Are predictable finales really that bad?

Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV

If you'd asked fans to predict a winner after the first "Dancing With the Stars" performance this season, Gilles Marini, Shawn Johnson and Melissa Rycroft probably would have been the top three choices.

ABC

Gilles Marini, shown with partner Cheryl Burke, was a "Dancing" favorite from day one.

In my office, we did ask for predictions after "American Idol" chose its 13 finalists. Four people chose Adam Lambert to win, making him the favorite. While Danny Gokey had his share of supporters and so did Lil Rounds and some others, not one person chose Kris Allen to win it all.

Does that mean the "Idol" finale is automatically more exciting, because we couldn't see this pairing coming? I don't think so. Kris Allen snuck up on a lot of people at various times throughout the competition. Even Simon Cowell told him he didn't see him making it all the way.

Gilles, Shawn and Melissa snuck up on no one. But when I tune in to the "Dancing" finale, there's the satisfying knowledge that the three most deserving dancers will be pitted against each other. Any of the three could win and the others can shake his or her hand and offer congratulations on a battle well-fought.

While the "Dancing" finale was predictable, the road there was not. Who expected humble rodeo champ Ty Murray, who started out looking as terrified on the dance floor as most of us would be on a bucking bronc, would come so far? Ty never turned into Fred Astaire, but no one worked harder on a skill that just did not come naturally. But he didn't deserve to be in the finale, and he knew it and we knew it.

It was different on "Idol." Kris Allen came up slowly, but he was never out of his league. He flew under the radar for a while, but his talent could not be denied. Adam Lambert garnered the big headlines, and will probably win, but Allen is a deserving finalist.

For me, that's enough in a reality finale. I like to feel that the participants were deserving -- even if I don't especially like them, I want to feel they earned their spot. And if that means the final pairing could be seen coming a long ways away, so be it.

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Comments

I agree. I hate it when it becomes solely a poularity contest - case in point: Taylor Hicks. I'm very pleased with the three Dancing finalists although sad that Idol sent Danny home. The top two are still great though, and I'll definately be watching!

Naomi Thompson, Chaska, MN (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:21 AM)

I beg to disagree. Ever since I saw Kris Allen perform in the top 36, I wagered that he will win. My cousin laughed at me and said that he will not even make it far enough in the competition because contestants like Lil, Adam and Danny were a lot better. I told her that Lil is overrated and would end up as another Syesha Mercado who has no originality and boring to boot. Still, she continues to say that Kris will never make it. Well, see who is in the finale now! Kris is actually very marketable. Although Adam continuously wows everyone with his performance, I highly doubt whether his album will sell very well. He is undeniably brilliant on stage but I still think Kris is the one who embodies what American Idol is. Upon seeing him perform "Man in the Mirror", I described him as having the looks of David Archuleta coupled with a Jason Castro vibe and a David Cook aura.

Jess, Englewood, New Jersey (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:35 AM)

Jess, Englewood, New Jersey (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 10:48 AM)

I wouldn't have it any other way. If someone like Ty or Steve O or The Roz were in the final I wouldn't even bother watching it. Talk about a travisty of justice that would be. No, the people that show the most potential at dancing should be at the final show vying for the trophy. I, for one, like to see it when the best person wins. I wouldn't say I have agreed with all of the wins in the Dancing with the Stars show - or with everyone that made the final - but I'd say most of the winners were the best dancers.

JS Eagan MN (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 11:15 AM)

This is a question of who deserves to win the title. If you ask me, i would say Adam. Why? He has the total package. Kris is good but Adam is better. People might not agree with me but that's how i feel.
The reality for me is American Idol is a voting competition. So Guys, can we let the school nerd "Adam" a chance to win American Idol. Suggest that all Adam fans should come together to VOTE VOTE VOTE FOR ADAM on tuesday. Good Luck to you Adam Lambert. Your fans love you very much.

Marjorie, Indiana (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 11:27 AM)

What a shame, then, that there is that sour faction who think that Adam Lambert shouldn't win simply because he has been such a frontrunner and a favorite among judges, media and those of us with ears and an understanding of true talent. I find that sort of anti-vote revolting, and I certainly do hope that justice is done and Adam wins BECAUSE he deserves it. That is not denigrating Kris is any way. He earned his spot in the finals, but I bet he would be the first to say that Adam is more suitable to the title.

ravengirl, albuquerque, nm (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 11:33 AM)

Adam is AMAZING. He has earned the American Idol crown by entertaining us every week. Vote Adam!

PhDude (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 11:35 AM)

Kris made it to the finals because he stayed in the middle of the pack the entire season. In the 'group-sings' he was bland and boring. What a great way to make it to the finals. Not by being the best but by not being the worst. Congrats, Kris- you should be ashamed.

