim Lite. I do love Rickey's voice and had thought he was on the road to redemption with his stellar performances of late... but alas my prediction: Huge afro, bell bottoms and bad song choice will be his undoing this week. Bottom 3, voted off.

Kim Lite - NEXT! Ugghh... same old same old. All that raggedy belting instead of actual singing just makes me tired. Paula said it too: consistently complacent. Snoozzzzee. The usual stylist issues - she wore "I think ho sells" as usual. Randy mistakenly thought it was the arrangement that he hated... hhhmm... then Paula set things straight, it was her. America take note: Wishy washy Paula Abdul never disses anyone. So when she does... something is terribly wrong. Prediction: May be in the bottom 3 again. Not voted off yet - most unfortunately. I think Rickey bought her another week. I hope I'm wrong though.

Madrigal mishap - I guess I'll actually give the girl some(not much - but some) props and call her by her name tonight: Carmen. Why? Believe it or not she didn't stand out as the worst singer tonight. Not that that says alot considering what was dancing and shimmying around that stage tonight! But I'll admit that the disco genre actually covered up her short comings and she managed to sound as if she held her own. Hhmmm... maybe I just had a stroke or something, I don't know what made say nice things about her. I guess not really nice, but a few backhanded compliments in the true Simonesque spirit of the show. Alright, so she still deserves to be called Madrigal Mishap. Prediction: In the bottom 3, not voted off - but make no mistake, I certainly think she SHOULD be!

Marine Boy - OH NO this was horrible! And don't EVEN think I'm buying the "I have a cold" thing. That was clearly country crackhead stumbles into a disco and gets drunk enough to request the Kool & the Gang disco anthem. Sad defamation of a truly classic group. Celebration will forever go down as the all time most played disco tune ever. And now we have had to suffer thru this painful rendition. Just plain ridiculous. My prediction: he SHOULD be voted off - should have been in the bottom 3 last week instead of Rickey... but unfortunately his flag appeal may be enough to carry him through another week or 2. If he's lucky he'll get the word that he's been shipped out before the show next week and he can save face!

And now let's talk about those that held up to the pressure of disco gone wrong:

Trenyce - go girl! Last week's performance had me worried, but she brought it back tonight. Not stellar, but she had her diva presence going, she finally had a good looking weave and a scary, but in character disco era outfit that only a tall, lanky diva girl like her could pull off. Excellent song choice for her voice. And in great voice tonight. Although I'll admit, I was so hoping she would go there with some Donna Summer. Prediction: she's not in danger tonight.

Ruuuubennn - woooooo is he hotter than ever. Smoking the ladies with this performance as usual. No better voice singing anything, anytime, anywhere. He wasn't stellar tonight either - I mean it was disco. But he just has IT. No doubt. Prediction: The panties were flying after the movie soundtrack show with A Whole New World, but Ruben brought a whole new side to the stage tonight. The ladies just melt over Ruben and even the men have to admit there is no better voice in the competition.

Kimberley Locke - you go too girl! The voice was belting it out the way we remember her back in the beginning of this competition. She sounded the way she did in the great Band of Gold performance with Frenchie. And don't we love this?!? One note: light colored, silky fabrics are just NOT attractive when there are a few rolls to hide. Uhhmmm... o.k. her stylist had her back on track with the hair, but where were the cuffs and mace when he/she was dressing her in that outfit???!!! Good heavens. I will say that I think she once again had on KILLER footwear though - satin lace up super high heels. If you taped it try to rewind a couple of times to get a good look. ANYWAY, they did NOT override the bad choice in fabrics! But let's just let that go. Better to move on. Prediction: she has been great the last few weeks - even the country week was good for her (and only her!). She has steadily had a good showing and hopefully this is moving her back up in the ratings. I want to see her come back and snuff the appeal of Kim Lite and Madrigal girl out!

Last but not least Clay - hhmmm I'm just not sure what to say about this performance. Yeah, he was good. Clay was everything he has been every single time we see him. Smooth, consistent, effortless, great voice. I think he just once again sounded way too out of the element (ala disco on broadway). I love his voice and I love the broadway thing about him. But I still say he's not a pop star and shouldn't be branded as one. He most certainly better be getting some records deals out of this show, cause I will be buying the CD's the minute they hit the store! Once again horrible job stylists! Pants and shirt - they were disco yes, but still hideous and ill fitting. He's too dorky for real to pull the fake look off! He looked like that geek in high school that you avoided at all costs! And this is coming from a girl who is old enough to have gone to school during the disco era and was dressed like that myself! I'm not hatin' on you Clay (or any other polyester/corduroy wearing geeks out there)! I'm just stating the facts. Don't let them do that to you baby. Prediction: he is slipping in popularity, but certainly not enough to get himself in the bottom 3. He is most certainly safe.

SO now on to the burning question of the evening: YES I do think El Debarge should have been booted from the show. BUT what up with the somber, bandana wearing El Debarge shout out footage that was allowed on the show tonight???!!?? I was NOT digging it. I mean, get real. Did we think he was going to say he did it?! Hello?! NOT! And was Frenchie allowed to say her peace?! I think not. She was just banished in a cloud of shame and wiped clean from the show's credits in the blink of an eye. Where is the justice and equality in that? Or was this the show's producers attempt to save face and make it look like they were punishing the bad, bad, hoodlum who hoodwinked them all the way to the finals? Yeah whatever. The show is already jokingly being called America's Most Wanted Idols! HAHAHAHA! Alright. My time is up.

I'm out.

sandie

From: Shonda
To: Sandie
Subject: AI breaking news

So Corey's been expelled from the show. Let's do a head count, shall we? Corey's up for assault, Frenchie was doing web porn, Jaered killed someone, and Trenyce used to shoplift.

Important Question: how come so many criminals can sing so well?

From: Shonda
To: Sandie
Subject: Corey's A Thug

Corey Clark is about to stand trial for beating up his sister. I knew there was something wrong with that boy. It was the swirling cornrows that gave him away. You can check out the facts for yourself at:

http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/coreyidol1.html

Does this mean they will boot him off? Because if they DON'T, are they suggesting that beating up a minor is LESS offensive than posing nude (a la Frenchie Davis)? That would be so wrong!