Yes, I’m still not done with the judges just yet. I’m still not over the fact that these “judges” were uber critical about Haley’s performances. Did Haley deserve the criticism? Yes. But when put against the total absence of it for the other contestants who also deserved it – more in some case – that’s when it gets annoying and infuriating.
Last week, when James did a craptastic version of a song because he couldn’t hold his emotions together, the judges gave him the pass and instead talked about how it was not just okay to sing like crap, but it was “emotionally perfect” despite not being sung well. But did Haley get an “emotionally perfect” pass for a song she seemed to feel, but didn’t screw up AS much as James did last week? No. I could go on with examples, but why bother.
And while Haley should’ve – at least, for the sake of winning – just don the grin and bear it instead in order to have a chance at staying, maybe Haley felt – and I think rightly so – she had no chance of staying anyway, so what’s the point? I like her spunk, and I absolutely have no problem with her speaking her mind. She was blatantly attacked TWICE by Randy Jackson in the span of five minutes to the point where Randy truly offended me. It’s one thing to criticize her, it’s another thing to attack her repeatedly like you were trying to make her snap. There! Rant over.
But to be perfectly honest, I’m not really sure who leaves this week. To me, Lauren Alaina is the most vulnerable but her trip to the Bottom 2 last week may work in her advantage. But then again, I’m not so sure how passionate her fans are, especially with pretty good comments from the judges. Maybe her fans didn’t vote as much? Oh, and she’s vote-splitting with Scotty McCreery for the country block. James Durbin, on the other hand, could also be in trouble. I mean, if enough people were riled up by the judges tonight, he’s the one to leave. Most people can see the blatant bias towards James and America may be slow sometimes, but they aren’t stupid.
Now, going into this week, I really thought Scotty McCreery is safest bet to sail through to the next round. But after last night, I’m actually having second thoughts. He was decent at best, but quite forgettable. Plus, the judges gave him great reviews. I wonder if his fans became complacent. See, Chris Daughtry.
Which leaves me with Haley Reinhart. Yes, I feel like she’s in the same position that Allison Iraheta was back in Season 8. But unlike Allison, she has this huge surge of momentum in the past couple of weeks that could actually help her advance to the Final 3. However, I’m not counting on that so much. The odds are obviously against her. I’m also not sure if talking back to the judges was the best idea for her. But, what the heck.
If Haley goes tonight, at least she will go out as the contestant with the MOST growth from this season and the contestant with the MOST standing ovations – 3 out of the 5 standing ovations this season. Ever since her duet of Moanin’ with Casey Abrams, she has been on fire. She is the underdog that no one saw coming! I just hope America saw the fight and passion in Haley and voted for her. I don’t care who goes – James Durbin – as long as it isn’t Haley.
I’ll take a limb on this and say that James Durbin will be Daughtry’ed this week. I maybe wrong, but I don’t really care now!
