So… recently I was reading in the news about how Pia Toscano was voted off of the show (America Idol) in a “shocking” elimination vote. This doesn’t surprise me in the slightest. Apparently this is a growing trend on the show, and the last female artist to win was apparently Jordin Sparks, four years ago.
One only has to look at the demographic of those that watch (and vote on) the show… pre-teen and teenage girls who have major infatuations with the male artists. Call it Bieber-itis, if you will.
This is what happens when you have what amounts to a pure democracy… you get majority rule, or as some would call it, mob rule. The majority of the associated people make a decision, despite that decision not necessarily being the right one, simply because emotions have taken effect.
In the case of Pia Toscano, the mob voted, and despite being a (presumably) better singer was voted off of the show.
I guess my point is that this country was designed as a representative republic for a reason, and this illustrates one of those reasons… majority rule may seem fair, but it is not necessarily the smartest thing. By electing representatives, we put into position people who make it their business to know more about the actual issues than we as the voters may know or care to research. I know for a fact that I do not have the full picture on things like zoning laws in the town I live in, nor do I have the time to do the research… which is why I place my vote for a representative who will do that sort of research and make a better educated decision on what exactly to do.
The same goes for American Idol… the judges sitting there on the panel are there because they are knowledgeable about the subject at hand (singing and performing) and can make a better decision about which contestants will make good stars… and that does not necessarily mean that they can simply sing well… I am sure that there are a number of other factors that I am simply not aware of that they know a whole lot more about that factor in on making an actual star.
Unfortunately for them, the rules only give them one real override, and they used it this season.
My best wishes go out to Pia, because if she really is as good as the judges felt her to be, then perhaps she will get a contract anyway.
