It was a little eerie to hear all the shouts for joy when Sanjaya's name was announced as the one to leave Idol this week -- even though I felt just as glad as the audience sounded.
And, while I was happy to see him go, I ran into him backstage on Wednesday, and that stripped away all the dehumanizing effects TV watching had on me. I felt a little guilty about being so happy and felt empathetic for the media blast he's got to face.
It's easy to look at the characters we see on TV and pick them apart, and sometimes we forget that that person is real. Well, in reality TV anyway. I'd forgotten until the other night when I saw the on-staff psychologist. Directly after you get the boot, you have an immediate counseling session. Poor guy -- he's gonna carry some scars around for a while.
Still, he had it coming -- not the scars, but the leaving.
I was surprised, though, to see him leave this week. Sure, I thought he deserved it. I mean, on merit alone he should have left weeks ago. It's just that he hasn't been in the bottom three in weeks and I figured that whoever was voting for him wasn't prone to switching. I mean, if Sanjaya is your cup of tea, you're not going to find anyone else in the competition comparable.
I was a little surprised to see Lakisha and Blake in the bottom three, though. Well, surprised about Blake really. I've thought that either Lakisha or Melinda would be on their way out early since they compete for a lot of the same votes. And since Lakisha's been getting some bad reviews, I suppose it makes sense she's on her way out. But, Blake seemed pretty solid in every performance. I think his fans will probably start voting like mad now that they've seen him at risk of leaving.
Anyway, let me get to answering some of your questions before I finish up:
Are you really doing the Idol summer camp?
Yep. At first I was a pretty hesitant at the idea of being a camp counselor, but the more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea of being involved with kids interested in the music and entertainment business.
Have you learned how to ignore people who are jealous of your success?
Haha ... you can't please everybody.
Thanks for posting and feel free to ask as many as you want here on the blog or on my site.
Jon Peter Lewis was a finalist on the third season of "American Idol." His newly released debut album, "Stories From Hollywood," is available everywhere online and can also be downloaded at americanidol.com. Visit Jon's Web site for more.
Six shows that I am watching pretty regularly this season
Five other TV shows where Sarah Palin should appear
Brought To You By ... - VIDEOS
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
4-23-2007 @ 11:10AM
Porchland said...
You may be pop music's first no-hit wonder.
(Those 15 minutes never seem to end these days.)
Reply
4-23-2007 @ 12:44PM
Crambam said...
The guy was so far out of his league, and what made it worse, was that people were voting for him for no logical reason. He wasn't even good enough to get to the vote, and the judges should be ashamed for picking him.
What was worse was that toward the past few weeks, he actually got cocky. Making comments about Sanjaya's universe and the like. It's bad enough to stink, but for him to be arrogant about it was enough for me to feel he deserved what he got.
At least now the show can get back to looking for the most talented singer.
Reply
4-23-2007 @ 1:59PM
Lisa said...
It's hard not to feel a little bad for the guy even if you didn't like his singing.
Gee Jon, just saw you in "People" magazine, also you were mentioned in a article in "Time" magazine last week your "15 minutes of fame" sure hasn't ended yet. Also you have a CD out and are doing shows. Some people just don't have a clue, hint poster#1.
Reply
4-23-2007 @ 3:22PM
Melissa said...
Hey Jon, I really enjoy reading your posts, and I'm glad you're blogging at TV Squad.
I'm also glad that your career keeps you busy enough that you don't have time to give a shit about assholes like Porchland.
Reply
4-23-2007 @ 11:37PM
Dawn said...
I agree it was horrible that people cheered when he left. I wish him much success just for that!
Are you serious about the counseling after the boot? I wondered about that!
Hey good luck on you career!!!
Reply
4-23-2007 @ 11:41PM
Dawn said...
oops didn't mean to submit twice my mistake!!!!!
Reply
4-24-2007 @ 11:52AM
mike said...
Yeah , I feel so bad for him too eating dinner with the president, in pictures with models .. Broadway directors and shampoo companies beating down his doors Yeah I feel like crying for the Kid, Idol wasn't for him thats a given But his name is world wide and the opportunities he will have now.. Let the national media make fun of me cause I can't sing and let me make it in the Top 7 of American Idol .. Its like playing the Joker in a Batman Movie.. Let everyone hate me cause in the end this kid will have choices for careers even if he isn't a good singer.. He will be the one laughing in the end.
Reply
4-24-2007 @ 10:36PM
Kat said...
Hey You! Checky Checky=D I got questions…
My question, What were you doing backstage last Wednesday night? And where can I get your stamina??? Don't give me anymore Casino directions please... =P
I liked the blog JP, as always. I kinda cringed for you when I read you met the kid. I was like "oh... that HAS to suck." You know since you are not a fan and all. That and you know what you feel like the night you get voted off. I am really wondering how all that went down, seriously, what did you do? Did you just throw up the Hi hand and smile or something? Oh and did you met any of this season’s other Idols? (hint: I only care to know about Blake, WAHAHA)
See those of us who don't like Sanjaya won't ever meet him and those that do like him will probably make even bigger fools of themselves by screaming like little bitches. Much like they do with their comments here. The scary thought for you is that you and Sanjaya and all the other past Idols (even those who won the top spot foe that matter) will always have this common bond. I am sure it is unlike anything any of us who post here will ever know. That has to be a trippy thought...
Reply
4-26-2007 @ 1:42AM
L said...
Hey Jon,
Love reading your blog...learned to depend on your sypnosis cause I haven't had time to watch every episode this year. LOL, I agree with all of your comments, especially Sanjaya!
You said it was okay to ask you questions....most of the questions commonly asked you've answered in other areas, so I won't bother you, or bore you, with those.
However, I ask something of you...your prayers for a little 9 mo. old baby by the name of Belladona. An neglected/abused little girl that is waiting in just a few days for courts to decide her fate of returning to an abusive environment, or being placed permanently in the home of a loving family where she has been for the past four months.
Ever heard of the "faith of a few close friends"?
The Lord has blessed you with success and a career path...we can use your prayers if you are willing to throw some our way.
Reply
4-29-2007 @ 12:42AM
SimonFan84 said...
Dear people leaving rude comments,
Mandisa would be saddened by your behavior! What you really have to do is dig deep down inside yourself and ask yourself what would Mandisa do?!? Mandisa would not send you guys to heaven if you continue leaving comments like that! Mandisa likes Jon! Oh my Mandisa some of the comments in here are rude! =O
Sincerely,
SimonFan84
ps,
I agree with all of your thoughts in this blog, Jon! And I really enjoy reading your blogs. And btw that's a really nice picture of you! ;)
Reply