Last week, someone asked me why I put the voting phone number for
Elliott Yamin in the open thread on Tuesday nights.
I thought I'd write a quick diary on the subject, and ask if any of you watched American Idol. I will admit the show is not anywhere near as important as political matters, as social justice, as the environment - that's one of the reasons I watch the show. I have a lot going on, as I'm sure everyone does, and the show is a distraction. It's not as good as it was in some previous seasons, and Simon Cowell is an ass who claims to know everything but usually only relies on vote totals.
Still, I enjoy watching the show because of those few glimmers of talent who haven't had the opportunities to break into the music industry, who don't have the right look or a famous relative or a lot of money to burn. This show Ocan help make a star out of those who truly are humble, polite, and talented (like Kelly Clarkson).
This season my favorite is Elliott Yamin. You can listen to some of his performances here. Elliott was working in a pharmacy before he went on American Idol. He has type 1 diabetes, he has to wear an insulin pump, he's deaf in one ear, yet he doesn't use any of this as a sob story. He just gets out there and he sings his ass off. No ego, no pretention. He's consistent and amazingly talented. He's not one of the "chosen" people (like Kellie "bane of the South" Pickler or Chris Daughtry or Taylor Hicks), but he's one of the few people this season who does not have a ton of ties to the music industry, and he could truly have a big career if he gets far enough on this show.
So that's why I usually post his # in the open thread every week, because I figure hey, that's what the open threads are for - anything. This Tuesday is probably the time he's at most risk of elimination, so after this, if he stays, I will probably not post his # anymore. If he goes, obviously I won't be posting a number.
If you listen to his performances, and like what you hear, then if you want to vote for him, thanks in advance. And if you're offended that I post about it in the open thread, I apologize.