You voted off Kevin Covais, Ariel’s favorite on “American Idol.” My fourteen year old daughter was right in the wheelhouse of his Long Island boy’s target audience, and she was really pìššëd øff this morning. Kevin, if you’re reading this–my daughter still adores you.
PAD
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I’ll be happy when American Idol is voted off my TV.
I don’t watch it; it reminds me too much of auditions (where I, of course, play Simon’s role—except that he’s much nicer about it).
Everyone has to go eventually (well, except the winner). Kevin is not really in the same league as the others (of course, neither is Ace–he should go next).
In the end, it doesn’t really matter. Chris is going to walk away with this. He is FAR AND AWAY the best and most professional. I hope Tucker comes in second. It will make a fun last night.
I’m VERY HAPPY he’s gone, thank you very much.
As I watch presumably adult males dissing the kid, I find myself wondering what part of my saying I felt badly for my fourteen year old daughter because she was “his target audience” was unclear.
If my three year old is ever devestated because “Dora the Explorer” goes off the air, I’ll be sure to give you guys a heads up.
PAD
If it makes you feel any better, for once he wasn’t the worst contestant this week.
As I watch presumably adult males dissing the kid, I find myself wondering what part of my saying I felt badly for my fourteen year old daughter because she was “his target audience” was unclear.
Speaking for myself, the only thing I have against the kid is that he was on American Idol in the first place.
My sympathies to your daughter, but I hate that show. I guess I’m not the target audience for it.
Peter, that was a hilarious response re: Dora the Explorer. Obviously, people have a lot of “issues” about American Idol. I’m sorry for your daughter and for Kevin Covais.
p.s. I finished the two graphic novels of SoulSearchers and am trying to get the back issues from #13 on up – wish me luck! I’ve found a few so far at my local comic book store.
hëll, I’m a 29-year-old married male, and I was upset the poor kid went home.
especially when bucky covington sings on. that dude sucks seriously. he’s the perfect bush-era american idol–no talent white trash. thanks again, red states!
anyway, my condolences to your daughter. i feel her pain. would have been fun to watch this eager and genuine good kid for a few more weeks at least.
Bah, I didn’t watch the toss off episode last night, as it’s not relevent for my studies (yes, I study reality television shows. in school. university. for real. honest), and Dad wanted to watch Lost. But I really thought Lisa or Bucky would go home before Kevin, just because he does have the preteen to early teen market. Although, I considered this after the fact: the two hour shows make it a lot harder for the younger kids to convince their folks to let them stay up another two hours to vote continually. Well, at least, I’m not a parent, so I assume that most wouldn’t allow their pre/early teens to stay up until midnight.
Anyhow. Sad – he was a cute kid, and spunky. And did I mention better than Bucky or Lisa?
I think it’ll come down to Mandisa or Chris – they’re both excellent, so it’ll be a fun contest to watch. (And I want that cover of I Walk the Line now. Now!)
I would rather be forced to read “The Dark Knight Strikes Again” out loud at gunpoint than ever watch that show. I’m also annoyed that the stupid thing preempts “House”.
I voted many times for Kevin…I liked him and I am definitely not in his target audience. I just hoped that he would make it to the top ten.
Rats.
1I’ll never understand why people waste time “hating” a T.V. show. Unless you are forced to watch it, why expend all that energy?
Now I have never watched A.I. but it seems relatively inofensive. As unscripted T.V. goes, it’s – to me anyway – the least objectionable. It doesn’t depend on humiliation or outrageous behavior to entertain. It’s basically a high class version of the gong show, but with a lot more than $516.32 on the line.
To be fair, we didn’t vote him off. It’s just that not enough people voted FOR him. I lost my Ayla the same way.
CHECK OUT ABC producer writes “BUSH MAKES ME SICK” in a company email, at http://www.gmackster. blogspot.com
Oh, I am pretty sure the humiliation factor is why they give us footage of William Heung. So we can point and laugh at these people who are clueless about their lack of talent.
