Tonight, American Idol saw a shocking elimination--Pia! I'm stunned. I haven't been this floored since Jennifer Hudson was voted out of season 3.
Arguably the best voice in the competition is now off the show. Once her contractual obligations with Idol are complete, Pia Toscano will undoubtedly have numerous record deals awaiting her.
BFF called immediately following Pia's elimination, thoroughly annoyed and vowing to never watch Idol again. It seems he is not alone. One glance at Twitter shows a fairly large number of viewers claiming to be done with Idol.
So, why did she get voted off? Here are some possibilities, based on random Idol chatter:
1. Personality Plus?: Despite her powerhouse voice, some viewers worried about Pia's "one-dimensional" personality. Apparently, some fans simply could not connect with her. Personally, I always thought she was very disciplined in her craft, incredibly sweet, and a little shy. Sadly, these qualities don't always translate well.
2. Ballad Girl: Perhaps viewers grew increasingly tired of Pia singing nothing but ballads. Unfortunately, she is sent packing the one week she stretches beyond her comfort zone. I didn't care if she performed a ballad every darn week. Idol has always talked about the big three: Mariah Carey, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston. All of them are primarily known for what? Ballads! Sure, they have some mid-to-uptempo tunes in their library of timeless music, but when you think of the big three, you think powerhouse ballads: We Belong Together, My Heart Will Go On, and I Will Always Love You.
3. Judges Aren't Judging (Soft Judging): Well, tonight BFF finally acknowledged that Idol without Simon simply isn't the same, and it may be having an effect on how the audience votes. During his rant, he said, "If Simon was sitting there, Pia wouldn't be going home." Granted, I didn't always agree with how Simon served his opinions, but he was usually spot on. He may have told Stefano that he's too theatrical or warned Haley against so much growling. But, alas, he is not there. Instead, we have a sort-of soft judging going on, where everyone seems to fall within varying degrees of greatness. The beauty of American Idol is to develop the contestants, challenge them, help them learn their weaknesses, and grow into an artist. This can only come from hearing both the positive and the negative. I really like Jennifer, Randy, and Steven, but the Simon-factor brought balance to the judging panel, helping the contestants go from good to great to phenomenal.
So, can the country crooner take it? Maybe the resident rocker will shake up a win. One thing is certain: without Powerhouse Pia, the title of American Idol is truly up for grabs.
I missed it since I was at the gym but I heard about it when I got home. I think it's a sin. She has a beautiful voice but I must admit I was over her song selections and ballads. I have no doubt we will be hearing from her and that she will get record deals!
ReplyDeleteI thought that she just got the least amount of votes and the judges had already used their save. Is that not how that works? I do NOT like Stefano and am SHOCKED he is still there. I was sad to see her go.
No, no, you're right--she did get the lowest number of votes. BFF and I were just brainstorming some possible reasons for why she didn't get more votes.
ReplyDeleteStefano was in the bottom two with Pia. I think everyone thought he was going home.
It's a shame. Still, I keep thinking about Jennifer Hudson--look what an early elimination got her. :)
yeah maybe she'll end up like jennifer hudson - arguably more successful than half the people who won the show! :)
ReplyDeleteEVERYONE's talking about this on Twitter. I don't watch so I don't get it..but I imagine it's as bad as a blind side on Survivor. boo
ReplyDeletehoneslty, i jst couldnt bring myself to woch american idol since this season. simon had a huge impact on the show and i cn only imagine hw unbalanced it must be without his sharp tongue.
ReplyDeleteSo I had to work tonight and didn't see the results until I found your blog. All I can say is Son-of-a-seabiscut! Are you kidding me? She was far and away the best singer. But I would have to agree she did have issues connecting with her audience. And yes, the judges are way to soft. I miss Simon.
ReplyDeleteI had Pia in the finals myself. I like Casey, but they used the save too early. Casey isn't going to be big even though he is the most talented "musician". This is a singing show, like it or not.
ReplyDeleteTechnically, I think Stefano is one of the best, he doesn't hit a lot of bad notes. That doesn't mean he is set for the big time.
Jacob and Paul both have horrible voices. Jacob is absolutely awful. Paul has no strength to his voice, just too weak.
James has a nice story, but he is clueless about when to use his 'big note'. It's a crutch that he believes will carry him through. It could, considering they had Adam what's-his-name doing the same thing a few years back.
Lauren and Scotty are ok. Scotty has that Don Williams type voice, but I can't stand watching him.
Haley is just average, nothing special.
You're right, the most talented singer, Pia, is gone.
Aubree: Totally agree. A good number of the contestants who didn't win the competition have amazing careers now.
ReplyDeleteCinderita: It is exactly like a blind side on Survivor! So sad. :(
Kitkat: Last night really highlighted how much the show misses the type of judging Simon brought to the table.
The Restaurant Manager: Thank you so much for stopping by and adding me to your watch. I'll be stopping by your blog very soon.
I know, I can't believe she is off the show now. Simon would have made a huge difference.
George: So happy to see you here!!!! Everything you said is spot on. Pia was, by far, the best singer. Although it was a wonderful, emotional moment when the judges saved Casey, it was too early to use the save. Stefano, though technically good, is just a little too theatrical at times. Paul is different, but I keep wanting to hear more power in his voice. I think Haley is relying on the growl a bit too much. Ugh, it's just not right that Pia is off the show.
I like Paul too. He is different, I just wish his voice was a little stronger.
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