The TV Zone

You woke up this morning and sobbed into your coffee. "Oh God - NO NO NOOOOO ... Not JASON."

Honestly, I can't imagine why you feel that way, but I'm trying to be "empathetic." (I think it's a good thing to be "empathetic," don't you?)

The fact is, seriously, there are people out there who liked the Guy Who Shot The Tambourine Man (his line, and a good one, too). I liked GWSTTM; liked him a lot. Nice personality, good teeth, and I suppose if I could "dred" my hair up that way, I'd give it a try too. Jason was laid-back; I loved the way a couple weeks ago the camera caught him unawares just before an elimination, and he yawned loudly -- as if all this "Idol" business were getting in his way of a good night's sleep. (There is such thing as being too laid back, I suppose - so laid back you forgot the lyrics.)

I think he has talent but -- forgive me -- I can't vouch for it. His rendition of Leonard Cohen's "Hallelujah" was really fine, and liked his do-over of Izzy's "Over the Rainbow." But he did say it best last night -- he was the guy who shot the tambourine man.

Anyway, here's the point of this post: Jason will be fine. I did a semi-exhaustive study of contestants who have been bounced fourth from the end; it would seem an ignominious end to an "Idol" dream, but it's not. According to my semi-exhaustive study, the fourth-from-the-enders have actually fared better than the third-from-the-enders; and, of course, one fourth-from-the-ender, Chris Daughtry, has fared better than most winners.

Why is this the case? I haven't a clue, but the facts bear me out. Tamyra Gray (Season 1) got a gig with "Rent"; Joshua Gracin had and has, I believe, a reasonably successful country music career; LaToya London's had a good run in "The Color Purple" (and done a ton of other stuff); and LaKisha Jones has done fine, too (though no huge breakthrough, to speak of, that I'm aware of). Only one fourth-from-the-ender, Anthony Federov, still seems to be in the career hunt.

Third-from-the-enders? I believe the only stand-out success is Elliott Yamin; even the Best Singer in "Idol" History (By Far), Melinda Doolittle, still seems to be struggling a bit. (Jasmine Trias? Yes, I hear she's a superstar in the Philippines.)

So take heart, Jason fans. The career's just beginning. GWSTTM will be back before you know it.