Randy Jackson calls Sanjaya "the smartest contestant ever", which means celebrity, not singing, is the name of the game
Watching American Idol last night it became clear that the smash-hit show has jumped the shark. I suspected it a few weeks back but didn’t want to believe it.
There was Haley Scarnato dressed like a high-end hooker; Blake Lewis sliding around on stage in a red tuxedo shirt; and most disturbing of all, Sanjaya Malakar sporting peach fuzz on his upper lip. Ugh. The performances were, for the most part disastrous. And the cheers from the studio audience were deafening.
And then it hit me. This isn’t about singing anymore. Some would argue it never was. But this season, more than any other, has been about the personalities. And in that way Sanjaya and Jordin Sparks are at the front of the pack. My disclaimer: I think Jordin should win because she’s young, hip, lively, and has a solid voice. The judge favourite, Melinda Doolittle is too old-school and I don’t see her having broad appeal.
But I digress. American Idol is no longer about nurturing talent and tossing people into the pop world. It’s become about the cult of celebrity. And like I said, Sanjaya is playing the game very well. Talking back to the judges – last week he scowled at Simon and chirped “Welcome to the Sanjaya universe.” Hubris? This guy has it in spades. And last night, judge Randy Jackson could only laugh and tell Sanjaya that he thinks he’s the smartest contestant ever. He didn’t elaborate but I took it to mean the kid is about 20% talent and 80% street smarts and that’s why he’s gotten this far.
You’ll find endless discussions about Sanjaya’s hairstyles on the web – from his fake Mohawk, more of a ponyhawk really, to the slicked back look, to the fem curls. It’s the US magazine mystique – analyze his every trait, build him up, take pictures of him pumping gas (Stars, they’re just like us) and then, tear him down.
We’re not at the tear him down part yet because Sanjaya’s still, miraculously a contestant on the show. But eventually he’ll be voted off.
And when he is – I’ll be the first in line cheering that this wannabe celeb is on his way out. And then maybe American Idol can return to its role of showcasing real, raw talent.
