American Idol 2020 and Beyond

Parents Forum Parent Cafe
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I haven’t watched American Idol in a few years since they “ended”. We watched religiously when the kids were growing up. But a friend encouraged me to watch the show last night that was a reunion of sorts.

I will say 20 years of “reunion” in one hour is a little difficult. And it was a shame to have many past Idols there but all we got was a quick audience scan of them - would have at least liked 5 seconds intro/screen time of each of them!

That said, sending my Randy Jackson “props” to Jordin Sparks and Ruben who both sounded and looked GREAT. Glad to see Ruben looking good.

David Cook was always my FAV Idol contestant/winner. Just a great guy. Always gives credit to the show for launching his career. And I have to say LOVED his and Kris Allen’s performance. Additionally, Kris Allen with long hair…omg, I thought he was so good looking even though I’m old enough to probably be his mother!

Fun night. Just wanted more. Some of the newer Idols I know nothing about - and I’m ok with that.

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The “previously recorded” tag under Laine Hardy was a lame attempt by AI to address the drama.

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143

I didn’t notice that but did have a :thinking:moment when he performed.

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what drama?

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Oh! I thought the previously recorded thing referred to some singing drama, like he was caught lip-syncing. Yikes. What a jerk.

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Ugh! Honestly never liked him and his second go-round always felt fake and forced. I hope they throw the book at him.

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I agree- throw the book at him. Creepy! I found last night’s show interesting. Hard to believe it’s been 20 years! I agree about how good Ruben and Jordin were and looked last night. Almost didn’t recognize Justin Guarini! I always had a soft spot in my heart for him b/c his father (Eldrin Bell, who was not without controversy but still…) was the police chief in Atlanta when he was on. Hard to believe he’s 43 and has 3 kids now!

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Finished the finale. The winner. Really? Meh. There were substantially better performers all season long. Oh well.

Of course I’ll check out next season.

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Rightly or wrongly, Idol has a reputation for rewarding WGWG’s (White Guy with Guitar). Noah Thompson is in the company of David Cook, Kris Allen, Lee DeWyze, Scotty McCreery, and Phillip Phillips. Some have found post-Idol fame; others are relegated to the dustbin of history.

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And of course some who placed well but didn’t win, have done well.

I think Huntergirl will do just fine. I wonder if the glamour and sparkly clothes actually hurt her.

I really liked Leah Marlene, especially when she sang quietly and her well-hidden sadness came through.

I wonder if young females form a large percentage of the voting public. (Remember Laine Hardy?)

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Yeah. You can’t cry tears for Jennifer Hudson, Chris Daughtry, Adam Lambert, amongst many others.

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No idea if there are more recent analyses, but when it was on FOX, which skews older anyway plus had 4 time zones voting (yes, I know there are ways for the West to view live, but no idea how many actually do), over half we’re between 35 and 64, 15% under 17.

https://www.reuters.com/article/us-idol/average-idol-voter-casts-38-ballots-by-text-idUSN1642797120080516

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Interesting…not young women…but women vote more. Makes sense looking at results.

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I blocked that fact out. So true.

I knew “country” was going to win this season right from the start. I’m not sure this Noah guy is up for the ride, that’s all.

I think Leah Marlene and Huntergirl will both embrace the spotlight and do well. I’m still in awe at how young they are.

AI is an incredible platform and opportunity for many young artists to be seen and heard. I wish wonderful things for the top 20!

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I complain about this all the time. I think out of the last 11 years, 8 winners were WGWG. I would’ve guessed it was young girls voting, so it’s interesting to read it’s older women.
I knew Noah was going to win. He was my third place choice. I thought both Huntergirl and Leah were better.

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How sad. I really enjoyed his performances

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Oh, that’s such a sad story. :broken_heart:

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One of my all time favorites and such a sweet man. This is terrible news.

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Ditto. So sad.