Ryan Seacrest to Idol Producers: “Hey guys, I’m thinking this formula for selecting the season’s participants is getting a little boring. Played out, if you will. We need some more pizzaz on the final selection.”
Producers: “Whaddya mean?”
Seacrest: “Well, it’s just gotten so Hallmark. Where are the tears? The emotion? The true sense of competition.”
Producer: “Mmm hmm. Yes, I see what you’re saying. Contestants have gotten lazy and we need real DRAMA.”
Seacrest: “Think Maximus versus the lion in Gladiator.”
And, in my mind, this was the conversation that bore forth the plan to pit two scared, hopeful Idol contestants against each other.
ARE YOU NOT ENTERTAINED!?!!?!!
“Sing for your life,” Simon said. And, there’s your drama, Seacrest. Soak it up.
I really loved how Seacrest set up the head-to-head sing-offs like a last minute decision. “Oh gosh guys you were all just so good, we had no choice but to pit you against each other, wearing nothing but metal loin cloths, so we could really see what you’re made of.”
The whole situation was uncomfortable, but not unexpected after 7 seasons of the same schtick. It’s just like The Donald and The Apprentice–when regular professionals didn’t have enough shock/entertainment value, he created Celebrity Apprentice.
Man-to-man sing-fighting aside, I’m mainly disappointed that Jamar Rogers got the shaft, and quitter mcquitterson Ju’Not Joyner made it along with the sparkly shirt guy with an identity crises (and obviously, crazy mccrazerson Tatiana). Feels like this season is more about the ratings than any of the previous seasons…such a bummer. It’s less and less about finding a new American Idol, and more and more about getting people to watch the show at any cost.
Right now, I’m cheering for Danny Gokey. What about you?
Shanee Ben-Zur 
Same here – I’m all for Gokey; and you’re right this ‘sing for your life’ crap was ridiculous. Idol shouldn’t change their way of doing things to fit in with ‘reality’ TV – it should be the other way around. Oh and yeah let’s keep Tatiana but get rid of Jamar? What’s up with that?
Thanks for the comment! I really hope America gets Tatiana off ASAP. She’s a slap in the face for all the really talented people who won’t have a chance to compete this year.
Um, why dont you just FINALLY go and audition? Seriously! If I had to pit you against Tatiana and fake drama, I know who would be better TV!! I want Shanee vs. Anoop. Lol
I can’t stand the “sing-for-your-life” tripe! In fact, these “big” changes designed to spice things up all seem to have a whiff of desperation don’t you think. I do like Danny and think he’ll go far. I’m a little bitter that his friend Jamar was cut…although given some of the changes, I wonder if we might not see him again in the very near future (or, maybe that’s just wishful thinking on my part).