'American Idol': Showing country patriotism -- through country music
“American Idol” is coming closer to the finish line and this is the moment –- as the judges continue to remind the contestants –- that matters the most, and when you truly compete.
Jennifer Lopez for the last few weeks has offered a piece of advice that can be taken a few different ways: It's not just about hitting those big-money notes, it's about selecting songs that people at home can really connect with (i.e. hits).
Taking this approach is the textbook way of earning votes, unless you're James Durbin.
Wednesday was another double theme night (songs that inspire you, and selections from the Jerry Leiber and Mike Stoller songbook). When it came to selecting an inspirational song, no one seemed to understand Lopez’s advice better than young Scotty McCreery.
McCreery, perched with his guitar, took on Alan Jackson’s “Where Were You (When the World Stopped Turning).”
“Did you stand there in shock at the sight of that black smoke,” he sang. “Risin' against that blue sky / Did you shout out in anger, in fear for your neighbor / Or did you just sit down and cry?”
The teenager, who would have been eight years old at the time of the attack, couldn’t have picked a better time to sing the song.
American patriotism is at a high after last week’s killing of Osama bin Laden at a compound inside Pakistan, which ended a decade-long manhunt. President Barack Obama's approval rating is at its highest point in two years after the triumph -- 60%, according to an Associated Press poll.
As news stations are still covering the terrorist leader's take down, the moments from that day are fresh in the minds of most Americans –- especially as the 10 year anniversary looms. The judges praised McCreery’s performance and song selection with a standing ovation.
“That’s a great, amazing song, it’s a great lyric. Dude, I think it’s a perfect song choice for where we are as a country,” Randy Jackson said. “I applaud you with that big time, heart to heart. I think you’ve set your mark, you’re ready for super-stardom and I hope you make it.”
Lopez did ask for a song that people could connect with.
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-- Gerrick D. Kennedy
Twitter.com/gerrickkennedy
Photo: Scotty McCreery performs in front of the judges. Credit: Michael Becker / Fox
As it relates to:
"it's about selecting songs that people at home can really connect with (i.e. hits)."
"Taking this approach is the textbook way of earning votes, unless you're James Durbin. "
Um, doesn't Don't Stop Believin' qualify as a hit?
Posted by: Bryan | May 12, 2011 at 01:52 PM
Extremely disappointed in the American Idol Show.
James Durbin should have won as Amercian Idol this year.
Not going to watch anymore.
This is not a true talent show only a popularity contest.
Posted by: Brenda Taylor | May 12, 2011 at 06:11 PM
I've watched American Idol since day one again this year and Scotty has been our pick since day one.
I'm so surprised James got booted off he is awesome and has NOTHING to hang his head about. I'm not for the type of music he likes but that doesn't mean he can't sing.
Haley really upset me last night with her attitude. I feel she has a lot to learn and I was hoping this would be her week to go.
Laura has came a long way and I'm praying she and Scotty take it to the end with Scotty taking the title.
Posted by: Suellen Garrison | May 12, 2011 at 06:31 PM
Way to go Scotty you did your # 1 were so really happy for you . you really come a long way. you made it to the top 3 way to go. Keep it up......]
Posted by: michelledunn | May 12, 2011 at 08:14 PM
Scotty you did and very good job.you made it to the top 3. your fans in nc are all ways be # 1 for you....]
Posted by: michelledunn | May 12, 2011 at 08:17 PM
SCOTTY YOU ARE # 1 IN NC THIS YEAR .KEEP IT UP YOUR FANS ARE ON YOUR SIDE ALL THE WAY.
Posted by: michelledunn | May 12, 2011 at 08:20 PM
SCOTTY YOUR NUMBER ON IN MY BOOK YOU DID IT YOU MADE IT ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP 3 GOOD JOB WERE REALLY SO HAPPY FOR YOU KEEP IT . AND TAKE CARE YOUR FANS WILL NOT FOR IT YOU.
Posted by: michelledunn | May 12, 2011 at 08:25 PM
I agree with Bryan.
Posted by: Eve | May 12, 2011 at 08:35 PM
James was the most talented! It shold not be based on the song sang but how the song was sang!!!
Posted by: r illar | May 12, 2011 at 09:03 PM
I really thought that James would win this year. He is the best performer and can sing any genre. I was shocked that he was eliminated tonight. I honestly did not vote for him because Ithought he would be safe. Now with the three left I only hope that Haley does not get to the final two. I think she is arrogant and I resented the smirk she gave when they announced James as the person going home tonight. I read that they expect james votes to go to Haley......I hope this is not true. I would rather see Scotty or Lauren take the title.
Posted by: ANDREW | May 12, 2011 at 10:43 PM
America Speaks! Sorry Jennifer (tears in eyes) and Randy (mouthing 'I can't believe it') you pushed to hard for James and gave him the 'Kiss Off' from the voters at home. Folks are not dumb when you show you are partial to a contestant. The voters have chosen three very talented, well rounded examples of what Americans want to see and also to represent them. Steven Tyler seems like a Good Guy that is fair and if he were partial, he does a good job of not letting it show, which is very professional. All in all the judges did bring out good talent in this season.
Posted by: Anita | May 12, 2011 at 10:45 PM
i'm so disappointed about the american idol.
james is the most talent,i can't believe. i don't want to watch anymore.he should win the idol.
Posted by: nhuy | May 12, 2011 at 11:13 PM
he haw!!today was the end of American Idol please how boring and un intresting yawn yawn!!!he haw!!gidy up partners rodeo time
Posted by: ruben c | May 12, 2011 at 11:38 PM
James blew it with his version of "Love Potion # 9". I appreciated all four of them but my vote went to Haley.
Posted by: Jonathan Robinson | May 13, 2011 at 07:25 AM
It would be most interesting to see the actual votes each candidate receives and their place of origen. I have long felt the whole thing was rigged and against rockers. Those of you who are miffed with Haley, calling her arrogant and a brat. Please realize that she has been the only one who has been regularly criticized by the judges. They have heaped praise on all the others, especially James. I still think the counts are manipulated by Fox and ATT&T.
Posted by: Dan | May 13, 2011 at 07:52 AM