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American Idol: A "Yamin"-ingful Journey
Commentary by Donna Emery
May 22, 2006
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Back when the Final 12 became the finalists, I can remember thinking how wonderful it was; that Elliott had made it so far. I really love his voice, and I was happy that enough fans had heard his talent and overlooked his lack of charisma, and/or his less-than-rockstar looks. I was really just happy to see him make the finals.
And every week, I gritted my teeth and prayed he would make it just one more week. I told myself that he'd never make it to the finals; yet I wanted to enjoy his voice and see the way that he was growing in confidence and in stage presence. I was becoming a fan. It was a classic underdog story, and I was just so glad to see him outlast, and outperform, some of the people who might have seemed to be a more universally acceptable wannabe.
When Elliott made the Top Two vote getters, last week; when Chris Daughtry was inexplicably voted off the show, I began to believe that anything could happen. I was like the young boy in "Angels in the Outfield"; believing in a miracle that I dared not truly hope for. Could Elliott, who I had despaired might be sent home in each successive week, actually pull off an upset and get into the finals? Could the audience who finally tired of the highly-favored Chris do something just as unexpected; choose a man whose talent transcends his appearance?
I got that so I believed it.
So when his elimination came, last week, I was initially crushed. I had really believed in it. Really saw the possibilities. And, in my opinion, Katharine hadn't sold me. Bad enough that she scraped by, on the week when Chris was sent home. But to knock Elliott off; and by such a slim margin? It seemed all kinds of not fair.
But if I think about it, I have to admit that we really were lucky. This year, we got to see something that we usually don't get to see. American Idol is supposed to be a showcase for new, emerging talent. It is supposed to introduce us to artists that we wouldn't normally get to see. And Katharine and Taylor do NOT fit that category. If you've read my previous comments about this show, you will know that I'll be voting for Taylor nonstop, on Tuesday night. I believe he should and will win. But Taylor already had an emerging career. I think Taylor would have found a way to become a star, even without American Idol. Though I am glad that the show brought him to our attention, even sooner, I don't see that he needed this show to make him what he already was: a sure thing to succeed.
Katharine would also have found her niche. Probably not in the same way as Taylor, because her inconsistent performances show me that she needs some seasoning before she can realize her full potential. But she does have talent and beauty; she would probably have made a name for herself on Broadway, or perhaps in another way.
But I don't think that Elliott would have. No sane producer would have picked up on him. When he began the competition, he was just a guy with a fantastic voice. No stage presence; no confidence, and no shot to make it to the top. But now, he does. Now, America knows his name and knows his talent. He has fans, now. He has a chance. I pray he makes good use of it.
I am disappointed that Elliott won't be in the finals, on Tuesday. There is no question that he deserves it more that Katharine. But he has shown us, during the time that he was on the show; how far an unknown can come. How great a medium TV can be; to take an obscure performer like Elliott and transform him into a household name? And maybe that's all he will need. And maybe that's almost as good as having him win the prize. I never really thought he would win. But maybe Elliott is feeling like a winner right now. And for that, I am thankful. I look forward to watching him succeed. Because I have no doubt that he will.
Donna is a nurse and teacher, and a mother of 5. She lives in Pennsylvania and is admittedly addicted to many reality shows. You can reach her at DonnaEmery@RealityTVCalendar.com.
We Want Your Thoughts!
What do you think about Chris' elimination? Was it right? Is it fair? Does it matter to his career? Share your thoughts here.
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