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Shakira and Prince snub ‘American Idol’ finalists and other tidbits.
Now, I’ve always been a Prince fan (mostly during the early days) and was really excited to hear the rumor that he may be appearing on American Idol. How awesome that someone of that stature would take the time to do the show. I was all set to let ya’ll know this weekend in “tidbits� then this morning I read that talks have halted. Reportedly, he was unwilling to meet with the finalists. I guess once you become a “symbol� you’re too good for TV. I’m so disappointed.
Also, in the “bumming me out” category: Apparently Shakira joins Prince in the too good for the AI finalists category. She had scheduled time with the contestants and then blew them off. That’s almost worst than Prince. At least he didn’t go “slumming” and appear on the show at all, while apparently the show (and it’s millions of viewers) was good enough for Shakira to use for publicity of her new CD, but the contestants too beneath her to speak with. I wish I could send her CD back to Amazon.
As far as unconfirmed rumors, I heard on the radio the other day that Steven Spielberg had commented on Mandisa’s ousting. He said she had a “face” for films and not to worry about her future success.
Little Lisa Tucker moving on already. She has accepted an invite to appear on the Fox TV hit The O.C.
Apparently Simon Cowell’s girlfriend Terri Seymour is getting a little miffed about Cowell’s endless flirting with Kellie Pickler, both on and off stage. According to reports, there have been several screaming matches about it. Poor Simon. It’s also no secret Paula Abdul is annoyed with the mutual flirtation because she feels Pickler is ignoring the other judges. Best be careful Kellie!
Okay. Let’s talk Mandisa. Heating up the rumor mills since Wednesday evening is discussion of whether it was her singing, song choice, plus size or race that got her the least number of votes. According to some, it was her open anti-gay “affiliation.” There was some discussion on our blog the other day regarding Mandisa’s open display of Christianity on Idol. Two weeks ago when she sang “Shackles” by Mary May, she began the performance with the statement “Your addiction, lifestyle, or situation may be big, but God is bigger!” According to Mandisa the song was an inspiration to her because she’s battled addiction to food her whole life. I feel that she was just sharing a song that has a powerful message with others in need. Yes, she was being an evangalist but she was not making a political statement. I understand that she made a comment about not participating in a gay rights rally because she doesn’t support that lifestyle. Okay. How would that be any different than say Chris choosing not to perform in a country music salute?
I think Mandisa took a calculated risk by bringing her Christianity to the forefront on Idol in front of millions of viewers. I say good for her. If that was the reason why people choose not to vote for her, so be it. I’m sure there were people in her life that told her it wasn’t the best idea, but she didn’t care. She may have suffered the consequences by being eliminated, but in all of the interviews I’ve read and seen since Wednesday she’s fine with it.
I admire her courage and conviction and I also admire how she has gracefully dealt with the backlash. As far as I’m concerned, Chris also took a huge risk the week he went over the top with his heavy metal, head banging music. It is the music he loves even though it wasn’t main stream, he did it anyway. Bravo to him as well.
And these are the people, along with the other finalists, that Prince and Shakira have snubbed. Shame on you both. Shame on you.
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Comments
By Kim
April 11, 2006 1:55 PM | Link to this
Very good point indeed, Katie and Kelle. This really isn’t the place for it. Staying true to yourself is one thing - I have total respect for that - but cramming it down the throats of others is another matter. NOT that I don’t respect her message - but as Katie says - it could be anything. This show is supposed about entertainment - not politics or religion - the two most forbidden topics in peaceful adult conversation! So it certainly doesn’t have a place here.
By Kelle
April 11, 2006 8:41 AM | Link to this
Katie, you have a very good point. If all of the sudden each Idol used the show to communicate their own agenda, it wouldn’t be a singing contest anymore, it would be a political rally and who wants to watch that. We have enough of that already.
By Kim
April 11, 2006 8:36 AM | Link to this
Luckily - I have not purchased Shakira’s CD, and now I can snub it like she snubbed the contestants. Who does she think she is, anyway? I really hate inflated egos - you think you’re “all that” - but if us “little people” weren’t buying your concert tickets and recordings - you would just be down here slumming with us mere mortals. She gets the “zero respect” award - and my LIPS don’t lie, sweetie…
By katie
April 10, 2006 1:45 PM | Link to this
Yes, Shame on Shakira, especially, for refusing to fulfill her earlier commitment. Kelle, like you, I also admire Mandisa’s conviction to her faith. (For the record, I’m a Christian too.) However, I continue to believe that the “Idol” stage should not be used as a religious or political pulpit. Next, do you hope Elliot Yamin starts pushing Judaism on the stage? And that Kellie starts publicising PETA? That Taylor begins each of his interveiws with a plug for JDRF, or that Chris lashes out at meat-eaters, or whatever? It’s just not the appropriate venue to flaunt your religious or socio-political slants. Again, this is just my opinion. The wonder of the Blog is that we can differ in opinion, so it’s okay that you disagree with me.