“I’ll never understand why people waste time “hating” a T.V. show. Unless you are forced to watch it, why expend all that energy?”
I agree, except sometimes I AM forced to watch them, or at least be in the room when they’re on. My husband watches some shows that I can’t stand (Will and Grace, The Simpsons, South Park), which means I either have to banish myself to the bedroom or sit and listen to them while I’m doing something else. So in that case, hating them isn’t a matter of expending energy, it’s just a natural response.
My fourteen year old daughter was right in the wheelhouse of his Long Island boy’s target audience, and she was really pìššëd øff this morning.
I extend to Ariel the same sympathies I extended my uber-Boss when the basketball team of his alma mater failed to advance in the NCAA Tournament.
Well, I ain’t in his target demographic either, but Kevin Covais didn’t bug me as much as he does some. I actually thought it pretty brave of him to take on a Nat King Cole song this week, and thought he acquitted himself admirably.
I feel for Ariel and for the other teen-and-tween-age girls who’re gonna miss him, but I gotta ask–will they remember him for long? He may well get some professional advancement out of his American Idol stint–if not a small record deal, then maybe some modest level of crooning tours or whatever else. But the history of American Idol is littered with previous finalists who’ve gone forgotten by those viewers who once (ahem) idolized ’em. For every ex-Idol finalist who gets a small record deal or a role in a mainstream musical, there’s another who’se released an album that sold only a handful of copies. I hope Kevin Covais–and the other non-finalists, non-winners–get the careers they deserve and desire. And I’m sure they will. If their fans haven’t forgotten about ’em and moved on to the next flavor of the month…
I’m sorry to say this.
It’s American Idol, not teen bop. The show to be the winner needs jumping energy, and needs to be able to sign pop or soft rock.
Chicken Little was nice, and a good signer, I thought Buckie was going home.
I actually enjoyed Kevin a lot, and I’m not in his “target audience”. I’m sure Bucky and Lisa will be the next two to go. I’m wavering on the final two though. To me, it’s a toss-up between Mandisa, Chris, Ace, and Katharine. They all have professional experience, except maybe Kathatrine, and are excellent performers, IMO.
Then again, I’m one of the 10 people who is still waiting for an Anthony Federov CD…
Daniel
I like kevin, but I’m not surprise he’s gone. Don’t worry Ariel, I’m sure he’ll get a contract somewhere.
THe twin towers are gone, but American Idol lives on? There is no god…
I feel for Ariel and for the other teen-and-tween-age girls who’re gonna miss him, but I gotta ask–will they remember him for long? He may well get some professional advancement out of his American Idol stint–if not a small record deal, then maybe some modest level of crooning tours or whatever else. But the history of American Idol is littered with previous finalists who’ve gone forgotten by those viewers who once (ahem) idolized ’em. For every ex-Idol finalist who gets a small record deal or a role in a mainstream musical, there’s another who’se released an album that sold only a handful of copies. I hope Kevin Covais–and the other non-finalists, non-winners–get the careers they deserve and desire. And I’m sure they will. If their fans haven’t forgotten about ’em and moved on to the next flavor of the month..
Actually, I’m gonna bet about 7-10 years from now, we’ll see at least two or three of the non-winners have substantive careers. It may not be as a pop star, but it could very well be as a musical actor, sideman or something like that….
Not a bad life to have, really…
The ironic thing is that I was starting to come around on lil Kevin. I went from liking him in the early rounds, to disbelief and anger that he made the finals, to utter hatred after he massacred “Vincent,” to “hmm, maybe there’s some potential there” this week. One thing I’ll say for him, he’s engaging.
Obviously, everyone who voted against Kevin hates freedom.
Here’s a fun game to play: try to figure out what drugs Paula Abdul is on this season. She’s been so wierdly sedated this year, and it seems to get worse with each episode. The producers need to step in soon before she goes off the deep end.
