WP: We Get the (American) Idols We Deserve

[DeepModem Mom]

We Get the Idols We Deserve
By Robin Givhan
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, May 12, 2006; Page C02

The departure of rocker Chris Daughtry from "American Idol" means that the squishy middle has won once again. Daughtry was voted off the show this week, leaving behind three uninspired performers who may appeal to the masses but lack any distinctive personal style.

After weeks of patiently watching, obsessing and praying for Elliott Yamin, Katharine McPhee and Taylor Hicks to reveal some sense of personal aesthetics, there has been nothing but disappointment. McPhee lacks zest and stage presence and the capacity to distinguish style from an assemblage of unedited trends. Yamin and Hicks lack Daughtry's supremely fine bald head and ability to wear a thick, macho wallet chain and not look as though he should be bicycling across K Street making a super-rush delivery.

Daughtry glared. He glowered. He did the rock-star growl during which he looked to be at risk of popping his jugular. He wore cool shades. Oh sure, he was cocky. But he should have been. He was the best. America, have you no soul?...

***

Daughtry had a cocksure style that might have irritated some voters. But he was the only contestant who seemed to understand that a pop idol needs an indelible image, swagger and self-confidence. While successful pop singers often have imperfect voices, they have something else that makes up the difference: a look, a sensibility, a point of view. They know who they are and they know how to communicate that in songs and through their stage images.

It may be that Daughtry was done in by the system. To attract voters, the contestants must be desperately humble. Aw shucks, pick me! Love me! They must display a freeze-frame grin for the camera and then flail their fingers around like they're practicing Chisanbop to remind viewers of which number to call to cast their vote. Winning "American Idol" requires the perfect balance of mediocrity and humility. The better the voice, the style, the package, the more self-effacing the performer must be. Whoever heard of a humble rocker? Daughtry was doomed....

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/11/AR2006051102135.html

[babylonsister]

1. Opinions are like assholes, we all have them. nt

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

2. He Was Really Good, And Probably My Favorite Of All 5 Seasons.

But he'll be the frontman for fuel, so this will work out well for him.

[yellerpup]

3. Olbermann reported this evening that Chris signed

to sing for Fuel, which disqualified him from American Idol (if you win they take a HUGE bite of your future, I've heard). They didn't want to disqualify him so they had him "voted" off. Interesting. KO hated reporting the story, carped about it but promo-ed it all throughout his show.