My favorite American Idol contestant so far

A bit of a shame, really, to think that this beautiful, young, talented girl from a wonderful family will now be thrust into the press of the media and the soul-crunching machine of Hollywood.

Very good, I much enjoyed her story. I thought that comment She has an “old soul” was perfect.

Yes, she was a stand out! This is the appeal of American Idol to me. The bizarre and horrific auditions get most of the attention, but interspersed throughout are beautiful voices and inspiring family stories.

My favorite part of the auditions is the sheer joy shared between the contestants fortunate enough to get a “gold ticket” and the family and friends who have gathered to cheer them on.

There was another great story last night with a young man who has spent the last several years taking care of his mother (she has spinal bifida). He described himself as a “church singer.” He looked a little out of place at the competition. But, his voice was amazing. He got a gold ticket.

Maddy’s story was uplifting. We first learned that she was one of 12 brothers and sisters. She had a brother who has Down’s. We then learn the family adopted two more children with Down’s.

The family was not presented for spectacle or entertainment. They will not get a cable reality show. We just got a glimpse of a wonderful family. My wife was in tears.

This is why Idol gets the ratings it does.

I agree with Dan.

I am involved with and play piano for school choirs and regional choirs that are positively loaded with girls just like this–beautiful, talented, and from wonderful families.

If America would shut off our tv’s and get involved in the community, we would find, to our surprise, that this is the case.

This is related to what annoyed me so much about the hullabaloo surrounding Susan Boyle. Simon Cowell was astonished that a good voice could come out of a homely person! If we would shut off our tv’s with their MTV and music videos, and instead attend our community concerts, recitals, and maybe even church choir events; we would find homely people everywhere in our very own communities with gorgeous voices making beautiful music.

But America forgets what Community is all about. They think instead that everything has to be on a national scale. Gee. That problem surfaces in many arenas. . .

I think it’s a bit odd for Christians to refer to people as having “old souls”, but I imagine that those here just mean she’s mature.

Still, to Dan’s comment (@1) about her “be[ing] thrust into the press of the media and the soul-crunching machine of Hollywood,” please. Are we to believe she didn’t choose to do this herself, that she wasn’t aware of the “machine” behind this show, which she said she’s been watching for half her life? The show didn’t seek her out.

Finally, I continue to be baffled by Christians who think Cohen’s “Hallelujah” is some kind of Christian, or at least spiritual song. Yes, there’s an obvious biblical allusion in the first two verses — and I’m glad she only sang the first verse — but I really don’t think it’s what people think it’s about.

All that said, good for her. I hope that this is a blessing for her, her family, and those who watch the show.

“I think it’s a bit odd for Christians to refer to people as having “old souls”, but I imagine that those here just mean she’s mature”

I think this is stating the obvious. Did anyone really actually not understand that and thus need it spelled out? I think even pagans pick up on that. If so perhaps I should explain “spelled out”; by “spelled out” I mean elucidated, explained and stated more explicitly, not literally re-spelling it.

I didn’t think the song “Hallelujah” was a “Christian” song, in fact I knew it was not. But thanks for clearly that up, I suppose.

In case anyone didn’t know “Stairway To Heaven” is not a Christian song either, nor is “The Devil Went Down To Georgia”. Just in case you didn’t know.

L

Larry (@6), honestly, before you imply that I’m an idiot, at least try Googling the term and reading some of the results. Are you familiar with how the “pagans” use it? Because your reply didn’t indicate that.

And I think you also missed my point about the song. I’ve had conversations with Christians before — right here on this blog, even — who didn’t know what the song was about because they hadn’t heard or listened to all the lyrics. The fact that this 16-year-old girl, whose story is presented as wholesome — if not explicitly Christian, as such — makes me think she doesn’t know what the song is about, either. Because that would be awkward, at best, for her to sing about.

Todd,

Thanks for that clarification too.

L

tODD #5,

I suppose it would have been more accurate if I had said, “into which she jumped” instead of “be thrust,” but you are right. (Though I rather liked the dramatic “soul crunching machine” bit.) The show did not seek her out. She is giddy to be a part of it. That is precisely what disturbs me.

I’m not judging (no pun intended.) It just makes me a little sad.

My favorite was the “pants on the ground” guy 🙂

I haven’t been watching this season, but this made me cry! They were so nice to her. It’s rare to see them all so sweet. 🙂

I’m so ‘swiping’ this and adding it to my newest post …-will give you credit though…
C-CS
LA LFL