Slarty's World

So Hicks won American Idol. I figured this would happen, particularly between McPhee and Hicks. What I thought was really apparent in last night’s show was that Hicks is really one of the weaker singers of the finalists. He survived and won based on his stage presence. McPhee was a better singer, but she looked like she was going to have a nervous breakdown after every review session. There is a whole list of girls that were better: Lisa, Paris, Mandissa; and an equally long list of boys: Chris, Elliot, even Bucky. But in the end, all that matters is that Hicks was the most entertaining. Even if he can’t sing.

Reminds me of when I have performed in light operas, there were always sopranos that felt that they should be the lead because they can sing better. They may have had the skills, but they probably did not have the presence.

Just a quick note about Idol. I should have posted about Chris being voted off last week, but I was irritated by the affair and did not know what to think of it. But after watching this week’s show, I have come to peace with it. Taylor Hicks will probably win the deal, not because he has the most singing talent or potential, just because he is the best entertainer for the audience of American Idol. The fact that I think he is merely an entertaining guy singing the same song over and over, just means that I don’t identify with the core voting audience of Idol. It also means that most likely, the core voting audience of Idol needs their musicology intelligence increased.

What I have enjoyed about the last few Idol episodes is seeing how the various folks handle the pressure. Katherine McPhee has nearly broken down in the past 2 episodes, evidenced by very unsure performances and negative judge feedback. It is interesting to me to watch how being able to handle the pressure and being confident in your singing ability relates to how soon you get booted. The only reason she has survived as long as she has is that she has a certain aesthetic appeal. Which when she giggles evaporates faster than a Gin and Tonic on a hot summer night.