Pia Kicked Off American Idol

During the 2011 season of American Idol, I have often been shocked by how much the judges and even Ryan Seacrest seem to adore and fawn over Pia. Can Pia sing well? Absolutely! Does she have any charisma or stage presence? Absolutely not!

Being an "American Idol" is more than just being a good singer. It's times like these that I really miss Simon Cowell as he seemed to be the only judge that understood that it's just not enough to be a good singer. A true Idol has to have the all elusive "it" factor and unfortunately Pia just didn't have "it." While Pia is a beautiful woman with a beautiful voice, her stage appearances always seemed fake, rehearsed, stiff and forced. She has always reminded me of a Disney singer or someone singing on a cruise ship.

When judge Randy Jackson stated that he was "angry" at the voters and Steven Tyler said "America got it wrong", they were both way off base. All three judges need to take a couple steps back from the situation in order to gain some clarity. American Idol voters love people who are themselves and are endearing like Lauren Alaina. Imperfection can be a beautiful thing. While Lauren may not hit every note, she is always herself and her personality shines through. As Randy Jackson is so fond of saying "be you." Unfortunately he forgot to tell Pia that.

For sure Gwen Stefani picking out her outfit didn't help a thing. When Pia came out on stage in that outfit, I physically cringed. How Stefani managed to take a woman with a stunning figure and make her look dumpy - I will never know. I think all the outfits the female Idol contestants were wearing were fashion catasphores. None of the outfits complimented the individual women's figures or made a statement about who they are as singers. Ms. Stefani should issue a public apology to all three women for making them look so bad.

And lets just face it, how many ballads can the voters take? Even her one attempt at singing an "up tempo" song was really just a faster ballad.

If I could make a request of the American Idol producers it would be to please stop asking crying contestants to sing a farewell song. How awkward was that?. While Pia gave it a good try, it was really uncomfortable to watch and I actually had to mute the television. And the camera cutting to Jennifer Lopez crying- really Jennifer? Crying? In the bigger scheme of life it is just a big singing contest.

America got it right this time, and hopefully the next to go will be Stefano - the ultimate over-singing, stiff lounge singer.