The Final Twelve

I may start watching American Idol now. I may not. This is the first season since #2 that I haven't watched obsessively. I just don't think their is a Clay Aiken in the bunch this year. I'm not even sure that there is an Elliott Yamin.

There is some talent, but none of it seems untapped or rough. They all seem slick and way too professional for a show that is supposed to highlight amateurs.

Maybe I'm just getting jaded. Seven years of AI may be getting a bit much.

Am I the only one that's tired of AI?

Clay Aiken's Sex Life

Poor Clay Aiken's sex life is in the news again. This time there is debate about whether he is asexual or just tired. I have my own opinions about it, but I'll keep those to myself. What I won't keep to myself is my complete and utter disgust that every part of a celebrity's life is considered fair game, especially Clay's. What difference does it make who he sleeps with or if he sleeps with anyone at all? The last time I checked, I wasn't waking up next to him in my bed, so it doesn't really concern me. I do know that he's in a strange city performing eight shows a week. Just thinking about it makes me too tired for sex.

I know people say that by being in the public eye stars ask for this kind of scrutiny, but I don't buy it. A star's sex life doesn't make their music any different, their TV shows any funnier or, in Clay's case, his run on Broadway anymore successful.

Should Carly Hennessy Be on American Idol?I

If you haven't heard of Carly Hennessy, you will soon. Carly auditioned for American Idol on San Diego and her audition will be shown next week. The problem is Hennessy isn't exactly an amateur. Granted, a lot of Idol contestants have some singing experience. They play bars and bar mitzvahs, they perform in theme parks and some of them have actually recorded CDs that they sold out of the trunk of their car. Carly Hennessy also recorded a CD, but she didn't fork out the money herself. MCA Records forked out $2.2 million to sign, record and market Hennessy. Return on their investment? 378 copies. Yep- that's right. She sold just 378 records with a huge record label and millions of dollars behind her. Even Diana DeGarmo sold more than that. I haven't heard Carly sing yet and I'm all for people getting a second chance, but what of the people who won't get a first chance because Carly took a spot? She's not the only person in this year's AI that has a suspiciously strong resume. What happened to finding a diamond in the rough? Elliott Yamin and Clay Aiken would never have been given a chance if not for Idol. Carly Hennessy has had her chance. She should step down and let someone else have theirs.