Oh My God, Alabama!

I knew Birmingham, Alabama was going to be different from Seattle, Minneapolis and Memphis. But I was slightly disappointed. Afterall, is this not the home of Bo Bice, Taylor Hicks and Ruden Studdard?
The crop of potential American Idol winners was mighty small this time around. As with the other cities, Birmingham, Alabama has its share of voices-that-should-not-be-heard.
It never ceases to shock me how many people actually thought they could sing, until they have been heard by all of us. Sometimes in the barren ground of excellent singers, there comes one or two who clearly stand heads and shoulders above all the others who came before them.
Like I say, one or two. Usually there are about 20 from each audition city who qualify for that trip to Hollywood. Holding that yellow ticket to Hollywood doesn't mean that they are great singers.
It just means that they have a fighting chance. Yes, by the time they hit that Hollywood stretch, there will be about 120-130 of them in one big hall.
This time around in Alabama, I was more impressed with the 11,000-strong crowd who showed up to put forth their vocal best.
Alabama generally has one thing to show the other cities that have taken part and that is good manners. Even Simon Cowell was most impressed by the extraordinary show of good manners by the contestants even after they have been shown the door!
Well, there's no harm being civil, especially after you have been told you can't sing to save your own life.
I like those who when they walk into the room, gave the impression that they would soon make a quick exit, then they proceed to impress the three judges as well as the majority of us at home.
It is always nice to find out that behind that very ordinary-looking face is a great voice. And there were a handful who showed they have a special talent that will carry them far.
Of course, out of a huge turnout of 11,000, there will be a few who won't accept defeat and they make sure their views are heard, out loud! I am sorry they didn't make it but that's the way, the cookie crumbles, like they say.
Last night in Alabama, Cowell wasn't as nasty as he was back in Memphis and Seattle. I guess the producers of the show must have advised him to tone it down. No point in stomping on the loser's head after he has fallen down, face first.
Nasty and insensitive remarks can only add the detriment of the show's ratings. I was hoping there would be at least one whom I could place my bet on. Alas, none of that calibre showed up in Birmingham, Alabama.
Before we proceed any further in the American Idol 2007, I wish to state categorically that it doesn't have to be another Alabaman, it would be a guy from Kentucky or Alaska.
I don't really care if he's black, white or brown. It is his voice that counts. If he or she is a deserving winner than that's all that matters.
American Idol contest has had an excellent run for the past four years. It would be a terrible shame if it becomes a victim of its own success. Lest not forget, that this is a singing contest and that's how all the contestants should be judged.
If this deteriorates into a popularity contest, it will just be a matter of time before someone pulls the rug from under the network producers.
But one thing's for sure, it is never dull when American Idol is on. The laughs at home are usually accompanied by tears outside the audition room where family members and friends await with much apprehension.
I know it must be difficult at times to console the failed singers. Look, this contest does not forgive poor singers, nor does it lend a helping hand to the weaker voices.
It is a cut-throat business in a way. If a person can't sing, it is best he or she is told immediately. Rather let the person labour the illusion that he has a most marvellous voice, the judges can bring him to the ground immediatel, so that he can pursuit other professions.
That person may very well excel in another chosen path. Why continue to grope in the dark when you can easily step into the sunshine of another profession.
Tonight American Idol goes to Los Angeles and New York. I wonder if those candidates over that are any different from their counterparts in the other cities.
Let their voices be heard, I say. And may God have mercy on our ears.