Since I have mentioned the American Idol competition off and on over the last few weeks, should note Lee DeWyze pulled off what is being called an upset win even though he had received every boost imaginable short of the producers hiring armies of college students to text vote for him. I would not put that passed them, either.I have been comparing DeWyze to Bruce Springsteen and Jon Bon Jovi, but after watching his inspired pairing with Joe Cocker, their comparison is more apt. But if the notion DeWyze was favored because he is more commercial than hippie chick Crystal Bowersox, one has to ask exactly how viable is Cocker these days? The last song I recall from him was “When the Night Comes.” That was…when? 1988? He is on the verge of becoming a cheap touring act trying to relive forty year old glory like Paul McCartney.
I suppose that is why many fans have been down on this season’s contestants and why the judges kept harping on them to be more contemporary. Even the top two finalists do not fit well into today’s music scene.
Last night’s show was the lowest rated finale yet even though it had the bonus of serving as Simon Cowell’s swan song. Maybe they should not have kept Bret Michaels’ performance a secret. He has been on a tear lately. Perhaps he should have more medical emergencies in the future. It has done wonders for his career. Speaking of, he should be given serious consideration for replacing Cowell.
I imagine American Idol’s ratings are going to continue to erode without Cowell. If nothing else, his American version of X-Factor starting in the fall of 2011 is going to mean a singing competition on FOX all season log. That does not count NBC’s America’s Got Talent. Look for mediocre talent spread really thin over the next few years.
