For the past several seasons, no matter how the contestants actually performed on the finale, “American Idol” voters have selected some derivative of a “white guy with guitar” as their winner.
With Josh Krajcik in the finals of “The X Factor” season one, it seemed like that streak could continue onto another “Idol”-esque talent show.
And though fellow finalist Chris Rene broke through with his hip-hop original “Young Homie,” he, too, had sung along with the guitar, including on one of his best performances of the season–another original number.
For those sick of seeing America vote in favor of such a prototype, “The X Factor” finally provided some hope that a different kind of performer can still win. Melanie Amaro, a non-white female with a “Diva” performance style, ended up winning “The X Factor” on the heels of a critically-acclaimed reprise of “Listen,” the same song she used to steal hearts in her initial audition.
Following Wednesday’s show, it was hard to argue that Amaro had “won” the performance aspect of the finals, but that was not necessarily a guarantee she would get the votes. After all, Lauren Alaina outperformed Scotty McCreery and lost on “American Idol” this year. Crystal Bowersox outperformed Lee DeWyze and lost on “American Idol” last year.
Chris Rene, who many pegged as a favorite due to his backstory and immensely popular original songs, ended up placing third, thrusting Josh Krajcik into the runner-up spot.
Lauren Alania didn’t out perform anyone and probably never will. I suppose you think her first single and first album went gold and that she won ACA new artist of year award also…Oops, no that was McCreery too.
This is why we will continue to have problem forming an pure heterogenous American culture or society. People have innate biases and are therefore too cultural in their perceptions to really judge real talent for what it is. Why can an Asian, Caucasian, African American, or Hispanic win a competition on its merit without everyone voting for him/her just because they can culturally or racially identify with that person? Why does every decision has to be racially motivated? Maybe “that’s just the way it is… Somethings will never change…”
Sorry there readers…the above sentence should have read; This is why we will continue to have problems forming (a, and not “an” pure heterogeneous and not “heterogenous”) American culture or society. Sometimes your mind runs faster than your hands.Sorry again for the typo.
Thanks.
Robert