# American Idol 4/26 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [April 26, 2005, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161 "2005-04-26T15:18:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 15
**Author:** ![Good\_Egg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/96bed5/32.png) [@Good\_Egg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Good_Egg)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 1:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/281 "2005-04-29T01:27:13Z")
Do not cross the fat lobby. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/282 "2005-04-29T01:29:09Z")
> [@Gamaliel](#): > > I bet next time they get someone with a criminal record they’re kicking him off right away. [You mean Bo?](http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0427051_bo_bice_american_idol_1.html) ---
**Author:** ![Good\_Egg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/96bed5/32.png) [@Good\_Egg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Good_Egg)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/283 "2005-04-29T01:29:12Z")
This morn, our local news interviewed Con; still in Hollywood. He said his band (with him, I presume) will be touring and hitting out town this summer. I’m almost tempted to go. ---
**Author:** ![Jaade](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/dfb087/32.png) [@Jaade](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jaade)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/284 "2005-04-29T03:14:09Z")
> [@Duckster](#): > > [You mean Bo?](http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/0427051_bo_bice_american_idol_1.html) psst…post 267. ---
**Author:** ![Rilchiam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/2bfe46/32.png) [@Rilchiam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rilchiam)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 3:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/285 "2005-04-29T03:26:48Z")
I don’t think the Smoking Gun report will hurt Bo, or not much, anyway. Now, if it was A-Fed or Carrie, that would be Armageddon, because both of them have such innocent, squeaky-clean images. Vonzell would be hurt by it, but since she doesn’t have much of an image beyond “Oh, she’s so cute!” it would be difficult to say if it contributed to her being voted off. And if it was Scott, that would be the final nail—a thug **and** a drug user? Cleveland: “We don’t know this guy!” But Bo has already alluded to this, saying he doesn’t remember the '90s. And unlike Scott, he committed a victimless crime. Plus, it’s not really a criminal **record** , as such: he went through a treatment program in order to keep his record **clean**. (For all the good it did.) So that leaves us with…a guy who was in a band and smoked up! Big wow. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 3:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/286 "2005-04-29T03:32:39Z")
I don’t think the Bo bust is any big deal. The charges were dismissed and it’s not exactly shocking to finding out that he might have done drugs. If he had a more clean cut image it might hurt him but come on…he’s the “rocker.” If anything it just adds to his credibility. Violent crimes – especially violence against women – is a lot harder to overlook. I think people will just shrug at the Bo revelations. It doesn’t really alter his established image. ---
**Author:** ![Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/e99b99/32.png) [@Diogenes\_the\_Cynic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Diogenes_the_Cynic)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 3:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/287 "2005-04-29T03:36:40Z")
Actually, I think it would be more surprising if a guy like Bo, who’s been playing in rock bands since he like in 2nd grade or something, had _not_ ever smoked a little weed or had a toot. ---
**Author:** ![DKW](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dkw/32/3118_2.png) [@DKW](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DKW)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 8:36am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/288 "2005-04-29T08:36:05Z")
Wile E - Why would it be too complicated? Maybe it’d take a little more time, but anyone who can sit through 30+ minutes of commercials certainly isn’t lacking for it. I think 8 is reasonable. Certainly 3 shouldn’t be any trouble at all. Whatever, I just want it so the winner is the one with the most _overall_ appeal, not the one who managed to avoid stinking up the joint the most every time. That way nobody can tread water with bland performances for the first few weeks, and one off night isn’t instantly fatal (didn’t this