Tone of Voice-Be Careful American Idols

      Well, it seems that tone of voice can make all the difference in the world when a statement is made.   It has been reported that a contestant, by the name of Mark Mudd, auditioned for the American Idol show.   The audition apparently didn’t go well and as he was exiting, Mark Mudd said, “Be Careful”.   The American Idol judges took that comment negatively since the audition didn’t get him on the show.  

       Both Simon Cowell and Paula Abdul allegedly felt threatened.   With Paula Abdul’s recent experience with an obssessed fan’s, Paula Goodspeed, suicide near her home…it is understandable that she would be a bit wary; however, i think had they concentrated on Mark Mudd’s tone of voice…maybe they would have heard a clue that tipped the balance of common sense that the statement held no threat of future violence.  The judge’s alleged perception of the statement was influenced by the alleged failure of the audition to get the performer on the program as a contestant.

       The audition was in Louisville, Kentucky; and in that region of the country, and others, “be careful” is a common phrase spoken in parting.   I do it myself…it is the way i grew up…it is a caring way to part company; it expresses concern for the other person’s well-being.  

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Simon Sez Crazy Things…Paula Abdul Claims

      Wow… I just watched a clip from The View today in which Barbara Walters talks about an interview she did with Paula Abdul on her radio show.  http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=6425460

       In the chat fest in the beginning of the show Barbara refers to that interview when she says that Paula has dropped a few explosive bombs about American Idol producers, Fox television, as well as,  Simon Cowell.

         As many of you know, there was an unfortunate young woman who was allegedly obsessed with Paula Adbul who died in front of Paula’s home…allegedly a suicide.  This young woman, Paula Goodspeed, has been supposedly sending letters and trying to make contact with Paula Abdul for something like 17 years, through her fan club. 

         Abdul claims in the radio interview with Barbara Walters that the producers of American Idol knew of this young woman’s obsession and still they allowed her to audition for the three Idol judges.  That audition  appears to have caused much harm; because of the rejection  Paula Goodspeed felt that she was publically humiliated.  Does a show like this carry a  legal and moral responsibility to pre-screen contestants; to make sure that they can handle the criticism that they face on the show?  I think they should.

          Paula Abdul says that she begged the producers and Simon not to allow Ms. Goodspeed to audition…but, against her wishes they allowed her to audition, possibly more than once.  It put her in a terrible position; Paula says that the producers and Simon wished to see her squirm. 

          At some point, Ms. Goodspeed followed Paula Abdul to her home address.  There were other incidents that took place there before the actual suicide took place.  Paula was not home when the suicide took place.  She now has her home for sale i hear; she says she has not slept there since it happened.

         Paula also says that she has lost endorsements and business opportunities because of the public’s perception that she is drunk or stoned on medications; because of the way that she is portrayed on the show.  She says, part of, that is caused by Simon who says crazy things in Paula’s ear piece while she is trying to communicate her “judgement”.   She says, something to the effect, that this is a distraction; and, Simon tries to make her laugh when she is trying to graciously speak to the contestants.

         If these things are true, and she can prove them…i see this turning into a major big, legal deal.  Obviously, Paula is upset about the whole nightmare of the suicide of Paula Goodspeed.  After all, a life was lost and if it is true that it was because of manipulations behind the scenes of the show…then shame on those involved.   There are more important things than ratings of a television show!

         When asked why Paula was still on the show…she apparently, simply said that she is under contract.  Paula also allegedly says that Simon could have at anytime corrected himself and retracted the statements that he has made.  She is under contract for another year; even though, this year there is a fourth judge being brought onto the show.  Just last week, Randy Jackson was on television shows saying not to believe everything people hear about this year’s American Idol.  

           What does this mean?  Is there a mystery here behind the scenes?  Does Paula want out of her contract?  Did this suicide impress on anyone the importance of the impact of the hurtful words that are said to contestants who don’t measure up to the judges expectations?  Is the show going to be legally liable in the young woman’s death?   I wonder, do you anyone feels guilty who was involved in that episode involving young Paula Goodspeed?

          Does this controversy mean that Paula will no longer associate herself with the show after her contract expires?  Time will tell.  I suspect that we have not heard the last of this drama.  What do you think is going on?  Is it alright to do “anything” to get ratings…or, should networks, producers, and the like be held responsible when things go wrong?

