So here we are: another day, another elimination. We know that reality TV is ripe with drama and tension, but as always, picking the top twenty-four is filled to the brim with it. And considering this episode of Idol was full-on recap/wrench thy emotions, there wasn’t really much for us to sink our teeth into as far as the fresh and new. Still, here are some noteworthy moments:
Jacob Lusk’s reaction to making it to the top twenty-four was probably as animated as his performances. His personality screams…and not in a way that tests the limits of our ears. We hope that he doesn’t get cut early in the game — and there’s no real reason why he should. America’s going to love the life out of him….
Although Scotty McCreary’s character was in question during Hollywood week, the baby-faced (and baby-aged; this has been your friendly reminder) deep-voiced country crooner landed an admittedly deserved spot in the top twenty-four of the competition as well. It will be interesting to see how he fares during the themed weeks that incorporate a genre in which he’ll likely have to work around — that is if he makes it to the next week. Everybody’s future hangs in the balance and no one’s special until we’ve reached the end. Anyway….
For the last selection of the guys, walking the final three into the room — obvious drama — was actually pretty sad. But mostly because of Jacee Badeaux. We really wanted him to get through. Hell, we wanted everyone to get through, and while Brett’s comment on “being shining stars” or something was sweet, it still made us gag. He meant well, and he was being comforting and all — but that’s what you say when you’re going on to the next round.
Throughout the episode came the wonder of why the producers decided that placing the to-be-eliminated’s/potential-contestant’s chair so far from the judges was such a good idea. It couldn’t have merely been a separation of ‘celebrity’ and ‘commoner’; that would have been harsh. So our thought as to why the chair was placed as far away as it was boiled down to this: that if, for some reason, someone was eliminated and therefore given bad news, security would have enough time to tackle them if they lunged for the judges in some heated display of violence. But again, this isn’t a courtroom drama or The Maury Povich Show, so….
And finally, Jessica Cunningham’s camera flip-off over being the one not selected over the final two girls (fifteen-year-old Thia Megia was sent through to join the other twenty-three) was far from lady-like, but kudos to the girl for her honesty. Bursts of subdued, tear-stained anger? That’s reality TV. She auditioned seven times and was of the final two to make it to the top twenty-four. And it was her birthday. In our opinion, the flip-off was justified…and with that move she extended her fifteen minutes by at least another forty-five seconds.
We’re actually rather excited for the move to the live shows on the main stage. Next Idol will be a three-parter over three nights – showcasing the twelve guys, the twelve girls, and finally eliminating two from each to make room for the top 20.
See ya this side of the tube!