happen in the first season, this one person, black, female, actually had a chance, but slipped up when they were down to 3?). psychobunny - This might’ve been a bad idea for Big Brother (I can’t really say, inasmuch as the entire concept was so flawed that it was probably beyond saving), but there’s no reason it couldn’t work for American Idol. Remember, the winner is supposed to be someone who’s going to sell music. Expecting a certain level of likability and tact isn’t too much to ask. If this were, say, a punk rock competition, yeah, I could see the problem, but asking someone who’ll be sold to the American vanilla mainstream market to act vanilla ainstream is perfectly acceptable. I’d still prefer a one-time overall ranking based on everyone’s total performance, (with maybe a cut or two along the way to weed out the really hopeless cases). everybody - Frankly, from what I’ve seen, it looks like Scott is just going through the motions at this point. He’s gotta know that even if by some incredible miracle he outlasts Bo, Vonzell, and Anthony, his professional singing career will be about as successful as Rob & Fab’s. Because of this, it’s tough for me to muster up any real hostility aganst him. Remember, as long as there’s no prize for second place, it doesn’t matter how long it takes him to get sent packing. Just so long as it happens. (And of course, he already wrapped up that tour thing a long time ago. 😃 ) ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 8:52am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/289 "2005-04-29T08:52:17Z")
> [@Gamaliel](#): > > I bet next time they get someone with a criminal record they’re kicking him off right away. > > The only thing that could make the rest of this season watchable is if this is the tipping point, like last year’s dustup when Jennifer Hudson went before John Stevens. Hopefully people will stop assuming everyone good is safe and decide it is Scott’s time to go. > > Utterly fucking absurd. He’s this year’s Jasmine and he’s not even pretty. ☹ Actually, Carrie is closer to being this year’s Jasmine, if you judge by what kind of contestant we’re talking about. Scott is … I dunno. He’s a big mutant pumpkin baby, but he doesn’t have the mix of big voice & teeny cute that Jasmine had. The tipping point I worry about is that a lot of people may have given up. AI had a good field this year, but a lot of the good singers are gone now. (As are most of those with fashion sense. 😛 ) Seriously fannish viewers may be letting it slide. I stopped mega-power-voting when Nadia left. The “vote for the worst” contigent may have more pull than the rest of us now. But maybe not. Check out these quotes from the above-linked petition: > [@](#): > > _21479. Krh_ > The phone lines were not working correctly in my area. I did not get the normal busy signal or the AI message thanking me for voting, but instead a message from Verizon that my call could not be completed. I tried for two straight hours and got through 15 times. If AI is going to have a recount once because of a screw-up, they should be fair to ALL contestants and do it every time. It’s not fair to any of the contestants when this happens. > [@](#): > > _21488. Donna Sindle_ > Scott pled guilty to a lesser charge - he’s still guilty. Constantine wasn’t my favorite, but there is absolutely NO way he was voted off. I’m sure it has to do with Betty’s record deal. > [@](#): > > 1. Charlie FOX…THE PHONE LINES FOR CONSTANTINE WERE NOT WORKING AT THE TIME OF VOTING ON LAST WEEKS SHOW. Who the h?ll wants this Scot Soval to win. He is such a jerk!!! ---
**Author:** ![foolsguinea](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/foolsguinea/32/14751_2.png) [@foolsguinea](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/foolsguinea)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 8:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/290 "2005-04-29T08:59:34Z")
Um, I need to finish that thought. With so many really good voices/performers gone, there’s a disheartening effect. Last year, when Jon Peter Lewis left, or George Huff, it was like, “Okay, it’s time,” & they weren’t that impressive anyway. And I never expected Jennifer Hudson to win. But Nadia, Nikko & Constantine were a cut above most of the finalists in previous years. Anwar’s warble was annoying, but he brightened the place up visually. It hurts more. Just my feeling. ---
