The Wizards of Idol: Is that a Man Behind the Curtain?

Let's be honest. Does anyone really believe American Idol is real? As I watch this year, I can't help but be reminded of one of my favorite shows. The Wizard of Oz.

Everything in the Land of Idol begins nice enough. Everyone skips along down the yellow brick road, arm in arm, singing songs. There is the Lion (Simon) the Scarecrow (Paula...if she only had a brain) and the Tin Man (with heart dawg). And of course we cannot forget the man (or men) in this case that are behind the curtain! (Ken, Nigel, or the other Simon aka the producers)

I find it hard to believe when I watch the scripted answers and see the pimping, that the whole season is not plotted out from beginning to the very end. Some people think it's Archuleta they are pimping, I think he's great but I am not sure about that. The "roads get dark" "the monkeys fly in" the winds begin, and the "stories" are all carefully leaked and placed on the newswire. After all, this story doesn't work without a big tornado and some drama! I can't help but think they are going to throw Archuleta under a house! Not him really as he is a minor, but perhaps his father which if carefully managed, may add some drama to what once was a predictable end. "Stories" of his Dad, the wicked overbearing "stage father" being banned from the Idol set are everywhere while Idol producers give a simple "no comment". I just don't buy it. Archie looks like a pretty happy kid! And tell me something, how does American Idol ban a father from being with his minor son at any point in time? Isn't that illegal?? Isn't that why his dad is there to begin with, because of the law? Trust me, more to come on this one. (Just watch out for that house in the tornado David and Dad!!)

The David Hernandez story was a good example and was handled particularly well. All the execs and Simon (of course) made statements about there being "no problem with Hernandez being a stripper," etc., etc., as they "surprisingly" and promptly kissed him goodbye. But not until the press "leaks" the info and Idol milks it for some good drama. Timing is uncanny at times isn't it?

I still haven't quite got over the Jason Castro debacle, who was judged for a song he hasn't performed yet! Idol rushed to clean that up! Not just a "no comment" on that one. Hmmm. Interestingly, David Cook has had nothing but the kindest press. His brother is sick with cancer. That is a true tragedy. There are things you hear about Cook though, underground and on boards, but nobody has dared touch a hair on his head from the press. Haven't heard a word about Syesha either. Hmmm. Interesting.

Let's face it, showbiz is a dirty business. Idol is one of the biggest in showbiz right now. Ratings are everything and the men behind the curtain can truly "make you" or "break you" in Hollywood or the Land of Idol. Whether it's "no comment." a quick clean up, or "no leaks" they are all powerful. Just a little weather precaution to Archie and Daddy Archuleta. Timing is everything and the winds are stirring again (we are down to the final 3). Wait, Is that a tornado I see in the distance or is that a man behind the curtain?

Tune in next week. Is a tornado on it's way? What lies at the end of the yellow brick road? Will Glenda the Good Witch show up? I can only hope so for Archie's sake.