Matt is now my new favorite person because of that freedom line.
From what little I’ve seen Kevin didn’t deserve to go home yet.
The Top 5 Should Be: Mandisa, Taylor, Chris, Kelli, and Katharine
I figured Kevin would be the Anthony of this season and survive more.
Bucky will end up being the Scott Savol of this season and highly overstay his welcome.
I would love to see Idol have a single escape clause. The 3 “judges” can, if they agree, save 1 Idol from elimination if they think America got it wrong that week.
It would have saved more than likely: Tamira in Season 1, One of the two black divas from Season 3 (Fantasia being the only to survive and win), and Constantine from last year.
My gut tells me that either Taylor or Mandisa will be the Constantine of this year.
Final 2 Prediction: Chris and Katharine
Until later
John
What is “American Idol” and who is Kevin Covais?
I have zero interest in the show, but my 7 year old cousin was so pìššëd about this he threatened to never watch again. I hope he keeps his word.
Actually, I’m gonna bet about 7-10 years from now, we’ll see at least two or three of the non-winners have substantive careers. It may not be as a pop star, but it could very well be as a musical actor, sideman or something like that….
Not a bad life to have, really…
********************
Josh Gracin, who was a runner-up on Idol, is quite successful in Country music. He’s already had a couple of top 10 hits.
Mr. David;
Does it really matter if someone is voted off a show when in the grand ways of the world, there are about a ton of other “more important” things going on that you could be commenting about in these on-line essays of yours,
Bush’s abuse of power, the endless war in Iraq that we are hopelessly trapped in, the growing numbers of Americans being killed all because Bush wants to finish the job his daddy failed to do in his watch, how CNN or the Fox network fail to really cover all aspects of the war on terrorism,,,and the list goes on.
And we are supposed to care about some stupid doofus on a show that is about as useless a thing on TV as MTV and the Music Video have become. I can at last say because of this, that the Internet serves no useful purpose if we are talking about shallow topics like this and ignoring the fact that so many American families have their kids coming home to them in body bags.
Wow, Rob, way to be a downer. ’cause, y’know, we have to stop trying to be entertained just because the world is in dire straights.
And do you even READ PAD’s site, beyond this one thread?
As to American Idol…my wife and last really watched with the Clay/Reuben finale. We tried watching the season that followed, but most of the contestants were just annoying. So, I don’t have any idea who got voted off this week. Or, more accurately put, who didn’t get voted to stay.
And Den? You sure seem to know an afwul lat about this season…and this contestant. For a show you hate, and want to se voted off your TV, you sure know a lot about it. Must be hard having Fox executives show up every Tuesday and Wednesday night, forcing you to watch at gunpoint 😉
“Does it really matter if someone is voted off a show when in the grand ways of the world, there are about a ton of other “more important” things going on that you could be commenting about in these on-line essays of yours. Bush’s abuse of power, the endless war in Iraq that we are hopelessly trapped in, the growing numbers of Americans being killed all because Bush wants to finish the job his daddy failed to do in his watch, how CNN or the Fox network fail to really cover all aspects of the war on terrorism,,,and the list goes on.”
Yeah, because I never talk about anything like that.
I’ve just GOT to put this guy together with the people who scream at me every time I do a politically oriented entry. Let them slug it out.
PAD
Actually, I’m gonna bet about 7-10 years from now, we’ll see at least two or three of the non-winners have substantive careers. It may not be as a pop star, but it could very well be as a musical actor, sideman or something like that….
I suppose you’re right. There are plenty of musical careers other than pop star, and some of these folks will surely go on to good lives as working musicians.
But there was a recent MTV article (at http://www.mtv.com/bands/a/american_idol/ai5_feature_060307/index.jhtml ) talking about the post-Idol careers of non-finalist (12th- through 3rd- place) finishers. Of that group, 4th-place finisher Josh Gracin has the best-selling album, and the only one to have gone gold. Next successful is 3rd-place finished Kimberly Locke. After that? William Hung–the guy with the atrocious “She Bangs” version.