**Author:** ![kaylasdad99](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kaylasdad99/32/3398_2.png) [@kaylasdad99](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kaylasdad99)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 3:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/291 "2005-04-29T15:59:38Z")
> [@Biggirl](#): > > [The latest I can find show Paula still “upset about the speculation.”](http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/tv_and_radio/4494299.stm) > She released a statement in which she refers to herself in the third person. > > > [@](#): > > > > Originally Posted by BBC NEWS > > “Paula Abdul will not dignify the false statements made by Corey Clark with a response,” her statement said. > > Or maybe BBC News just writes funny. The statement was issued by her publicist, not by Paula. At least, according to the newspaper I read it in. ---
**Author:** ![KAndre](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/5f8ce5/32.png) [@KAndre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/KAndre)\ **Post date:** [April 29, 2005, 6:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/292 "2005-04-29T18:41:47Z")
Because I am annoyed that I didn’t particularly like Smeagol (though he entertained me with \*Bohemian Rhapsody \* and _I Think I Love You_) but was actually shocked that Scott wasn’t even in the bottom three, I had to go looking for numbers: Runner up AI2/Clay Aiken - Measure of a Man - 2,695,203 - released 14 October 2003 Winner AI1/Kelly Clarkson - Thankful - 2,158,106 - released 15 April 2003 Winner AI2/Ruben Studdard - Soulful - 1,769,039 - released 9 December 2003 Winner AI1/Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway - 1,817,700 - released 30 November 2004 Winner AI3/Fantasia - Free Yourself - 1,272,100 - released 23 November 2004 Runner up AI2/Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love - 1,009,294 - released 16 November 2004 Winner AI2/Ruben Studdard - I Need an Angel - 388,200 - released 23 November 2004 4th Place AI2/Josh Gracin - Josh Gracin - 369,800 - released 15 June 2004 3rd Place AI2/Kimberly Locke - One Love - 201,801 - released 4 May 2004 Uh…never actually placed/William Hung - Inspiration - 189,563 Runner up AI3/Diana Degarmo - Blue Skies - 143,511 Runner up AI1/Justin Guarini - Justin Guarini - 141,987 4th Place AI1/Tamyra Gray - Dreamer - 119,826 - released 25 May 2004 No, really…he was some kind of a joke/William Hung - Hung for the Holidays – 29,189 5th Place AI1/R J Helton - Real Life - 20,892 Would sales of 100K be considered good? What would one of the kids make if they sold 100K? In any case, finishing in the top four seems to be what you want to do - I think Connie and Anthony should have been battling out for that fourth spot. ---
**Author:** ![Liberal](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/848f3c/32.png) [@Liberal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Liberal)\ **Post date:** [April 30, 2005, 6:59pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/293 "2005-04-30T18:59:10Z")
> [@Good Egg](#): > > Except that cricetus’post was NOT religious NOR political. Neither was mine. He mentioned both in his post: “I’m not trying to put my finger on the pulse of why America has crummy taste in **religion, presidents** , and television,” which was all I had done — mention them in passing to help make a point. He just didn’t like the point I made and decided to Pit me for it without bothering to open a Pit thread. > [@](#): > > Some people have differing tastes. That is all. That’s the point I was making. A lot of people obviously like Scott. ---
**Author:** ![Good\_Egg](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/96bed5/32.png) [@Good\_Egg](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Good_Egg)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2005, 2:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/294 "2005-05-01T02:54:00Z")
I guess they do. What they are looking for is the majority of votes.Thatone then wins. I still miss Connie, though; say what you will, he was not boring. ---
**Author:** ![JThunder](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e95f7d/32.png) [@JThunder](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/JThunder)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2005, 5:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/295 "2005-05-01T05:32:49Z")
> [@Liberal](#): > > Neither was mine. He mentioned both in his post: “I’m not trying to put my finger on the pulse of why America has crummy taste in **religion, presidents** , and television,” which was all I had done — mention them in passing to help make a point. And you did nothing wrong in that, IMO. ---
