Initial Commentary.

Well, it's shaping up to be an interesting Idols season so far. I only regret that I didn't have internet access in time to get this set up to follow from the beginning, but at least I'll be able to cover the bits we all really want - The Top 12! But first, let's start with some overall comments.

Sunday's show started out with the promised "bombshell announcement": of the 32 hopefuls who had made it through the brutal first rounds at Gold Reef City, only 24 would be moving on to the voting rounds. The claim is that this year's Idols is being highly selective, and only the absolute best talent is being let through. Somehow, though, I can't help but wonder if there isn't some financial motivation behind it all. There aren't all that many advertisers running during the Sunday show - Outsurance being the most prominent. While I'm sure Outsurance pays a decent penny to flash their singing microphone on the screen, the question remains - is Idols III bringing in less money than in years past? If so, it certainly makes sense not to go spending tons of money on contestants they don't feel can be properly marketed - and weed them out now before viewers vote for them. While the point, of course, is to let the viewers choose their next Idol, clearly the producers of the show, and groups like SonyBMG are going to want someone who can bring a good name, as well as lots of money, to the Idols franchise. The viewers usually vote much more emotionally - many vote for the ones they like, or are attracted to, or the ones from their hometown, paying less attention to things like whether the contestant can actually make (and sell!) a record, give concerts, make appearances.


So, this means people with plenty of talent, but not enough "sellability" (let's just make up a word, here) need to be weeded out before the viewing public goes ga-ga voting for them, and pushing an attractive, charismatic min-talented contestant to the front while someone who has all the marketability in the world gets lost in the back of the fray. I think this is the driving force behind the current "Save Jarrid" outcry. Let's face it, people, Jarrid was not amazingly talented. Sure, he could sing, and sure he was easy on the eyes, but close your eyes. Try to hear him on a CD, or over the radio. Now try to hear him singing song after song in a concert. Sure, he could be a one hit wonder, but that's not what the Idols gang wants. Idols really wants someone that will make a name for him/herself, in AND out of South Africa. It's that kind of success (and ultimately, moneymaking) that will make Idols South Africa a winner, and will ensure bigger, better Idols productions in the future.

So, my point is - maybe they ARE trimming people because of money-minded concerns. But even if that's the case, in the long run, it will only improve Idols, and will ensure that only the best of the best have any shot at representing South Africa as the next Idol.