Elton John calls US Idol vote 'racist'

[emad]

From BBC News:
<snip>

Sir Elton John has branded the public vote for TV musical talent show American Idol "incredibly racist".

The UK star's comments follow the shock exit of black vocalist Jennifer Hudson, who was one of the favourites to win.

"The three people I was really impressed with, and they just happened to be black, young female singers.

"And they all seem to be landing in the bottom three," said Sir Elton at a news conference on Tuesday. Programme maker Fox Television declined to comment.
<snip>
More:
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/entertainment/music/3665545.stm

[buddy22600]

1. which is why it is called American Idol

not English Idol

[stopthegop]

2. two points...

1) maybe...or maybe it's based on some other difference (I don't watch the show...know nothing about any of them)

2) so? it's a TV show for teenage girls...unimportant...unless your an aging rocker who hasn't sold a lot of records lately, I guess

[Jeezwhiz]

3. Idol

I don't know where Elton John gets off calling the show racist; Ruben Studdard won last year and there were plenty of minority finalists on all the shows. He sounds like a bitter old man that time has passed him by.

[soleft]

4. Actually, it's entirely possible that a racist group is affecting the vote

Phone calls are free and you can call as many times as you want.

Anyone familiar with the show at all knows that John Stevens, 16 years and probably a decent kid, is a talentless blob of zero personality. The fact that he consistently is in the top vote getters and that three incredibly gifted singers who happen to be African American women face elimination shows that something IS REALLY WRONG HERE.

But in any event - I realy want John Stevens to win - I really, really want John Stevens to win!!!!


http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=897840

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=1036881

[TroglodyteScholar]

5. An idea...

I'm embarrassed to admit I watch that junk, but I do have my wife as an excuse...she's the addict, and I just sit with her while it's on. Anyway, I can understand the idea that America has voted in racist ways...and nobody can really confirm or deny it.

I think, though, what might be playing more heavily into this is that there are certain performers who have lots of fans...and some callers decide that those performers will doubtless survive to the next round, so they throw their support behind someone else they like who might be less likely to get votes. The result: the better performers lose votes while weaker contestants gain pity votes.

Eh, I can't believe I wrote this much about it. It's just a game.

[Mike Daniels]

6. Best explanation I've come across.....

unfortunately came from Free Republic. God, I hate to say it but I think the poster was right on his theory.

Basically, he feels that the girls who came in last week are all of a similar nature in terms of talent and performance style. People who like that particular style of singing have three candidates for which to cast their vote. This in effect dilutes the vote as opposed to having only one girl being the sole representative of that style.

Since only one kid is doing the swing/rat pack schtick there's no one he has to split "his" vote with which is why he is still in the running.

It's not often that a coherent thought comes from FR but I think it's the most likely reason for what happened last week.

[DoverFrank]

7. That show is for 14 year old girls

I dont see how they have become racist at that age. The above explanation makes alot of sense though.

[DS1]

8. I support Elton John. I'll support him to kill American Idol for good

:nuke:

[THUNDER HANDS]

9. it's only partly racist

To me, it's:

1/3 racism
1/3 the three black chicks all sound alike and thus take eachothers votes
1/3 girls really think John Stevens is cute.

[Moderator]

10. Duplicate topic

Continue here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=105&topic_id=1063865