IDOL

Let's talk about American Idol.

I have a little test to do during each singer: close your eyes for a bit, and listen without them bouncing around on the stage smiling for the cameras. Because if you actually watch, it's basically the Main Stage at your local Gay Pride festival. But it's actually alright this season. For instance:

David Archuleta? Very cute little kid. Close your eyes, he's still good. Okay, that was easy. NEXT--

The guy with the dreadlocks? Beautiful. Those eyes into the camera stare right through you. But close your eyes, and you notice his snarly, edged voice, which is very compelling. He just needs to not sing these quasi-folk songs all the time, it will get really boring reeeeally fast. You can tell, that voice of his...if he lets go, he can really wail. So yes, he's in.

Danny Noriega? Absolutely ridiculous to watch. He thinks he's Christy Turlington up there. But close your eyes, and he can sing, he does it right where Sanjaya had it all wrong. I agree with what Randy said--he needs to havesome confidence, take a breath and let it out, instead of overcompensating with his chariacture of what he thinks is sexy, with the skinny girl jeans and the purple hair extensions and all that stupid crap. If he just sings, he'd be great.

David Cook--no, I don't get him. He's the same guy who performs in every bar in Kansas City that I've ever been to, screaming into the microphone with his hyper-vibrato voice. Boring. And those STUPID muggy smiles for the camera don't help.

David Hernandez--Simon only said he liked David because he knows everyone is going to vote for him based on his I-give-naked-gay-lapdances-to-other-dudes past. So Simon needs to sound like he knows what he's talking about. But blech, that Celine Dion song was like fingernails on a chalkboard.

And PS, I'm still annoyed that Alexandrea is gone. I loved her. I really think, and I mean this, that the only reason she's gone is because she's black. Had she given the exact same performance, but been white, people would have "gotten it" more. I loved her. I'm just sayin'.

Comments

[Amy]

David Cook makes me feel like I have to take a shower, and not in a good way. Ick.

[tdcope]

What about, my dear Daniel......Michael Johns???? That smoldering chap who has a rather delicious psuedo-Michael Hutchence thing going on, with just a hint of Jim Morrison and finishes with a crisp acidity that is Eddie Vetter. Or perhaps I just had too much wine.

[Liz]

Please, I'm still upset that Joanne went home! The only reason she went home is because she's not a size 3. Loved her.

[Yummsh]

I really wish people would get over Archuleta already. If all he's going to do all season is sing sad-ass ballads about homeless people, I pass.

[thismomentnow]

I couldn't agree with you more on Danny Noriega. I find his personality endearing, but I know a lot of people do not. And, I think it does actually detract from his strong singing abilities--we are so overwhelmed by this flamboyant kid's personality that we fail to recognize his talent.
On to Archuletta--and I know this comment could make me look like a jerk, but. . .
I agree that he is really cute, and very talented. I understand he has had some medical problem with his vocal cords. But, am I the only one that finds those deep breathy inhalations a bit annoying. That's cold, I know.

[Margie]

Dan,
I disagree about Alexandrea being kicked off because she is black. Um, she was terrible. Chicago? Really? No one can do Peter Cetera. I still think David needs to get the boot because of his past. If Frenchie was kicked of because of her titties then David should leave too. What, AI grew up? Please.

[Yummsh]

David Hernandez doesn't need to go anywhere. We just gave an Oscar to an ex-stripper, for chrissakes.

[Barb]

I liked Alexandrea also. But Idol just isn't going to be as much fun without Danny. Asia'h came across too Stepford to me. Too happy-happy-joy-joy. It was disturbing.

[Barb]

PS: I absolutely LOVE your banner. Windy doggie ears...

[Hephaestion]

I agree with all of Dan's comments on the AI contestants.

I think David Archuleta is just stupendous and I can't wait to start buying his CDs, and I think I may have to buy Jason the dredlocks kid's CDs as well.

I was relieved to see Danny Noriega go, though, and I kind of hate myself for my reason why: As a gay man, I recognized that "I'm gonna zap you before you get a chance to zap me for being gay" chip that he had on his shoulder every time he stepped on stage. At his age, that stance is almost inevitable if you come out as early as he did. But he always looked like he was poised to do war and that was not a calm, relaxing stance. When selling a song, you can't have that stance. You just CAN'T. So I hope he grows up, gets some self-confidence, and then comes on stage in a few years without the chip on his shoulder.

David Archuleta and David Hernandez seem to be the only remaining gay male contestants.

[Glenn C]

I've been watching Big Brother for Joshua but this season intrigues me. I heard that a few weeks ago one of the contestants sang, "It's A Heartache" by my Bonnie Tyler. Why didn't anybody tell me about this??? Why??? :(

[Green]

If I still lived in Florida I'd totally invite you over to watch AI with me. If you're ever in SF ...