It’s an interesting article certainly…
isn’t jennifer hudson starring in the bill condon adaptation of Dreamgirls? alongside beyonce? she’s definitely a non-finalist who’s done well for herself.
and to be clear–i had no illusions that kevin would win, or even should deserve to win. but dámņ, he was just a good kid who was fun to watch and had one of those stories that made you want to root for him.
my sense is that he’ll do the round of the talk shows, maybe get a small record deal, and probably go back to high school. only this time, hopefully he’ll get some of the action he’s always deserved.
PAD said:
I’ve just GOT to put this guy together with the people who scream at me every time I do a politically oriented entry. Let them slug it out.
ok that had me laughing out loud (i was thinking along the same lines…) 🙂
Overworm –
What is “American Idol” and who is Kevin Covais?
Whichever rock you’re living under, Overworm, I want to be there.
Well, like all auditions, it’s a process that selects for something specific. It’s quite likely that better singers and performers will be overlooked; it’s in the nature of auditions.
And sometimes the auditioners just whiff on the auditionees—that’s happened more than once in the real world.
Peter,
This entry struck a chord, as I just recently went through something similar with my 7 year old daughter. She became hooked on Dancing with the Stars after watching it with Mom, and was REALLY pulling for Stacy Keibler to win. On the night of the finale, I was downstairs working on the computer and heard this loud wailing coming from upstairs. When I went up to see what was going on (assuming she was hurt, most likely), she was sobbing into Mom’s arms because Stacy had just been the first one eliminated. Which goes to show how seriously kids can take stuff. Of course, she was fine within about half an hour, although still mad about her favorite not winning.
Now, how Jerry Rice wasn’t voted off much earlier than he was…
It’s all about entertainment, which only partly involves talent. It helps to be talented, but what really matters is entertaining. There’s plenty of great singers, but only a small few that can entertain in a pop arena.
I saw a rap/hip hop video this morning that featured Sarah McLachlen. She was really out of place in it. She’s got a stunning voice, but in an up-tempo hip hop video, she just looked…out of place.
Well, tell Ariel I’m sorry that her fave contestant didn’t make it to the big leagues. I can certainly imagine how it feels (probably the same way it feels when your favorite comic book is cancelled). However, I’d just like to say that there’s always tomorrow. This Kevin fella could move on to bigger things. Or, you could end up finding a new fave. It’ll be all right.
I actually tried watching American Idol during its second or third season. The reason being that a classmate from high school and college, and was a very good singer, went to audition for the show. I watched the entirety of the first episode, but when she never showed up, I got bored with it. I later found out that she made it through the preliminary auditions, but didn’t make it to the finals. I wonder what Katrina Marie is doing now.
I stopped watching the show after the third season. Since then, it’s been more of the same, and there’s always some schmuck out there auditioning to hopefully be the next William Hung.
Funny, I just said that “Idol” has been “more of the same,” yet people are still hooked on “Survivor” and “The Amazing Race.”
Me? I’m still hooked on “The Apprentice.” I know. I harbor no shame in the fact I still am.
Must be because of that Russian candidate…
“Does it really matter if someone is voted off a show when in the grand ways of the world, there are about a ton of other “more important” things going on that you could be commenting about in these on-line essays of yours. Bush’s abuse of power, the endless war in Iraq that we are hopelessly trapped in, the growing numbers of Americans being killed all because Bush wants to finish the job his daddy failed to do in his watch, how CNN or the Fox network fail to really cover all aspects of the war on terrorism,,,and the list goes on.”
Okay, so the next time my 20 month old is VERY UPSET that she can’t go outside without a coat, or stand on the coffee table, or mad about whatever else set her off, I’m going to sit her down and explain that she has no right to have any feeligns or thoughts that are not directly related to the government’s blunders. I’m sure that will fix everything.
