American Idol's farewell to an inspiration

Wednesday night brought one of the more touching dismissals in “American Idol” history as Scott MacIntyre, the visually impaired singer-songwriter, was eliminated from the competition, finishing in eighth place.

The journey of the Scottsdale, Ariz., native was one of the most heartwarming spectacles of “Idol’s” eight seasons. A gentle, perpetually smiling 22-year-old, MacIntyre made his time on the show notable for his good humor and a sense that despair was unknown to him, even as he struggled to perform in his final weeks.

MacIntyre was the first blind or seriously disabled contestant to compete in the “Idol” finals. Although there were initial worries about how he would fare onstage, he seamlessly blended in.
In fact, as the task of gently guiding MacIntyre from point to point in each evening’s choreography was passed from contestant to contestant, the responsibility seemed to draw the group closer together in a way audiences in the studio often found particularly touching.

MacIntyre was eliminated in a contest in which more than 34 million votes were cast, landing him in the bottom two alongside Anoop Desai. When the result was announced by host Ryan Seacrest, the audience burst into a sustained ovation for the singer.

The singer’s struggles were not quite over, however. MacIntyre was given the chance to “sing for his life” while the judges deliberated whether to invoke their once-a-season save and allow MacIntyre to return next week. While he sang, reprising his rendition of Survivor’s “The Search Is Over,” the judges entered into heated dialogue, with Paula Abdul and Kara DioGaurdi appearing to be urging that MacIntyre be saved, while Simon Cowell and Randy Jackson held back. For the save rule to be invoked, it must come by a unanimous decision of the judges.

When asked for their verdict, although the argument continued, Cowell announced he was bringing MacIntyre’s unprecedented journey on the “Idol” stage to an end.

NOTE: Please join us tomorrow, Thursday, for our post-elimination chat, noon PT at latimes.com/idoltracker.

-- Richard Rushfield

photo: Fox

Comments

[KarlJ]

I didn't get a chance to actually see it, but if in fact it wasn't good enough... well that's all there is to it. Works for me.

[Angel]

Scott's an inspiration, yes. This isn't Inspiration Idol.

Moreover, the group performance and Ford commercials' creativity was going to hit a wall soon with ways to make it feel seamless. And Simon made the point that the seven left on the couch were stronger than Scott. On Fox News later in the evening, Simon said he's fine if they never use the save. I'd rather NOT have the judges playing deux ex machina.

Now did I hear there was only 37,000 votes between Scott and Anoop? I guess I need to start calling next week.

[jan]

Inspirational? Yes. On par with the others? No. I'm sorry but it was just Scott's time to go. His singing skills weren't at the level they need to be in this stage and his "relevancy" in Top 40 radio (which is ultimately the direction Idol producers want their winner to head towards) is questionable.

[nanami]

he wasnt good enough...but i still cried for him

[GG]

Lil Rounds should have gone before Scott- she did bad impersonations and isn't a singer songwriter and I haven't seen her play a piano- where is her artistry and talent? -

[Sullenladyblue]

Good luck to Scott. He is a class guy. Lil Rounds should have gone tonight. Her performances are weak every week and all she does is promise to be better. Here's hoping she is next.

[shelly]

Scott was a cool guy, and very inspirational, but, as someone pointed out, it isn't "Inspirational Idol." He had a nice voice, but, his song and musical style aesthetic was very, very corny and dated for him to stand out in the final weeks. But, he should be proud of competing and having millions of people admire him. I just don't personally think he was good enough to have gotten in the Top 10, and wouldn't have been there unless it was for pity. Maybe that's no less strategic on the part of the producers as Megan Joy who was horrible but gorgeous. It's about more than singing.
Star qualities embrace the person, themselves, but, in the end, Scott wouldn't be my first choice, or my 10th choice when downloading I-Tune songs, or buy concert tickets to see....

[Isabel]

I felt Scott was the one who needed to go. His performances overall rated IMO near the bottom for weeks (minus the excruciating Megan whose longevity I never understood). I loved and enjoyed his sense of humour and what I feel is class on his part. He truly appreciated the opportunity given to him and made the most out of i (unlike the ungrateful Miss Megan who was clueless about the competition). I will miss him and wish him well despite the fact I thought it was his time. Hopefully arranging and songwriting work out for him and he finds success in his niche. He seems like a nice young man.

[tokyoboy]

He's an inspiration...although the reality is cruel....But i truly believe he is the only contestant i will always remember because of his will, his determination and his belief!

Scott you are an inspiration to me and a lot of the people all over the world!