Smithson’s exit suggests voters have already chosen their idol

By Matthew B. Zeidman

HOLLYWOOD, CA (Hollywood Today) 4/24/08 – Carly Smithson had everything it took to win “American Idol”—personality, talent, charisma, humility and even a cute accent. That’s why Smithson’s fellow contestants appeared shocked when she was sent to the “bottom two” and subsequently booted from the show Wednesday, especially after she gave one of the best performances the previous night. At this point in the game, it’s apparent that fandom has vanquished impartiality—at least for the moment.

Syesha Mercado knows the sting Smithson is feeling all too well. Though she has received consistently high marks from the judges and visiting celebrities alike, she has ranked in the bottom three or lower during five of the past seven weeks, including this one. What she lacks in not talent or showmanship, but rather the rabid fans who latch onto a particular contestant and foil the collective will of America by each voting hundreds of times every week.

It’s not that some “American Idol” aspirants aren’t deserving of such devotion. Brooke White, for example, is a dependable and unique performer, who, as judge Simon Cowell pointed out this week, has a talent for making herself real. Those who identify with her already see her as the winner and are more than willing to forgive an occasional stumble, and they can hardly be blamed for their educated decision. However, when an effusive and passionate performer like Smithson is let go after wowing the audience in favor of the aloof mediocrity put forth by other performers (e.g., Jason Castro), there is no excuse.

At least when the contestant pool shrinks down to three or four, those clearly not suited to take the “American Idol” crown will finally fall away, despite their fans’ best efforts, and a truly fair vote can take place once again. Until then, producers can sit back and smile, confident in the knowledge that an open voting process ensures enough outrageous outcomes to keep the blogosphere humming for years to come.