News flash, Rob: life is a full and rich experience. There is no reason why I can’t be mad as a hornet about Shrub’s debacle and still find joy in my life. And I’m looking forward to the match-up between you and the “how dare PAD make any political comments” gang. In fact, I’m not just looking forward to it, I’m SMILING about it. May even bring popcorn… even if not every person in Iraq has their own microwave and popcorn bag.
Sheesh!
Sorry, neither my wife nor I watch “American Idol”. However, I did read X-FACTOR #5. It’s great that you are including, not only a lettercol, but also starting with a “what has gone before” page. Although, if you are going to mention Siryn being brutally assaulted by an unknown assailant, do you really what to name her attacker just two paragraphs earlier?
I’m not sure I’d allow my daughter or son to watch this show too much. Essentially it’s a show about mean spiritedness. Simon making comments on people’s looks, weight or ability in such a rude, snarky way as to become quite a horse’s behind.I’ve seen this Kevin kid in interviews and he seems nice. I enjoy Kelly Clarkson quite a bit and I’m 33/single and male but to be quite honest the show has such an offensive manner to it that I can’t see watching it, especially with a child. I see it as just part of a bigger picture of rudeness and meanness though. I mean, look at what DC has done to their comics. It’s essentially the same thing, in my opinion.
I will however also extend my sympathies to your daughter PAD because I felt the same thing when both Robotech Macross ended and when Buffy went off the air.
Michael
I think Simon’s honesty is a breath of fresh air. In fact, oftentimes he’s the sole voice of sanity on the show. People know what they’re getting into when they go on the show, so they’re essentially asking for his judgment. Granted, his jokes about people’s weight are awfully crass, but he apologized to Mandisa and now they respect each other. Otherwise, he mostly limits his comments to the contestants’ talents (aside from innocent pot shots at their clothing or hair style choices), and he’s usually a hundred percent correct.
I’m not sure I’d allow my daughter or son to watch this show too much. Essentially it’s a show about mean spiritedness. Simon making comments on people’s looks, weight or ability in such a rude, snarky way as to become quite a horse’s behind.I’ve seen this Kevin kid in interviews and he seems nice. I enjoy Kelly Clarkson quite a bit and I’m 33/single and male but to be quite honest the show has such an offensive manner to it that I can’t see watching it, especially with a child. I see it as just part of a bigger picture of rudeness and meanness though.
Well, everyone has their own opinion, of course. But I disagree that American Idol is fundamentally about mean-spiritedness. (At least at this stage of the show; I’ll grant there’s something more clearly voyeuristically perverse about the early rounds, watching large numbers of just plain horrible singers audition.)
There are so many elements other than Simon Cowell’s comments that go into American Idol, that I don’t think his abrasiveness is enough to define the show as fundamentally mean. And although his comments sometimes cross the line to being inappropriately cruel (his early comments about needing a larger stage for the plus-size Mandisa, for instance–but notably he’s apologized for that one…) but more often than not, he isn’t saying anything worse than these folks might expect to hear in a “real life” audition or from a “real life” casting director.
As for a “bigger picture of rudeness and meanness”, there are plenty of cultural commentators who talk about things like the ‘coarsening’ of American culture, and sure, American Idol may be part of it. But if that cultural coarsening is really true (and even if it’s really a phenomenon worth fretting over), I don’t think American Idol is the most egregious example to be had.
American Idol sure ain’t the height of popular culture, but it also ain’t the meanest, cruelest thing out there…
>As I watch presumably adult males dissing the >kid, I find myself wondering what part of my >saying I felt badly for my fourteen year old >daughter because she was “his target audience” >was unclear.
Oh, that is a load. Your subject is “I hope you’re happy America”. Then you say your daughter was pìššëd øff. You are basically baiting anyone to disagree with you and then getting Po’d when they do.
You said you hope we are happy, and yes we are.
Every single week for the past month that kid was on the show was a gift, which was helped in no small part by votefortheworst.com.