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Why ‘American Idol’ producers should revisit that age limit
The producers of “American Idol” should really re-evaluate that whole age limit thing.
Because tonight, Jan. 13, 2010, a 62-year-old man won the hearts of “Idol” fans across America.
“American Idol” judges Randy Jackson, Kara Dioguardi and Simon Cowell and guest judge Mary J. Blige hit Atlanta in search of some true Southern talent.
The judges spotted some real contenders in Atlanta — and even found their new William Hung.
Here’s a look at the good, the bad and the funny.
Superstar potential: Church singer Jermaine Sellers, who added an R&B twist to Joan Osbourne’s “What if God was One of Us?” and prompted the first “this kid is HOT” of the season from Randy. The fact that Jermaine cares for his mother, who has Spina bifida, adds that whole triumph-over-adversity factor.
The “authentic” country girl from the country Vanessa Wolfe offers the rags-to-riches fairy tale element. From rural Tennessee, this small-town girl talked about her really cheap clothes and even told host Ryan Seacrest she’d never been on an “aeroplane” before. Imagine the Hollywood makeover possibilities here.
Super talented and super-pretty country singer Mallorie Haley, who very confidently sang Janis Joplin’s “Piece of My Heart”, could very well be this season’s “It” girl.
Police officer Bryan Walker, the Tennessee cop looking to chase a dream instead of a suspect, prompted Randy’s second “HOT” of the evening.
Not too shabby: The very likable beauty pageant contestant and Miss Congeniality winner Keia Johnson, who sang Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On.” Not the best vocals, but she’s very marketable, and we all know that matters in this competition.
“Guitar girl” Holly Harden, whose ridiculous guitar costume was a little off-putting, actually surprised the judges with her Loretta Lynn lyrics.
“The next big thing” Skibowski, who certainly seems to think pretty highly of himself based on the fact he referenced himself in the third person practically every other word and wore clothing basically marketing himself as an “Idol” star, actually had some talent to back it up.
Shame of a nation: Dewone Robinson, who performed a frightening original duet (complete with acting out the male and female parts) called “Lady we’re not together anymore.
” Alabama’s Jesse Hamilton’s three near-death experiences couldn’t earn him enough pity points to overshadow his embarrassing rendition of Garth Brooks’ “If Tomorrow Never Comes.
” The way-too-energetic Lamar, whose “Kiss from a Rose” wasn’t quite as good as he swore it was. At least he delivered the best parting line of the night: “Man, I wish Paula were here.”
In a league of his own: 62-year-old Gen. Larry Platt sang a really, um, catchy, song called “Pants on the ground.” Who knew droopy pants could make for such strong song material! At least he got the judges laughing with his original lyrics and smooth dance moves (he even did a split). “I have a horrible feeling that song could be a hit,” Simon said.
Simon could be onto something. There’s just something special about that song. In fact, it’s now stuck in my head and is probably trending on Twitter as we speak — and if it’s not, it should be.
“Pants on the ground, pants on the ground… Looking like a fool with your pants on the ground.”
Somehow I don’t think we’ve seen the last of Larry.
What did you think of Atlanta’s offerings?
Comments
By Jackie Kiely
April 1, 2011 12:17 PM | Link to this
I hope American Idol will re-evaluate how the older singers can be a nice addition….many of us are talented!
By kikus
June 13, 2010 2:21 PM | Link to this
Добавлю в закладки, интеретсно читать
By Vajeenah
January 23, 2010 11:18 PM | Link to this
Obviously that 62 year old black guy isn’t gonna make the finals. He ddidnt even get through!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
By Melanie Marie Shifflett Ridner
January 20, 2010 8:20 AM | Link to this
It is a shame that “American Idol” does have an age limit. There are many of our talented children here in Hamilton working thier bottoms off and just waiting for thier chance at this show.I know of one such child out there that has set her sights for the show and in a few years will be there and I wish her all the Luck in the world.Go get them “Brianna”.
By Liz
January 15, 2010 1:08 AM | Link to this
I think Simon is getting a lil soft on some of the people he isn’t as mean as he used to be.He seems to be in a better mood at times,that is if none does anything stupid.
By Joanne
January 14, 2010 8:33 PM | Link to this
I agree!!! If Gen. Larry Platt is not in the finale, I will be very disappointed. He made my day!!!
By hungry2
January 14, 2010 8:20 PM | Link to this
We need more from Larry.This guy is way cool.Some record label should grab him right now. Very nice
By truthdetector
January 14, 2010 7:53 PM | Link to this
The main reason that “Idol” has an age limit is so that the “X-Factor” has some way to make itself seem different from “Idol.” Second to that is most producers believe tht most viewers will channel surf when someone is on that is not ‘cute.’
By Tim
January 14, 2010 1:09 PM | Link to this
I agree, we haven’t seen the last of Gen. Larry Platt! I have a feeling we will be seeing him in the finale, probably with a choir backing him! LOL That was refreshing!!
By Tony
January 14, 2010 8:08 AM | Link to this
Larry should get together with the “You are my brother” singer from awhile back and do a Too old for Idol Tour!
By TINAS
January 14, 2010 1:30 AM | Link to this
LARRY COULD MAKE AN ALBUM ABOUT THOSE DROOPY PANTS ON THE GROUND LOL! ,, HES 62 i BET HE HAS ENOUGH SONGS IN HIM TO MAKE AN ALBUM,, TY ~tINAS
By null
January 14, 2010 12:37 AM | Link to this
Atlanta’s auditions were disappointing but I loved the “pants on the ground” bit. It was too funny. I hope that it’s not the last that we see of him. I love a good laugh.