"American Idol:" The Ones to Beat
Before I get to the meat of this quick blog, one quick observation about last night's "Idols" women edition: Wow. They're all, or mostly all, damn good. You can whine or moan or wheeze or blow about "style" or "pitch" or whatever, but still - wow. This is probably the best "Idol" crew in memory - an infinite improvement over last season. I could easily add a couple asterisks to this assessment - yeah, there were some weak performances, but nothing horrendous. 
But let's get to this other observation: The Ones To Beat? They'll be beaten. (By the way, please check out the comments - I got some smart and thoughtful reactions to this blog, and you may well agree with them...)
I am amused by Simon's glowing tributes the last two nights to David Archuleta and Carly Smithson. You're the ones to beat! His direct quote re: Carly: "I don't think the other girls can touch you..."
But comments like this consign the recipient to...well, you know what. An exit.
Here's why. First, forget that these two contestants are in fact marvelous - they're SUPPOSED to be, as part of "Idol's" concerted effort to avoid dogs making it into the final rounds (as has happened too frequently in recent years.) They are top notch...they are budding pros...Smithson (as you all know) WAS a pro...and Archie is so good he could have easily taken the traditional route of agent/to-role-on-"iCarly" (or one of those shows)/to record deal.
We call that the Ashley Tisdale route.
But here's the thing, friends. When You're the One To Beat, you're the one people ultimately don't end up voting for. They assume you've already GOT the vote, so why bother?
We call this The Melinda Doolittle Syndrome.
She was the greatest singer in "Idol" history, by far. She was indeed the Great One.
Where O' where is Mel now?
Here's my choice of the one to beat: Brooke White.
But what do I know.
(Above, Brooke White, the real one to beat?)
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Comments (7)
David Archuleta was the winner of Star Search. He has been on this path for the past four years. He was brought to meet Kelly Clarkson after her win. That is why he is on the show, they spotted him 4 years ago and have had him in mind to be their winner.
Being the "one to beat" is not a curse for an early exit - quite the opposite. Kelly and Carrie were the only other contestants that fell into that category in their seasons and were never in the bottom 2, and their mystical superstardom was clear right away, sort of like David, which I think made them the most successful post-idol as well. The problem with melinda (who was my favorite as well) is that she didn't come across as young and commercial and she wasn't considered a CLEAR winner (Best singer? Yes! Clear favorite? No!). The other quality that one needs to conquer Idol is a sweet personality and grateful attitude. This is what hampered Daughtry, although he wasn't a clear pick either.
David and Carly are awesome! I hope to see them in the next version of American Idol Talent Challenge -- check it out if you don't already have one: http://techtogo.com/
But Carrie was the "one to beat" from right off the bat. And that did not hurt her. As was Taylor Hicks, as was Ruben Studdard and Fantasia Barrino. We have to ask ourselves what separates the Melinda's from the Fantasias? The key is personality. No offense, but Melinda had no personality, and had no solid fan base. She was a great vocalist, but she lacks the spark. David A. in my opinion has the best fanbase - little girls and old women. Yea, and probably the gays too. That's a huge fanbase, and so even if only 50% of his fanbase votes, he'll still win.
melinda Doolittle still the best singer. She did releases her first song on i Tunes My Funny Valentine. new version. She is amazing, Also will released her first album June of 2008.
Melinda doing really great. If you want to listen at the third blog radio talk she have with her backups (Fans) www.melindafan.net and also you can join us to support her in her new career. She is amazing
Good news for you Melinda Doolittle fans! She’s set to release her debut album titled, Coming Back to You on Hi-Fi Recordings in January 09. Produced by Grammy-nominated producer Mike Mangini (Joss Stone, Run DMC, The Jonas Brothers), Coming Back to You was recorded with a team of live musicians in Nashville and New York City.
The first single, “It’s Your Love” will be released to radio in October.
UPCOMING SHOW: 10/19/2008 3:00 PM
Host Name Tyler Graves
Show Name Moments With Melinda - Show 4
Show Length 1 Hour
Show Description In this episode of Moments With Melinda, Melinda will discuss her new single "It's Your Love" as well as her upcoming debut CD! Fan calls will be accepted
Call-in Number: (646) 716-9978
If you want more info www.melindasbackups.com