Jill B, Atlanta (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 11:55 AM)

While frontrunners usually are penalized down the road, it is very admirable how Adam has been able to maintain his "front and center" position down the stretch. I think many people saw Kris as a sleeper but were swayed by the judges continually saying that 1) he had no star power, and 2) he was married and therefore had limited appeal. Danny was too one-dimensional in my view as was 'Lil Rounds. I also wouldn't be a bit surprised if Matt Giraud has a better career than everyone except Kris and Adam.

mike, austin, tx (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 12:03 PM)

I was a fan of Danny's and never quite paid attention to Kris, but after listening to all the songs he sang this season, I can honestly say he deserves to be in the F2 and he will get my votes.

Diane (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 12:19 PM)

Adam is not just the best singer among the AI contestants, he is the best among all singers that performed on the AI stage this season - including all guest singers. More than that - every single one of his performances was far superior to the respective original If Adam is not elected a winner - we, Americans, will have demonstarted our collective pour taste in front of the whole world. So, it is not for Adam to win or loose at this point, but for us, the voters, to show that we are understand music; see, recognise and treasure the enournous talent that is Adam Lambert! VOTE !

nica, NYC (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 12:26 PM)

To Jill B. who said "Shame on you Kris", YOU should be ashamed. Kris didn't do the voting and those of us who did vote love him. I love his style and would buy his CD in a heartbeat. I like Adam too, just not so much his style of music.

Cathy Eggert (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 1:05 PM)

I am a longtime fan of Dancing with the Stars, and a new dedicated fan of American Idol since I first saw Adam Lambert audition. I feel that this amazingly talented man has thoroughly entertained and engaged us week after week and truly deserves to win this unpredictable contest. Unlike the logical voting limits imposed by DWTS, American Idol has no vote limits per phone. The end result is based on a voting endurance contest between the fans of the contestants and not on the actual talent of the contestants themselves. That is such a shame, but until this changes (if ever), please vote-vote-vote for Adam Lambert tomorrow night. Show the world that we do recognize the best when we see it.

Diane S., Bridgewater, MA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 1:39 PM)

I knew the first time I saw him perform on Idol he was the winner. He stood out as a professional entertainer. He's a musical genius and no one can touch him. And Simon's comment about "Ring of Fire" being self-indulgent rubbish was completly wrong. It was shere genius. I believe Adam will win in a landslide and is really the only one who deserves the title. In fact on Wednesday night he's the only one that really deserves to stand on that stage.

Anon, Santa Cruz, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 1:44 PM)

Kris is very much like a number of singers you would find in a bar singing and playing acoustical guitar, he is good but nothing special or outstanding and I am sure he will make a good living with music. Adam is not exactly my type of music but he is a better entertainer and a better singer. He has shown much more in creativity and better range of voice, he should win, but stranger things have occured. After all this is an entertainment show nothing scienticfic.

Bruce L, Charlottesville, VA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 1:53 PM)

I am a Gokey fan, and now that he is gone, my vote goes to Kris. I agree Adam is better of the two, but Kris is more marketable and personable. If he makes records, he has the tone and the possibility that most radio stations will play his songs. Go Kris, You have one more vote from Chicago!

Jill Krump Chicago (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 2:00 PM)

Kris deserves to be in the top 2, but everything that Simon has pointed out is true. He needs to come out of his shell more in order to become a more marketable product. Kris will need the assistance of a good producer and agent who will be able to bring his personality out more. Adam will require the same but for the opposite reason. He's going to need someone who will be able to reign him in and keep him from becoming overindulgent. He is so talented but could easily cross over and become a joke if not carefully managed. For those that remember, I find him to be this generation's "Sam Harris" (from the first year of Star Search).

Kevin T. Baldwin, Worcester, MA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 2:13 PM)

I thought Kris was as boring as watching paint dry. Never saw any talent, sounds off key most of the time. I think he has the teenybopper vote. Adam, by far, has the better voice, talent, and overall charisma..the "It" Factor. VOTE ADAM!!!

Denise, Kings Park, NY (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 2:19 PM)

I did not like Adam at first. I especially despised his rendition of "Ring of Fire". He has grown on me though, and if he wins he will deserve to. However, Kris has earned his spot too.. from day one, it was all about Danny & Adam, that doesnt mean Kris was mediocre, the spotlight was on everyone. And although I dont think someone with experience should be banned from American Idol, lets face it, Adam should have a better stage presence than everyone else, because he's performed before. That in no way shape or form takes away from his talent, but it does give him an edge, which I have no problem with. I think the final 2 is deserved by both. Its about time that deserving people won. The year Taylor Hicks won, I had stopped watching the week after Chris Daughtry was voted off. Hicks always looked like he was having some kind of fit, and he doesnt have a minute amount of the talent the rest of that seasons performers had....

jrzyfrl, (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 2:43 PM)

This will be a great finale! I am a huge Adam fan, but I think Kris is very talented and has really improved each week. Adam, well Adam is Glambert! Amazing skills at picking the right song for himself. Amazing singing range. And oh yeah, he OWNS the stage. He has captivated all the viewers this season. If he keeps what his detractors call "screaching" down and really shows his versatility, he will win. And I think the fact that these guys have a "bromance" going just shows that they both have good character. Love Kris, but Adam for the win!

