Three to the Top

So now, there are three: Blake, Melinda, Jordin (in alphabetical order).

Of course, I'm talking about the American Idol. What else?

As I'm convinced that the devoted fans of the show have watched -- or are watching? -- the last episode featuring the top three, I'd like to spare my two cents. (If I'm not mistaken, the Indonesian viewers now can watch AI a day after the original one is aired in the US. Good then!). If you think this particular post is gonna be a spoiler, pass it.

I love Jordin. Like always. She's so refreshing. She's not a typical 17 year olds, appearence-wise and vocal wise. She's very, VERY talented. I've loved her since day one, and been hoping that she'll make it to the top. So far, only once did she disappoint me, when she tried to be a rock chick for the Bon Jovi's session. Horrible hairdo. Must've taken advice from Sanjaya :p. Last night, though, she's taken me.

Blake has also been one of my favorites, and I'm glad that he got this far. He dares to be different. There were times when he seemed to be desperately trying the popular path (how else will you explain the beatbox that sometimes feel "maksa banget sih"?), but in the end he always gets his grip. Anyway, I may get snorts from the music industry experts/practicioners for saying this: I think he sounds so European. Looking at the songs he picked, he might've realized that at the first place. One more thing: his decision to dye his hair black can't be more right. Cuter than ever, babe!

Now, Melinda. Contrary to the judges' praises, I don't really like her performance last night. I think she was off pitch at times, and quite notable in - unfortunately - I Believe in You and Me. For this whole AI season, she's been flawless. And yet, I find her getting boring. Yes, boring, not bored. This time, perfection is blah.

My gut tells me this is going to be an all girl final. Say goodbye to Blake... and be prepared to welcome him again when he releases his first album :). He's marketable! Melinda might get the title this year, but I'm sure it's Jordin who we'll hear more in the coming years.

Update:

Although I'd vote for Jordin anytime, and I do like Blake, never would've I thought it was MELINDA, yes, MELINDA who had to fly home. It shocked me as much as other Melinda's fans. Check out message boards and blogs, and you'll find the many people who vow they'll never watch AI again. Some even threaten to boycott the show (how?). Whew. I had the same feeling when Delon got the ticket to Indodol finale a few years ago. I was snapped back to the reality that it IS a popularity contest, and the best, most talented ones are often overlooked by the crowd judging merely from what pleases their WHOLE five senses.

Show business is a mean business. And whether you'll admit it or not, it IS a discriminatory, patrilineal, business. Dessy Fitri, an extremely gifted singer, for instance, never made it big like Krisdayanti. On the other hand, Ramona Purba had had his time of fame, albeit a short one.