Bob's Watching Television

I’m glad this was only an hour episode of Anerican Idol because I’m still on jury duty and still have to get up early tomorrow. As a bonus, it’s less of that bitch Nicki who actually behaved better than the previous couple of nights.

No doubt pumped full of antibiotics, Megan Miller, a pageant winner with dubious priorities and an infected leg, was actually quite good. I was figuring all that backstory was a setup for a delusional wacko. All those years on the pageant stage not only paid for her higher education, they also provided education on how to be engaging and graceful under less than perfect circumstances.

Charlie Askew, a boy of uncertain pathology, certainly knew how to yell Queen. He has a good voice for community theater musicals. The judges loved his unique vocal qualities and appreciated this seemingly dark, cool, mysterious man giving him unanimous approval sending him to Hollywood. His dad shook his hand? No wonder the kid has difficulty relating to people.

Mattie Assell was nominated by her grandmother to get her shot on American Idol. Listening to her street performance, I had doubts about her abilities. Her audition validated my doubts. She tries too hard to embellish the melodies so that there’s no melody left. She had an odd, staccato-laced phrasing that I found hard to take. She certainly didn’t get that from Haley Rinehart.

Paul Jolley felt singing was his calling. I’m not so sure about that. He was certainly listenable but I could almost feel his throat constricting as he sang. He got four enthusiastic yeses from the easily pleased judges. I guess singing in tune is enough to get to the next round.

Dr. Calvin Peters should stick to medicine. He’ll make more money. He won’t have the glory or the fun though. I didn’t think he was that good. But he made it to Hollywood and when all the singers fall ill from exhaustion, he’ll be able to help out. Then three cute but ultimately interchangeable girls made it through.

Fireman, Dustin Watts sounds like a typical country singer. The judges aren’t seeming too picky. I guess they are just separating the wheat from the chaff. The fine sifting will come in Hollywood.

Burnell Taylor sang with a surprising amount of passion and conviction. He had more than a couple pitch problems but he was easier to listen to than just about everybody else tonight.