Chris Tempe, Arizona (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 2:48 PM)

I am not a rock fan but Adam isn't just about rock music. He is a very talented artist. This is not a contest for cute, etc. It is about talent. People need to remember that. I also like Kris. He will do well. I think you will see Adam doing all types of music as he did on the shows each week. His talent is outstanding. I studied voice for many years and have sung different styles of music but I still have a favorite type of music in my blood. People need to see his emotions of love for his artistic ability. I am not a young teenager so I have watched him perform as no other has on American Idol and I have watched every year it has been on. My votes are with Adam!! The most versatile of all. thanks J. from TN.

Joan Lemser, Germantown, TN (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 3:46 PM)

I'm a San Diegan. I like Adam and I have been voted weeks after weeks for Kris Allen.

Kris is amazingly talented. He has been my Idol.

Ocean, San Diego, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 3:47 PM)

Adam Lambert will never make it any further than his first CD release. He will then turn to the Broadway Stage and that is where he will become a star. He does not fit the American Idol Mold. Kris, on the other hand, is the perfect fit for American Idol. He is a handsome young man, his style and voice is what currently is in demand, and he is a really nice guy full of values and principles. That is the kind of guy I would want my kids to Idolize.

DLJ, Lancaster, PA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 3:55 PM)

I picked Adam and Kris from first seeing them. I do favor Adam and feel that he has a great career ahead of him. I think he will be bigger than Elvis. Like Elvis, I see him having the movie career too.

Marybeth Falmouth, MA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 3:58 PM)

People may like an underdog, but you can't repeat that scenario season after season. Otherwise, you'd have as much boredom as you would with someone who steamrolls the competition. I was very pleased when Kelly Monaco won, but she earned respect with constant improvement. I also would have been shocked if Brooke Burke or Kristi Yamaguchi had lost. An occasional shock (i.e.-Sabrina Johnson) is good for the overall health of the show. Otherwise, the show should remain as it is, and let the drama unfold from the natural talent, or lack thereof, of the participants.

Stuart, San Francisco (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 4:01 PM)

Love both of them. It has been my favorite season. I loved Danny to begin with but do feel he just kept getting pushed by the judges. I have voted for Matt, Kris, Adam and i loved Alexis too. I agree with the earlier post about Chris Daughtery. When he was voted off, I quit watching Idol until this year. Adam and Kris both have a future in music and can't wait for the finale!

Kathy, Medina, Tennessee (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 4:35 PM)

When Adam "sings" (screeches would be more appropriate) my fingernails curl. He sounds like a 3 year old getting HER hair cut. Drop it an octave already, please! Kris is not mega star quality either but he at least knows who he is. I don't think any of them deserve a crown this year- worst group I've ever seen. But somebody has to win and if I wasted the time to vote it would be Kris. I'm a metal loving cougar if it matters and unlike David Cook, Adam Lambert is no rock star. Have fun on Broadway.

Linda New York (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 4:43 PM)

I'm not an AI watcher, but I think the DWTS finals should have included Lil Kib rather than Shawn Johnson

MargieHannan (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 5:03 PM)

I'm just way tired of this kind of show (both Daning and Idol) and bored silly with the whole thing. Who really cares?

BinNH (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 5:32 PM)

Cheryl Burke will get her third mirror ball trophy tomorrow night. I predicted the top three on the first night. I was, however, distressed to see Lil Kim go out before the Semi-final. She isn't my favorite entertainer, but one cannot deny that she outdanced Ty Murray from the beginning. I enjoyed watching Ty improve every week and finally start enjoying himself, but no one would have expected him to win.

jacky spaulidng, Napa, CA (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 5:49 PM)

It seems that Adam is a professinal to a point therefore he should not be on idol. I thought that show was for amateurs. It should not matter if Kris is married. It doesn't put him out of reach anymore that adams lifestyle puts him out. My vote is for Kris. Simon and the other judges have picked the winner since the beginning it makes you think maybe the show is rigged. This was my first season to watch and most likely my last. I don't like rigged shows like the Bachelor and Bachelorette.

Lynn (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 5:56 PM)

On these "reality" shows...it's not who the people want...it's who the producers want, and who the producers want, will be the winner

Cody (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 7:29 PM)

Hicks always looked like he was having some kind of fit, and he doesnt have a minute amount of the talent the rest of that seasons performers had....

By whose measuring stick.I thnik hw is the most talented and the only real muscian on idol to this point.

geeg (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 7:29 PM)

My idol is Adam .He is a very talented artist. My votes are with Adam. My votes are with Adam. My votes are with Adam. The voters, to show that we are understand music; see, recognize and treasure the enormous talent that is Adam Lambert!!! The Winner Is: ADAM LAMBERT.

Estrella , New York, N.Y. (Sent Monday, May 18, 2009 8:09 PM)

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Are predictable finales really that bad?

Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV

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Are predictable finales really that bad?

Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper Filed Under: TV

EMAIL THIS

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Posted: Monday, May 18, 2009 6:00 AM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
Filed Under: TV