Wed | May 24, 2006
idol
We don't need any more minds on American Idol-- and yet I watched the entire show yesterday. I have only seen a few episodes (if they can be called that) and only in pieces, over the numerous seasons of this show. Last night I watched, in its entirety, part 1 of 2 of the finale.
The show is a forum in which Americans can unabashedly fall for people they see on television. The title of the show captures that idea in six inspired syllables (two iambs and a trochee). But it's also about criticism, competition, and failure. What kept me riveted last night was the fact that this girl was so close to the end, to death, and yet still doing the jive.
Maybe she was just oblivious, somehow disconnected with what was happening-- with what the judges were clearly saying in the other guy's favor, and with the overwhelming support of the audience for the other guy. More likely it taps into the sports mentality that is not embedded in my own psychology, and that is therefore fascinating and unfamiliar to me-- this idea of playing as a visitor at a home game, of performing exceptionally well while most of the people in your immediate environment don't support you.
I don't think I could learn how to do that by watching, but for an hour last night, I marveled at Katherine McPhee looking great while getting clawed alive.
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