Simon Cowell's famous words "You didn't make it. You did nothing wrong this week."

Judge Kara DioGuardi 's famous words "Awesome." - Fox photo

Judge Randy Jackson's famous words "Probably one of the best 16-year-olds I've ever heard." - Fox photo

Video Beat MAX - AI TOP 24 - THERE ARE REGRETS - YOU DIDN'T MAKE IT

James Loving - National Radio Text Service

AI JUDGES GOT IT WRONG? Some great singers were cut while others with lesser talent went through to the Top 24. The question is are American Idol producers manipulating the show for contestants with positive interesting stories and have abandoned searching for the best talent competing for the AI title? - AMAZING RACE IS ON!!! - A new We Are the World recording to Help Haitian earthquake victims - Recommended TV Listings

Monday February 22, 2010

WHAT'S UP WITH AMERICAN IDOL'S MANIPULATION?

When it came down to the selection of the American Idol Top 24 contestants the drama built and the most dramatic and unfair choice was set up to end the show when 16-year-old Thaddeus Johnson was eliminated.

Throughout the competition Johnson was praised for his talent. Fro the beginning when he auditioned in Dallas, Texas judge Randy Jackson said after Johnson sang, "Probably one of the best 16-year-olds I've ever heard."

When Johnson performed in Hollywood week AI host Ryan Seacrest commented, "For Thaddeus Hollywood was a week of triumphs." After the talented singer walked off the stage after singing Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror in his final Hollywood performance he had a big smile on his face looked directly into the camera and said, Ï killed it" (did a great performance). Judge Kara DioGuardi said after his performance, "Awesome."

Thaddeus' appraisal of his performance was spot on and he by far stood out as one the best singers in the competition. Given the rush through of the auditions where many who made it performances were not shown on camera. In our opinion Thaddeus was easily in the top six of all contestants. The selections included 12 girls and 12 guys to participate on the show.

When Simon Cowell informed Johnson that he didn't make it he also stated, "You did nothing wrong this week." With all of the praise that he received throughout the competition with no negative critiques the question is why was he cut? Is it because he's a large individual who has a nice jolly face but not in the handsome category? Is it because his mother was always around cheering her boy on? Being only 16 and underage contestants need to be chaperoned.

After the selections the TMZ shotgun gossip television program that is so popular in the United States had one of its paparazzi producers who covered the Top 24 leaving for a party being held for them. The producer commented about how the girls were such babes (good looking). That bought up the issue is AI going for looks as a major priority and not talent?

Angela Martin was another talented singer who appeared to get the short shaft as she performed well and better than some of those who made the top 24. It was her third try but given the improvement of he talent and improved appearance she was someone we didn't remember until AI featured her background that she's an unwed mother who has a child with a disability. After being eliminated in a previous season she was arrested for trafficking though American Idol didn't clarify trafficking for what. On the video feature Martin pointed out that since she didn't have any money to pay for bail so she spent six days in jail

When the decision making time came DioGuardi left her chair and went over to Martin caressed her and said, "You don't have to make it that way." What that meant was not made clear. Does Martin have the wrong image for American Idol?

Johnson and Martin have something in common.... THEY ARE BLACK. That also raises the question does American Idol have a quota on how many black contestants are included in the show? Are they more focused on a person's background soiling and already soiled American Idol image? Is the casting the show about looks and image over talent?

This American Idol season has started off like a dud. The production is rushed and disjointing. The addition of so called comedian Ellen DeGeneres indicates that AI has sold out its search for the beast talent for show biz glamour in hiring DeGeneres who has a ZERO background in the music business and AI is trying to spike interest in a program that has been going down hill for the past two seasons. DeGeneres doesn't fit into the music critique genre. Her critiques are largely targeted at a contestant's behavior.

Judge Kara DioGuardi has taken on a smug attitude and lost her innocent charm from last season when she tried to fit in as a fourth judge. She now comes off as a cocky know it all. Simon Cowell has toned down his verbal act and is saying less while Randy Jackson comes off as the token minority who is glad to have his job on the program.

American Idol is losing its credibility in the process of manufacturing a program of Ken and Barbie types and going away from its successful formula of focusing on the best talent available. This week the program will expand to three days. The girls will perform the first day and the boys the second. The third day is the elimination program. This is the week where the public can see if American Idol has made the right choices or are going into the toilet. Stay tuned...

AMAZING RACE IS ON!!!

A new season of The Amazing Race is on the AXN Network with the new episodes airing on Monday nights with repeats throughout the week Note the schedule below for the time and dates in your Southeast Asian area.

WE ARE THE WORLD

A new rendition of Michael Jackson's 80's composition of 'We Are the World has been released. The proceeds are to help the earthquake victims in Haiti. Barbara Streisand who is in her sixties voice stood out as stellar. Also old time Tony Bennett made an appearance as well as Jennifer Hudson who has a featured role in the song.

To download the song and contribute go to: iTunes./wearetheworld

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TV SCHEDULE

Note: The shows listed are for the Cambodia - Thailand time zone. Check your local listings for time in your area.

NOTE TIMES OF THE SAME TELECAST IN VARIOUS COUNTRIES

5:00 PM - LARRY KING - CNN - Airs daily

7:00 PM - AMAZING RACE - AXN

9:00 PM - FRONTLINE - Australia Network

10:00 PM - AMAZING RACE - AXN

10:30 PM - CLICK (Internet Technology program) - BBC

9:00 PM - UFC (ULTIMATE FIGHTING) - True Sport 2

11:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

8:00 PM - FIRST EDITION featuring Richard Keys - ESPN

11:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

6:00 PM - LOCKED UP ABROAD - National Geographic

7:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

11:00 PM - AMERICAN IDOL - Star World

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