Idol Sparks New Controversy (Former Contestant from Last Season Says She Won't Watch Show)

Access Hollywood ^ | January 18, 2006 | Laura Saltman

[Holicheese]

If you can't poke fun at the mentally challanged, who can you make fun of?? (Don't get all crazy, I am just kidding! OK, so don't send me indignant msgs.)

Can someone post a picture of matt Dillon in Something About Mary? "I love that goofy bastard!"

[pnh102]

I always wondered why some of these obviously bad contestants don't have at least someone, anyone, listen to them first...?

[AnotherUnixGeek]

Obviously, a little different than others, Simon's calling Kenneth a "bush baby" just went to far.

I saw that episode - some cruel, unwarranted comments about the way contestants look in what is supposed to be a singing contest. The bad singers portion of American Idol is the only remotely interesting part of the show, but it's produced some very ugly moments this year - from the judges.

[bcsco]

Well, I'm glad I've never watched this show.

[Wolfie]

It no different this year than any other. The freaks come out of the woodwork for this part of the show, and viewers eat it up.

[meg88]

Does anyone have the offending footage from youtube or something?

[GSlob]

It is not "mentally challaenged", but "mentally defecative"

[ilgipper]

if someone is going to get on a television talent show w/o talent, they should be aware that they are potentially up for extreme commentary. If they are goofy looking, even more so.

[EagleUSA]

I always wondered why some of these obviously bad contestants don't have at least someone, anyone, listen to them first...?
-------
The first episodes of the show are for pure entertainment. No one can fault the fiscal results of this show and how it is aired. Simon alone takes home $35 MILLION a season for his work and share in the show. It is all about money, and if putting on the unbelievable misfits that they do works for the audience, so be it :-) ----

The show is so successful, that dozens are copying it. That is a credential in itself. What is really scary, is that some of those auditionees can actually vote. I always joke with my wife that I can easily spot the Hillary voters....

God help us --- :-)

[showme_the_Glory]

I always wondered why some of these obviously bad contestants don't have at least someone, anyone, listen to them first...?

Dang dude, your voice sounds awesome, you otta try out for AI. And you look really smart :-)

[meg88]

I wish Katharine McPheever was back this year.

[LetsRok]

I saw that episode - some cruel, unwarranted comments about the way contestants look in what is supposed to be a singing contest.

American Idol is not just a "singing contest". These contestants have to have the "entire package" to be considered an "idol". Good singers are a dime a dozen. Having good looks and talent is necessary to become a performer that people will pay to see. Ugly people that can sing get jobs as backup singers and such.

[LIConFem]

I tried watching this show for a few minutes once, just to see what all the fuss was about. That's 10 minutes of my life I'll never get back.

This country is in decline, in more ways than one.

[bcsco]

Does anyone have the offending footage from youtube or something?

Not me. I'm sure it's out there, though.

[Holicheese]

"were clearly limited" How PC is that?
Honestly, if you are going on that show and have zero talent, you are going on for one reason, to get famous for being bad. The more that they bash you and make fun of you, the better.
All these people can not, not, know they absolutley stink.
Can you imagine having to sit through 10,000 of these idiots?
The girl that sounded like Chewbaca that was from Minn. was so funny. She was so aweful I felt uncomfortable for her.

[meg88]

Kenneth 'Gollum' Briggs http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FDrHaHqM4nQ

[rabidralph]

We talked to Jonathan this morning who truly was just happy for the chance to be on TV.

And this is all that matters to any of the talentless, not-ready-for-TV people that got their feelings hurt. They knew what they were getting into when they showed up. No way in heck, I would go on that show and I am the perfect contestant to make fun of. Like Eastwood said, "A man's got to know his limitations."

[duckworth]

Hmmm. Katherine McPhee. Would someone please jog my memory with picture?

[absolootezer0]

I always wondered why some of these obviously bad contestants don't have at least someone, anyone, listen to them first...?

they did. that's part of the reason why the judges are so harsh. there are tons of kids that royally suck that have their mommies that tell them how great they are, and their friends do the same. or they always sing with the radio cranked up so loud that they can't tell how bad they are.