American Idol Group Day Show Fails to Deliver Compelling Story Lines

American's Idol ninth season continues its Hollywood Week segment with group auditions. The show that aired Wednesday, February 10, followed the drama and saga of contestants who more or less formed their own groups. Some groups fell in sync and others were out of sync. Some individuals could handle the pressure while others simply could not.

Two groups got into a rivalry as they chose the same song and accused each other of stealing each others' ideas, song choices, and choreography moves. Both groups made it to the next round. The group Dreamers had issues from the start. Only three of those team members moved on to the next round. Another group didn't seem to know what they were doing and ended with just a couple of people going on to the next round.

It would appear that some contestants really were unclear as to what group singing is about. Some went for more glitz and glamor and others went for simple good vocals. Several contestants made claims that they would never work with their group or in a group again. They seemed to miss the point of group singing. Even the greatest solo acts team up with other singing greats for a duet, a spot performance for a show or concert. A person needs to show that they know when to perform as a soloist and when to complement others in a group.

With the focus on group dynamics, the show failed to continue many of the story lines developed from the show before. Andrew Garcia's group was featured and he did make it through to the next round. However, nothing was mentioned about many of the other contestants highlighted on the show before. For example, if a viewer was quick, they noticed that Crystal Bowersox made it through. They did follow the story of Mike Lynche whose wife gave birth to a baby girl minutes before taking the stage with his group. He and one other group member made it through.

The biggest disappointment is the show did not spend more time on Dave Pittman's story. A simple few-second spot shows that he failed to move to the next round. He's learned how to sing and not let his Tourette's get in the way. The show featured other contestants the day before who were sent home like Maddy Curtis whose story touched the heart strings.

Let's hope next week's shows spend a little more time engaging viewers' emotions and getting them involved in the contestants' stories. After all, someone may be more likely to vote for Mike Lynche than any member of Destiny Wild because they are invested in Mike Lynche's story. After all, who wouldn't want to help this first-time dad to succeed?