Vote for Tim Urban & His --Blank-- Eating Grin

American Idol contestant, Tim Urban, has been a major underdog with the judges throughout season 9. Tim, who was originally cut from the top 24, was asked to return to the Idol stage after Chris Golightly, their original selection was deemed "Ineligible to continue in the competition" according to a press release from FOX. As early as the first week, comments from Simon that Tim should have never been selected to return were harsh and forceful. Even Kara's continual comments about his performance were cruel at best. Witty but kind, Ellen Degeneres was a little more gentle and political. Her responses to the performer dodged a flat out bashing of , the young, trendy, Zack Efron looking contestant. Ellen just said how "adorable" he was week after week and asked why he was so happy, always smiling. But despite the sarcastic comments and gut wrenching criticism, Tim continued to prevail, week after week with a huge "----blank---- eating grin."

With 9 contestants remaining and Tim thinking his days are numbered, he surprised everyone with a rendition of the Beatles, "All My Lovin" and kept the arrangement well within his vocal range. While it didn't blow you away, it showed his confidence and overall vocal improvement as well as his ability to play the guitar and sing like a star. Even Simon gave him props for his performance. His huge smile and popular style has probably kept him in contention with the rest of the extremely talented performers this season, but his performance this week kept him out of the bottom three for the first time since the competition started. He not only avoided the chopping block, he earned the respect of many for keeping his head up and moving on.

As an avid viewer of American Idol, I personally feel huge compassion for Tim and admire his amazing attitude. I rarely vote for contestants, but I used every cell phone in the house to vote for him after that performance. And while my family thinks my votes didn't make the difference, I am hoping there are other viewers that felt much the same way that I did and are willing to keep him in the competition just a little longer.

When the contestants get down to the final 5 to 10 contestants, it becomes very difficult to see any of them get cut. They are all so talented, and most viewers have grown close to each and every one of them after so many weeks of watching them go through the competition. We learn so much about their personal lives and really feel sadness for them when they have to go home.

While I really like many of the other contestants and think they are better performers and vocalists than Tim, I know that the rest of them will undoubtedly have some serious opportunity once the show ends. Tim really needs the show to help him not only in his career, but to improve as a performer. Each week he gets better, and I think he will grow substantially before the season ends. Let's help keep him in the running. If you love Tim Urban, encourage everyone you know to vote for him. I'm having an Idol party next week and I am going to invite anyone who is willing to vote for Tim Urban.

Tim, if you are reading this.... I LOVE YOUR AMAZING ATTITUDE. Keep Smiling and text me a Thank You at Story4Elle@yahoo.com.

SOURCES:
AmericanIdol.com