Ann Powers on 'American Idol': Putting away the chair
Two hours' worth of teasing, and all we got was one legitimate surprise. I'm talking about Jamar Rogers getting booted off, not Tatiana Del Toro, who's already water-cooler conversation gold, being granted a stay. As anyone who's seen "Dead Man Walking" well knows, executions make for higher drama when they're drawn out.
Tonight's "American Idol" was a long way from reality television at its best. Here's what was missing: actual suspense; any real insight into the judges' decisions (though most choices were stunningly obvious); and, oh yeah, music. We knew we wouldn't get much of the latter during this, the "chair" episode, which always captures heartbreak and delight in sobs and mad hopping, not Diane Warren songs.
Yet if we must endure all this faux tension over the judges' decisions, couldn't there have been some mention of what makes an "Idol" voice viable? Simon kept repeating that it's all about the mix, the judges look for certain things, it's more than just raw talent, yadda yadda yadda. But I didn't catch many specifics, beyond Paula chiming in that welder Matt Breitzke is "likable" (as opposed to Michael Sarver, the Manwich? As if they weren't going to let the next Dierks Bentley through!) and everybody getting on Awesome Adam Lambert's case about being a musical theater geek.
Let's go back to Jamar, the perfectly nice, obviously gifted guy holding Danny Gokey up through every round. What was his failing? Was it his Andre 3000-style wardrobe? The precision of his vocal style, which reflected a harmony singer's humility more than a lead's bravado? The teardrop tattoo on his cheek? That irritating Jason Mraz-style twist he gave the Plain White T's "Hey There Delilah" at the Kodak? We'll never know. I suspect that the producers just wanted to make the recently bereaved Gokey feel more alone without his BFF nearby, so he might wallow in both grief and survivor''s guilt, and get those ratings up.
Jamar deserved a sing-off, at least. I'm sure he could have triumphed over Norman Gentle/Nick Mitchell, whose not-that-hilarious schtick might eventually prove as disruptive to the "Idol" flow as Tatiana's sobbing fits.
I am totally shocked that Jamar was kicked off. They let some total duds go through but Jamar was an obvious front runner. I usually agree with the Judges but they obviously are bending their rules and allowing absurd personalities go through instead of someone with real tangible talent. Jamar can do better - I'd buy his album in a second.
Posted by: Cyndi Williams | February 12, 2009 at 11:20 AM
i cant stand tatiana and her annoying laugh and drama. i agree they should not have kicked of jamar over nathan he isn't going anywhere and jamar could at least sing. after all isnt that what its about?
Posted by: idolfan | February 12, 2009 at 11:45 AM
I was disgusted at Jamar being kicked off and we should petition for him to be put back on the show
Posted by: EDMUND ALVEY | February 12, 2009 at 11:59 AM
This show is now officially a joke. Norman made a mockery of the process, Tatiana is simply 'water cooler talk', one guy walks off in mid-performance, several forget their lyrics, and Jamar is booted without so much as a sing-off?!? Clearly this show has headed towards 'reality' tv show purgatory rather than a legitimate talent competition.
Posted by: Ken | February 12, 2009 at 12:30 PM
I thought it was "American " Idol, you know, we should choose who we think should be the next star. I liked Jamar as a front-runner, and he didn't even make the cut. There is something afoot. This is the second year someone who I beilieve would have made it far got sacrificed before the American public had a chance to vote. I am referring to Josiah Leming.
Posted by: Eddie | February 12, 2009 at 12:39 PM
can't believe they boot off Jamar that brotha can sing you know....american idol is full of discrimination, ill say bring back jamar
Posted by: Nate | February 12, 2009 at 12:50 PM
How, in the name of all things decent and good, could they send Jamar home and keep that lame so-NOT-EVEN- FUNNY Norman/Nick guy. How is this possilbe? There were real singers who would have given a year of their life just to have a slot and they give it to an untaltented camera hog! A.I. has SO become nothing but a joke. It should just be cancelled
Posted by: TrevMax | February 12, 2009 at 01:18 PM
BRING BACK JAMAL!!!!! WHAT A TERRIBLE SHAME
Posted by: JOANNC | February 12, 2009 at 01:35 PM
This has to be about ratings, why else would they have booted Jamar over quite a few duds. It is truly perverse that they will manipulate someone deserving's life like that for a few rating points. The producers are WRONG! I was looking forward to hearing more from Jamar and found his voice amazing. I cannot wait until Tatiana and Norman/Nick are voted off. They are a waste of space.
Posted by: Susan in L.A. | February 12, 2009 at 01:38 PM
She must go!
Posted by: TatianaMustGo | February 12, 2009 at 01:48 PM
I have to say that I was completely stunned by the judges decision to not keep Jamar. He not only has talent, but amazing control and a distinctive style. HUGE mistake on the judges part. However, I disagree with the statement that Jamar carried his friend, Danny Gokey, through the competition. Danny has an amazing gift all his own and conveys the lyrics to a song in such a way as to make the listener both hear and feel what the music is trying to convey. Don't put down one artist for the indignation you feel for the other. Jamar certainly wouldn't.
