American Idol: It's a Man's World After Allison Iraheta Gets the Old Heave-Ho

The old boys club is in full effect on American Idol. Well that's not true, but it felt good saying it. It simply turns out that Allison Iraheta did not enjoy the largess of the 64 million voters who dialed in to let their voices be heard. So she's headed home. No doubt, even though she's not going to be rolling into town on an American Idol sanctioned tour; her town is going to roll out the red carpet.

The Democratic Process at Work

Much of our righteous indignation at the unfairness of last night's proceedings has to do with what's great about American Idol. It's about popularity and people supporting their candidate and voting strong. Danny Gokey definitely had a misstep with his version of Aerosmith's "Dream On" but his contingent of fans didn't throw him under the bus, they got in there and voted. Love it or hate it, the democratic process is as much about popularity as it is about ability.

Allison Iraheta has ability coming out of her pores. She seems level headed but not precocious. She behaves like what she is a 17 year old kid with a gift. Think of all that maturity will bring her. She already has that whiskey voice and with growth she will definitely come into her own.

He Who Finishes Anywhere in the Top 10 is Set

Finishing anywhere around the Top 10 is pretty great shakes. American Idol is the vehicle but what the contestants make of the opportunity is all about their hunger and their timetable. After Jason Castro's lackadaisical approach to the Idol stage, one wasn't sure if he'd just decided that the music biz wasn't for him. However, he took his time and charted a path for himself. Maybe he's made a good choice, we'll know once the album hit's stores. For Castro the biggest thing should be staying true to his life philosophy. He's a 'no worries' kind of guy and he needs the autonomy to do a record that celebrates him. We shall see how it plays out.

When people decry a fourth place finish I always refer back to my 'go to' guy Chris Daughtry. After a fourth place finish that had him feeling like 'the world was ending' for about 30 seconds, he pulled it together and charted a path for himself that has made him a quintuple platinum selling artist and the second most successful American Idol alum after Carrie Underwood.

Adam Lambert:Hooking His Little Sis Up

Allison has some options already on the table. While her duet with Adam Lambert was great, it was a little rough. Adam is so good at what he does that Allison seemed a little hesitant. Once she gets some more polish, it's going to be great to see them on a record together.

Barring something really heinous happening, Adam is the one to beat for this year's Idol crown. Regardless, his previous performance credentials he deserves the win. He put in the work and delivered the goods, week in and week out. Even that Ravi Shankaresque rendition of "Ring of Fire" was brilliant, in my estimation. His dramatic vocal grandstanding, not withstanding; he is a phenomenal artist who is committed to his artistry. I can't wait to see what he and Allison come up with together.

Source:

American Idol - Fox Television