Episode IV

As ridiculous as it sounds, my so-called "ethics" journals has an entry on American Idol.

24.5.09 Journal Entry 4

I’m still reeling in from one of the biggest “upset” in the showbiz that happened this week.

Yes, I’m talking about American Idol.

The Guyliner loses to the Guy-next-door. The front-runner loses to the underdog. Adam Lambert, the most consistent contestant loses to Kris Allen, the greatest improved contestant. For most people, this was one of the biggest upsets that American Idol had.

As a Kris Allen fan, I’m happy for this dude. I believe he was as shocked as me when he was crowned as the newest American Idol. I mean, this guy came out from nowhere! The producers did not even give him enough screen time on air.

I took notice of Kris when he did “Remember the Time” during the Michael Jackson week. He wowed me when he did his version of the disco song “She Works Hard for the Money” during Disco week. What he did was brilliant. Stripping the whole techno vibe down its raw melody and performing it with an acoustic guitar. That was genius and it totally represents his style of music. I dug it, man.

I used to like Adam Lambert and I thought he was the next American Idol like David Cook (last year’s winner). However, Adam Lambert is only a one-trick-pony. He’s also theatrical. But I got to admit he’s a pretty damn good vocalist but he often does the screaming too much. The judges love his performances weeks after weeks but I just don’t see the deal with him. Maybe it’s my taste in music. It wasn’t just my style. But he’s meant to be this year’s American Idol winner because his personality and music are through the roof.

Kris, on the other hand, has smooth vocals and is very radio-friendly. But he wasn’t as big as Adam Lambert. He’s the guy that you go to his concert and enjoy an intimate time with the performer. The emotions he conveys through his songs are heartfelt and I enjoy watching this guy perform. Every week, I would sit in front of the television set and wait patiently for Kris’ performance comes up on the TV. But I never expected him to actually WIN the whole show.

I mean, come on, it’s not like Kris isn’t not good. But he’s not a larger than life person. Winners such as David Cook, Jordin Sparks or Kelly Clarkson, they have the “Star” power within their singing and image. So I’m still reeling in about the results. When my eyes lay on the words “Kris Allen Wins American Idol” on the Google News, my mind had a very hard time trying to comprehend and process the info.

In the end, let’s just give it up for this young man. Kris Allen. An engaging performer who pops out once in a while during the show to say “Hi!” I hope his debut album will be distinctly his style…Laid-back and acoustic. Go Kris Allen!