As we round the final curve
Allow me a few moments of idle reflection, as the Idol season rounds the final curve. According to Ryan Seacrest, there are three more evenings before the confetti falls. Frankly, I’ve had no luck in understanding the structure this season; whatever I take away will be of little import, as the train stops here. One last hurrah, etc.
Tonight (and remember that I’m in PVR time), we followed four contestants back to their villages… the term fits because there are no city folk left in the game. Four small places, all south of that imaginary “where does the snow stop” line. In passing, we’re in an evening of snow squalls, just when it seemed that spring might be here. Another last hurrah?
Four talented individuals. One was banished to “where all Idol contenders eventually end their run”. Forgotten. The final three all offered interesting takes on songs, but for the first time I feel the dice are loaded. The critiques, from Keith Urban, J-Lo and Harry “the junior” Connick pointed the exit door for one of the three, as we prepare for what network TV wants most: a battle.
Not that any of this matters. When the songs are older than the contenders, the demographic value is clear. They want MY vote, and my eyes on the ads. One car company, no more cola. Times have changed. All the rest is window dressing. Yes, there’ll be some studio time and an album for one, but this is about packaged entertainment. For the “real” show, we have to go back to the audition tapes. Those moments, at least, qualify as a talent show.
