Astonishing

THEN THEY WERE THREE

The challenge is getting more and more exciting. The pressure is on for the remaining three finalists to become the nest American Idol. Although I have read a lot of comments saying Siobhan and Aaron deserve the spot more than Casey James, I still want to believe that America is never wrong with their verdict. Perhaps they only want Crystal and Lee to have a face off happening this 25^th of May.

United States experience a tremendous economic fall, if you remember, November of 2008. Before Barack Obama took the stage, they were in debt, they were in a mess, they were in panic, and absolutely in remorse for what had happen to them being people the strongest nation in the world. They experienced a drastic morass of changing lifestyle. This time, they are not anymore reliant to credit cards—still reliant but not like before—they are revaluing cash [Daniel Gross/ Newsweek April 26]. My cousins are telling me that they now prefer a pay-as-you-go store instead of expensive restaurants where in you need credit cards. America learned to discern which to buy from among the needs and the wants and control instant gratification mentality. The good about America, she knows when she’s falling and knows how to solve the puzzle standing as one, perhaps symbolized by the Statue of Liberty. And every Tuesday night, America is one. One in watching American Idol. This is something real unlike Pinoy Idol which is copied and which only amassed tiny percentage from among all Filipino viewers. America is indeed one when it comes to Idol, no matter the racial roots, no matter the age, no matter the status in life. It was made evident to me by the episode “Idol Gives Back” where Barack and Michelle appeared on a VTR asking the entire American nation to give donations for impoverished America, Haiti, and Africa. From Elton John to Justin Bieber a lot of stars were there to amuse, inspire, and beg for help.

This is one prime time show which became a national activity. All must have favorites; all must have a choice; all must have a vote. Who is the next American Idol? For that question alone, Ryan Seacrest was turned into a national TV figure indexical to the making and rise of a new star. Plus, how can I forget, the comments of the judges who at the same time are there to support the finalists in their quest for discovering who they are as an artist. And for this season, may I say that Ellen simply stood out from the rest. With her funny yet witty comments comparing the idol dreamers to banana, soup, tequila and other stuffs. Randy has nothing remarkable to say but “That’s hot! Man, that’s hot!” or “Pitchy over there/ Pitchy all around/ Pitchy, a little bit pitchy.” But the word pitchy does not exist so far as my reading in musicology is concerned. The right term is either to say “Sharp”, “Flat”, or out of tune. This he needs to learn. Kara, aside from her beauty, always is delicate when it comes to song choice. She is concerned with personality and what you are going thru. Simon Cowell is always busy disagreeing with the other three. I can see he wants Crystal to win from the beginning. No matter who they are, how imperfect as a person they may be, they are the perfect judge for American Idol, the perfect set for this season and maybe for all the rest. I swear, I cannot watch AI without them.

Now Michael Lynch is out. We only have three remaining Idol wannabes on their way to becoming 9^th American Idol next to Kris Allen. In my present state, friends would say I cannot afford to see Casey not winning the title after my frustration with last May 10 election in the Philippines. But should that happen, I will be very happy still because Crystal and Lee are both extraordinary persons of extraordinary genius. Being a coach of amateur singers, I know in myself that Casey’s vocal register is not as dynamic as Lee’s. Moreover, maybe it is about time to have a woman Idol. Had David Cook and Kris Allen lost the search, Casey and Lee would be the best two for finals. However, anyone from Casey and Lee may be a picture of saturation after 2008 and 2009 male winners. Still, we cannot deny the fact that Lee on the one hand is good [I mean better] and objectively a potential winner. On the other hand, Casey captured the hearts of many young ladies including Kara DioGuardi for that matter. The fight is indeed tough. It is also tough for us to predict who will win by the end of this season. It depends on the judges. It depends to America.

A foretaste will be viewed this week. One privilege of being in the top three is that they can visit their hometown. It is a chance for viewers to see how warmly welcomed are these guys in their bailiwicks. They will get to know the finalists better. If Casey still appear as reluctant as before then I suggest that America should throw him out the game. He must seize this opportunity. But his vulnerability can always be used as aid to his guitar exhibitions and for me he still has 30% chance of being in top 2. He is the only one in great danger. Oh wrong! Until next week no one is safe. Mama Sax and Dewyze needs to outrun each other still. And next week, I am certain that America once again will be divided. They need to. This is the only way to solve a problem in need of elimination. They will be divided so that once more they will have only ONE American Idol. So if ready for the new morning, I will have to say, “Goodnight America!” Glee is next!