End of the auditions
Just as the season prepares to change and give way (we’re starting to think maple syrup drips under all that snow), so must the idle world I watch. Tonight, the auditions are over and the run toward the ribbon begins on American Idol. With the report of the voting for this week, the cast of thousands is now down to an talented dozen with equal expectations.
My own personal choice for “the voice”, Carly Smithson, is safe – as are eleven others that have held their cool through the abuse of the Triumvirate. Randy, unable to drop his ambivalent remarks, especially tonight. Paula, ready to dance even when the music has stopped. Simon, (who can probably do the show by himself, while asleep and absent on vacation) ready to move on to something more challenging. We’ve gone through the heart of America, and many of those who have been “sent home” have given their 101% before returning to life in the shadows.
The part of tonight’s show that is really hard (for me) is the manner that the discards are announced. There is the flashback to those physical education classes where I waited for my place in the rotatation. High school athletics aren’t kind to those who are constantly below the weight; AI isn’t any better. I doubt that the process is useful in critical analysis terms, but it surely must keep one humble; one minute you’re in the limelight, the next you’re stumbling toward the exit.
As I mentioned, audition season is now over. For the next few weeks we’re watching kids with stars in their eyes and their running shoes tied tightly.