* See related story here: https://writeasrain.wordpress.com/2008/11/13/american-idol-judge-idolized/

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Don’t Let Marissa Go Home

        Oh man, i saw a poll today where people vote on who should go home on Dancing With The Stars.  The result showed what i was fearing…the couple i have been rooting for, Marissa and Tony.  I really, really like the two of them together.  Sure, she didn’t start out with any great kind of dancing skills…but she has improved, immensely.  Tonight is the results show; don’t let Marissa go home. 

        However, from that one poll…it looks like she could actually be the one to go home as it was from viewer’s opinion.  That fact, plus the fact that the judges scored their two dances in a way that they ended up at the bottom of the four couples dance scores.  Bummer…i was hoping she would make it at least to the semi-finals… I know that she doesn’t have the technical skills of Kristi, or the flare of Christian, or the grace of Jason….but, she has personality, joy, and style of her own that is unparrelled.  Best of luck Tony and Marissa.   update:  Tony and Marissa were the ones to leave.  I for one will miss them.  So, next week the competitors will be Christian and Cheryl, Edyta and Jason, Kristi and Mark.  The semi-finals ….awesome season of dancing with the stars!

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Tuesday Ta Ta’s on Dancing With The Stars

         Once again, it is anyone’s guess who is leaving Dancing With The Stars.  One week a couple will be praised up and down by the judges and then find themselves because of the audience voting down in the bottom of the competition.  This week who will wave TA TA on Tuesday on Dancing With The Stars?

        For the most part…the dancing is coming up a notch or two every week.  But, Monday evening…Christian de la Fuente injured his arm halfway through his and Cheryl’s dance.  This earned them a lower score because, as Carrie Ann Inaba said…we will only judge you on what we saw.  She did compliment him on being there for Cheryl when he was obviously in pain.

        Marissa and Tony outdid themselves and earned very nice scores by doing so.  Kristi was fabulous as usual…she and her partner Mark…really shine each time they perform.  Sometimes, i think they score her lower just because they feel that she is a bit skilled above the other competitors…the judges expect more out of her.

         Mario and Karina did a fine job.  The judges keep bringing the attention to Mario’s age…what does that have to do with anything.  I think he is doing a fine job keeping up with Miss Karina and her talents.

          Shannon Elizabeth and her partner Derek have graceful nice moments and then they seem to have some really awkward moments that cant be covered up.  I think Shannon’s time is coming to an end.  She probably would have already been gone except for Derek’s popularity.

        Jason and Edyta did a nice job…and for once…Edyta wore more clothing than normal for her usual performances on the show.  This was nice…you could concentrate on their dancing as opposed to her skin.  She is a wonderful dancer and the focus should be on her partner…not on her costume of the week.

          So…Tuesday evening we will all be glued to the television sets waiting to see who will be saying Ta Ta…ya’ll.

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Perfect is as Perfect Does

       Dancing With The Stars had a star last night for sure…Kristi shone brightly.  She did a brillant job with her dance and it got her a perfect score.  We know for sure that Kristi is not leaving the show this evening.  She is a hit both with the audience and with the judges score…she is safe for another week.  Perfect score reflects a perfect performance…perfect is as perfect does.

       I myself wasn’t all that impressed with the group dance.  I didn’t particularily think that it was well choreographed.  It looked alot like chaos at times to me.  But then, i didn’t think that most of the “stars” looked like they felt comfortable performing it.  It did however, look like they were having a BLAST at the group practice though!

        I thought that Marissa did a great job with her dance with Tony.  I worry about her leaving because i think she is improving alot every week.  But, because she is short and somewhat larger than the other females… some of her dances look awkward…especially things like lifts…and tosses on the floor…it doesn’t always look graceful.  But, i got to tell you….i admire her greatly for pushing herself and gamely giving everything Tony throws at her a try.  Again, i think Tony is grinning from ear to ear…having a blast each week.  I don’t think i remember him having such a great time with any of his other partners.  It is neat to see.

      I saw an online survey which was asking which one of the “stars” should leave this week.  It was saying that Marlee got the most votes for leaving.  Hmmm…i wonder if it will be her.  I think the judges have been somewhat harsh with Shannon Elizabeth the last couple of weeks criticizing her lack of hip action.  But, i think that Derek’s, her partner, popularity  will keep her in the running for a while yet. 

       Mario’s dance with Karina was ummmmm…not G rated…it was kind of sultry …it was fun to watch…but…truthfully, Mario is a better dance than that number portrayed.  It was all about pleasing the eye…but Karina did most of the dancing…Mario…basically…just looked good.  So, i dont know.  I think he is popular enough with the audience that it wont cause him to leave the competition. 

       My prediction is that the person leaving will be Marlee.  I guess we will have to tune in to be sure.

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