May

24

No They Didn’t…American Idol Racism

Filed Under American Idol, Black/African American Issues, International Racism, Race and Racism, Uncategorized | 53 Comments

Update: I posted this yesterday, but now I’ve got pictures.? So I’m watching the American Idol finale, and I generally like the show (blogged about it last year each week), but they just had the worst performance most stereotypical costumes.? They had an group called the African Children’s Choir, and they dressed the kids in costumes that looked like animal skins with leopard print head bands.? (I think they were barefoot, too, but I’ll have to double check.)?

They should have let the kids wear what they would normally wear, but instead they decided to sell? the colonial fantasy of Africans being “animal like natives.”? ? I have never met an African from any country who dressed like that.

The kids were really good singers; I am not one to put them down at all.? ? However, the fool? who decided that the African kids should be dressed like “natives” needs to have their butt fired.

If anyone can help me find a picture, I need to post it, so you can see the stupidity.? Hopefully, there will be pictures I can find tomorrow.

s-choir.jpg

First, we have how the kids normally dress.? Found it on line.

s-choir-american-idol.jpg

Then we have how they were dresses on American Idol.

May

25

And the American Idol winner is………

Filed Under American Idol, Pop Culture, Uncategorized | 10 Comments

Taylor HicksTaylor Hicks.? I guess it’ no real surprise.? Katharine has been in the bottom on several occasions.? I have to say American Idol put on a real extravaganza tonight.? They rolled out the read carpet for Meatloaf, Dionne Warwick, Toni Braxton, mary J. Blige, and PRINCE.? Yes, I was shocked to see Prince.? This really shows how much influence this show is having on pop music when you have big time performers like this willing to perform on the show.

Here are a Bunch-O-Links (All American Idol Edition)

1. Heres an excellent story on American Idol from NPR (National Public Radio). Critic Jody Rosen says American Idol is good for pop music.? I agree.? A few years back–in the Brittany Spears era pop was so pre-packaged and image based.? Look at the American Idol winners–you have a less than thin borwn haired White woman (I know she is very thin now, but she was not as thin back then), an overweight Black man, a Black woman who was a single teen mother, and a Carrie Underwood, who I think probably fits the country pop mold.? Now we have a premature graying 29 year old, who sings the music of 40 years ago.? I think Fantasia, Ruben, Kelly, and Carrie were the best singers in their years.? I actually think Taylor was not the best singer this year–that would go to Mandisa, but I get the distinct, impression that people were voting based on his personality.

2. I also got to read this link about how race affects the American Idol competition.? I think race does influence who wins the show, but I personally think American Idol is one of the least racist shows on TV.

3. Here are two essays over at Blackprof.com–this one by Paul Butler? and Sherrilyn Ifill? ? ?

May

23

American Idol Finals–Taylor Hicks v. Katharine McPhee

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So it is the final show.? Here is my review:

Katharine McPhee Black Horse in a Cherry Tree by ? KT Tunsall Somewhere Over the Rainbow Her original song was called With You

Ok, the Black Horse song doesnt quite get it for me, but she sang it nicely. ? I agree with Simon it wasnt the best song.? Now Somewhere Over the Rainbow was fabulous.? That is the perfect song for her. ? Once again I agree with Simon that is the best song for her.? (unrelatedI love her clothing choices.? Especially the yellow dress from a few weeks ago.)? The original song sucked. ? She sang it well, but the song is a little boring.? Come on now you cant just bring out a pseudo-gospel choir and think the song is going to be good.

Taylor Hicks Livin For the City by Stevie Wonder Leave On by Elton John His original song was Do I Make You ProudTaylor really got the crowd hyped up with the first.? I loved the second songit gave me chills.? I really like that song, but I like it even better in Taylors southern accent. ? Ok, so Taylors song was a little better than Katharines, but it did start out really slow. ? Ok, here goes the pseudo-gospel choir again.? I guess it works a little better with Taylor.? Judging by the audience response, and Simon, it sounds like Taylor has the leg up.

Im rooting for Taylor.? I think his advantage is that he is much better able to inspire people. ? I have to admit that the fact that he is such an underdog is why I like him. ? If you remember, Simon didnt even want to let him out of the first round in part because of his look. ? Of course, the other big reason Taylor has an advantage is because he is a southerner.no northerner or westerner has ever one American Idol. ? Only southerners have won the competition.? In fact, the state of Alabama has three contestants in the finalsRueben Studdard, Bo Bice, and Taylor Hicks (admittedly three of my favorite Idol contestants.).? I guess well see who the winner is tomorrow.

BTW–Carrie Underwood just won the song of the year on the country music awards.? Idol does seem to be turning out a few stars.

May

17

American Idol Results

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Elliott Yamin is voted off American Idol.? He did much better than I expected he would.? (And I liked his look much better before the stylists got a hold of him.? LOL!!)

So next week I’m rooting for Taylor Hicks to be the Idol champ.? I definitely would purchase an album by him.

May

16

American Idol Top 3

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Elliott Yamin Open Arms by Journey What You Wont Do for Love by Booby Caldwell I Believe to My Soul by Ray Charles Open Arms was the perfect song for Elliott. Of course, when you have Clive Davis picking your songs you cant go wrong. I agree with Randy and Simon. Elliott needs to let go and take a risk. His second song was much better. I thought that the third song was good, but not quite the right style for Elliott.

Katharine McPhee I Believe I Fly by R. Kelly Somewhere Over the Rainbow I Aint Got Nothin But the Blues by She was really dragging through the song. They needed to speed up the tempo a little. When she finally got into it, it felt contrived. I didnt like it. Somewhere Over the Rainbow was really good. She made it her own. If she can pull off another performance like that; she could be heading to the next round. Her last performance was so so. It is very hard to duplicate Ella Fitzgerald.

Taylor Hicks Dancin in the Dark by Bruce Springsteen You Are So Beautiful by Joe Cocker Try A Little Tenderness by Otis Redding I guess this is the first Springsteen song to be performed on the song. I liked the beginning, but he fell off a little at the end. He is such a good showman. Im glad he did a Joe Cocker song. Hes been channeling Joe Cocker throughout the whole competition. It was really good. I think the old school R&B, Soul, Gospel genre is his best. His last song needs to be uptempo. He did it; the third song was more uptempo, and it allowed him to get the crowd into it. I really liked it, so did the crowd. Im having real trouble with a prediction for next week, but it is safe to say that Taylor Hicks will be back. Im kind of routing for a Taylor and Elliott Yamin final. Katharine is a little typical for me. Shes a very good singer, but I think shes not unique.