Posted by: singer416 | February 12, 2009 at 02:12 PM
There is a petition to have Jamar brought back...which I think is the intention of the show anyhow...to create a big drama and then have him come back as a wild card.
Just in case I am wrong, here's the petition. It's not mine but I am passing it on...
http://petitionspot.com/petitions/bringjamarback
Posted by: cathy22 | February 12, 2009 at 03:06 PM
I couldnt understand why they sent Jamal home either. After long deliberation, i've come to realize that they thought he was toooooo talented for the show. So, they are going to make him a deal outside of the show. They even commented how he was the total package from his voice, to his look, to his wardrobe yet they sent him home. I am so hoping it was for his good!! God Bless Jamal through it all. Give him the strength he now needs. He was so supportive to his friend 100%. My prayers are with him.
Posted by: Wendy | February 12, 2009 at 03:57 PM
There is a Bring Back Jamar petition! Google it and you'll find it!
Posted by: Amy | February 12, 2009 at 04:14 PM
I completely agree that the judges were so wrong in their decision to send Jamar home. He was a really really good singer and a super nice guy!!!! I started crying when he went down to Danny in the holding room and just both of their reactions were heartbreaking. Even the rest of the contestants were shocked he didn't get through. It is absolutely crazy that Norman got through- I have never ever heard this guy sing normally why is he in this competition? It's American Idol, not Last Comic Standing. There were a lot of people who got through who shouldn't have such as that guy playing the piano who walked off the stage when he forgot the words. So apparently the judges think that someone who gives up and walks off the stage when they forgot the words is more deserving of getting further in their music career than a really talented performer with a heart of gold?
I wish the public was allowed to vote as soon as Hollywood Week began.
BRING JAMAR ROGERS BACK
Posted by: bringjamarback! | February 12, 2009 at 04:22 PM
I will be signing that petition! Absolutely ridiculous! He could have won the whole thing I believe!
Posted by: Erin Warden | February 12, 2009 at 04:45 PM
Does anyone know how to start a petition to bring back Jamar? If nothing else it will give Jamar some publicity to help his carrer
Posted by: tophat | February 12, 2009 at 05:04 PM
I am with you, Ms. Powers. Just before Jamar went in to the room, I told my wife that I hope once he's in the top 10 he puts out a single based on his cover of the Plain White T's song. (I liked his version very much.) I was floored when they kicked him off. All I could think of was the first sing off (sorry, Jamar is much better than Alex) and that annoying distraction Norman Gentle. I won't be watching this season...and I've managed to watch EVERY season, even when I was deployed.
Posted by: MTheads | February 12, 2009 at 05:20 PM
i am so happy that i am not the only one disgusted, appalled and in shock that Jamar was cut. there wasn't even a REASON. he mentioned when he went back to the holding room that they said he didnt stand out. he was one of the only ones that DID STAND OUT. i think this year is awful. most of the people that made it through can sing ya whatever WHO CARES?! this is suppose to be about making a star!! someone original someone with 'star quality' some one who can sing and make an impression and JAMAR did that!!!!! and i remember him, and like 3 other people... the rest i dont remember anything about and its ridiculous the people who made it through over Jamar. he was the blake lewis and david cook of this season and they cut him. i would buy his album in a second.
Posted by: miss fresh | February 12, 2009 at 05:31 PM
We need to get Jamar back in American Idol, no doubt.
I have created a group in Facebook, 'Save Jamar Rogers!!!'
Go into Facebook and search for the group or click on this link to join and get your friends in:
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=50288464150&ref=mf
Posted by: KeithTimimi | February 12, 2009 at 05:36 PM
Wow. When my wife and I saw Jamar get the boot, we thought they were pulling a cruel prank but as the show went on and there was no, "hey, come back, we were kidding!" we began to question the sanity of the judges (not the first time).
I had him picked as the early favorite, at least top-5. For me, this was a shocker on par with Chris missing the finale and JHud's early departure. Even more stunning given the new judge who, though slightly annoying, seems to care about vocal quality as much as Simon seems to care about t&a.
Posted by: Closet Idol Fan | February 12, 2009 at 06:23 PM
Ok so this is three years in a row that the judges on american idol have cut the most talented african american male from the tryouts. Why can't a talented well spoken and straight black male win american idol?
Posted by: Overt | February 12, 2009 at 07:43 PM
I'm pretty pissed off at the judge's decision on Jamar - he has a great tone to his voice and didn't put a foot wrong in Hollywood so it's really cynical and cut-throat of the judges to send him home. I can't believe they could look him in the eye and do that. I hope things work out for him and the exposure he gets from getting that far in the show helps him get noticed in the music business.
Posted by: Cat Fink | February 12, 2009 at 08:29 PM
I'm pretty sure it's not a teardrop tattoo on his cheek...I believe his cheek is pierced with a vertical barbell.
Aside from that, I can't BELIEVE they kicked him off. He was my absolute favorite!!!
Posted by: Alice D | February 12, 2009 at 09:03 PM
jamar shouldnt have been sent home he could have won...simon's clearly trying to get the ratings up or something because a lot of untalented people were allowed through. what else could explain tatiana going through?
Posted by: zain | February 13, 2009 at 02:24 AM