**Author:** ![PETERFI](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/2bfe46/32.png) [@PETERFI](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/PETERFI)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2005, 5:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/296 "2005-05-01T05:42:40Z")
> [@foolsguinea](#): > > But maybe not. Check out these quotes from the above-linked petition: I’m sorry, but someone complaining about not being able to vote more that 15 times? did I read that correctly? See this is the problem with Idol. They should block each number after it has called in. But that would make their ratings and viewers seem smaller. 30-40 million calls makes them look so much more popular than 5 million calls. I thought it was brilliant that someone brought back I think I love you. I know the talent is better this year, but for some reason, perhaps wierdness in the voting, perhaps wierdness in the judges, I am slowly losing interest this season. Don’t know why. Maybe because I saw better talent near home last weekend. Who knows? Peter, Founder, The International School of Blog Repair Technicians and currently routing people to a teenagers cancer fundraising site [Http://thepeterfiles.blogspot.com](Http://thepeterfiles.blogspot.com) ---
**Author:** ![RickJay](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/bb73d2/32.png) [@RickJay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/RickJay)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2005, 6:01am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/297 "2005-05-01T06:01:05Z")
> [@KAndre](#): > > Because I am annoyed that I didn’t particularly like Smeagol (though he entertained me with \*Bohemian Rhapsody \* and _I Think I Love You_) but was actually shocked that Scott wasn’t even in the bottom three, I had to go looking for numbers: > > Runner up AI2/Clay Aiken - Measure of a Man - 2,695,203 - released 14 October 2003 > Winner AI1/Kelly Clarkson - Thankful - 2,158,106 - released 15 April 2003 > Winner AI2/Ruben Studdard - Soulful - 1,769,039 - released 9 December 2003 > Winner AI1/Kelly Clarkson - Breakaway - 1,817,700 - released 30 November 2004 > Winner AI3/Fantasia - Free Yourself - 1,272,100 - released 23 November 2004 > Runner up AI2/Clay Aiken - Merry Christmas With Love - 1,009,294 - released 16 November 2004 > Winner AI2/Ruben Studdard - I Need an Angel - 388,200 - released 23 November 2004 > 4th Place AI2/Josh Gracin - Josh Gracin - 369,800 - released 15 June 2004 > 3rd Place AI2/Kimberly Locke - One Love - 201,801 - released 4 May 2004 > Uh…never actually placed/William Hung - Inspiration - 189,563 > Runner up AI3/Diana Degarmo - Blue Skies - 143,511 > Runner up AI1/Justin Guarini - Justin Guarini - 141,987 > 4th Place AI1/Tamyra Gray - Dreamer - 119,826 - released 25 May 2004 > No, really…he was some kind of a joke/William Hung - Hung for the Holidays – 29,189 > 5th Place AI1/R J Helton - Real Life - 20,892 > > Would sales of 100K be considered good? What would one of the kids make if they sold 100K? In any case, finishing in the top four seems to be what you want to do - I think Connie and Anthony should have been battling out for that fourth spot. The number you’d consider “good” is dependent upon how much money you put into the album. I’d guess William Hung made a few bucks off “Inspiration” because it was pretty much just the Hungster and a Yamaha synthezizer on a four-track. For a significant label release, though, 100,000 sales is bad; it means not only limited income on sales, but that there’s really no chance to make money touring or doing shows or product placements. By all accounts Justin Guarini’s album was considered a commercial disaster and a major money pit. I would assume the same is true of Diana DeGarmo’s album; poor DeGarmo seemed like a sweet girl but she had the shelf life of a potato salad in a cheap sauna. ---
**Author:** ![tnetennba](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/7993a0/32.png) [@tnetennba](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/tnetennba)\ **Post date:** [May 1, 2005, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161/298 "2005-05-01T20:56:03Z")
> [@Liberal](#): > > Neither was mine. He mentioned both in his post: “I’m not trying to put my finger on the pulse of why America has crummy taste in **religion, presidents** , and television,” which was all I had done — mention them in passing to help make a point. He just didn’t like the point I made and decided to Pit me for it without bothering to open a Pit thread. > > That’s the point I was making. A lot of people obviously like Scott. Your point was that because some people like Scott those who don’t are prejudice, and trod off into some muddy point about smug God-hating liberals. I don’t really care what your point was, it was stupid to say disliking Scott was “prejudiced,” when we’re judging Scott on his suckiness and nothing else (and your secondary points were equally unfounded). [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/american-idol-4-26/301161.md?page=14)