DID IDOL ELIMINATE THE WRONG SINGER?

During the first elimination of top 10 finalists, Nicki Minaj was dismayed to learn Curtis Finch was in danger of getting the boot. Nicki vowed to Curtis, “If you go home, I’m going home.” Unfortunately when Curtis was sent packing, Nicki reneged on the offer. She did walk off the set in a divaesque stunt, but she did not have the conviction to quit the show. Did Idol send the wrong singer home? It could have been the most talked about episode ever, if Nicki had been the one escorted from the stage. The singer has shown little interest during performances and if we are to believe media accounts, Nicki nearly missed an episode when she failed to be on time for a live show. Curtis by contrast, put everything he had into delivering for the television audience. Idol has proven in the past that they can get by with 3 judges. The fourth judge adds little to the show. Losing Nicki Minaj would be on par with losing Brian Dunkleman. (For those who don’t remember, Dunkleman was the co-host for season 1.) As the seasons change, Randy Jackson has grown into his larger role on Idol. Mariah Carey has proven to be an excellent replacement for Paula’s seat. Keith Urban has out performed expectations. The critics love him. He has offered useful and helpful advice for the contestants. Unlike other judges Urban comes across as genuine. Meanwhile Nicki seems to be playing the role as a cartoon version of a spoiled celebrity. Sometimes it is good to remind yourself, it is a show about singers, not a show about the judges. This season the quality of talent is worth watching.