American Idol Season 10 - Rock 9 Elimination

   

     Everyone's saying what a shocker Pia's eliminations was. When I heard that the elimination was shocking, I worried, because to me that could only mean her or Lauren. Jacob & Scotty are off target audience, James didn't do that well in the Rock Week, Casey's already been eliminated once, and everyone else is not so great. So once I saw Lauren was safe, I was pretty relieved. They always say the elimination is shocking, also, so I thought it might well turn out to be Stefano or something. I have to say that when it was Pia, I was relieved and even pleased. I feel a little bad about that, but veryone was overlooking the fact that in spite of her talent, she just wasn't delivering the performanceshe easily could have. I don't know if she didn't believe in herself fully or had stage fright or what, but it just wasn't easy from her. It was tense. 

     I think I might have even predicted that she'd go---I didn't really feel right putting her in the safe column---but after Naima's nutcase performance last week, I had to read some reactions, and I happened to see that Pia was a favorite, slated by many to win. That I found shocking. But after Lee DeWyze last year, I figured there's no accounting for public favor. Reading about Pia was by accident; it was on a page giving statistics. I guess I should really try to avoid reading anything about Idol if I want to make sure I stay true to my own instincts. That definitely influenced what I thought about how well people were doing. I was pretty upset, actually, because I didn't think she deserved to win and couldn't believe anyone thought she did.

     In spite of that and in spite of cheering when it was announced she was going home, I did feel really sorry for her. It's weird, because she seems like someone you'd never have to feel sorry for, but then she acts like she doesn't know she's so great. So I felt bad. But I can't feel so bad that I think she didn't deserve to go. Maybe not this week---certainly not this week---but she shouldn't have won. It's not about just having a voice; you have to use it and show it off properly. She had all the support in the world, a family encouraging her and telling her how great she was; she's pretty, with nice hair and skin, great figure; and most of all, she does have a good voice. So why be nervous every time you get onstage? Why move awkwardly? Why have that quaver, nervous vibrato, why indulge in an extra few runs just in case you aren't good enough? It's not right. And that's not even addressing the whole artiste bit, which of course isn't necessary on AI, but helps. 

     I'm just not terribly surprised to see Pia go. I guess I'm more surprised the voters would make such a smart (if brusque and merciless) choice.