Last night, I watched American Idol for the first time this season.  They were down to the final two contestants.  After all the brouhaha over Adam Lambert’s perceived femininity, I caught just one song by each contestant before coming to my OMG! revelation:

The media’s obsession with Lambert’s sexuality and his not-completely-masculine presentation completely obscured the real issue: this was an unfair competition!  Lambert was a Broadway professional.  He was the understudy for a lead role in the musical Wicked!  And it shows.  The other guy looked and sounded like a guy who scores dates at a Karaoke bar.  There was no competition.  The joke is on America. 

I have to give props to Lambert.  Not just for his talent, training, and natural star power.  But for the way he has manipulated the public discussion about him.  In fact, I would venture so far as to say that he used androgyny to get on the show.  Because the producers would have never chosen a conventionally good looking guy with Lambert’s skills and charisma.  The contrast with the rest of the contestants would have been too obvious to ignore.  There would be little debate, and even less curiosity, as to who should win.  By shrouding his skills in heavy eyeliner and creating a smokescreen that misdirected the public’s attention, Lambert snuck his talent onto America. 

The other guy reminded me of Velveeta cheese.  A sensible, bland and all too predictable likability.  There was no lingering finish.  I cringed watching him retreat into gimmicks.  Looking into the cameras, trying to look cute.  But what else did he have, really?  And the poor schmuck actually thinks he has a chance.  He’s hoping the other guy is not “normal” enough for America.  Never mind the talent differential. 

Sorry, honey, it didn’t work for Sarah Palin and it’s not working for you.  In another week you will be completely forgotten.

Lambert — a stinky cheese that shocks the senses.  He’s got my attention.  I want more.

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Tags: culture