The disastrous booting of Pia Toscano reveals why critics, yes, DO matter

[Mac]

I didn't like Pia, but the points made in this article about her, and the current season judging are very good.

http://popwatch.ew.com/2011/04/13/americ...cs-matter/

[TMW]

I just got finished reading this article. While I am not watching, I got into a discussion with my Aunt & Uncle about Pia and AI in general this season. I do read what's going on, and it seems this article really drove home some great points regarding the judges this year. Breath of fresh air or not.....

[Freebird]

Honestly, at this stage of the game, what the judges say doesn't matter a whit. Their "all-positive-all-the-time" just goes to prove that. The tweens have locked in their favorites (look for Scotty McCreery to win this whole thing, or come close), and not much the judges can do about it. Taylor was smart because he knew that by this time in the competition, even Simon's negative comments weren't going to cost him votes. All he had to do at the end of each performance was look toward the camera and mouth, "soul patrol, soul patrol". Genius.

[keb]

This article makes a very good point the lack of anything constructive in the way of judges speak is missing this year. While I never liked Pia or her rather soul less performances I expect her to to be around a bit longer. The judges did try and tell her to step it up but the advice was so sugar coated with praise I think Pia missed the point.

What I do see this year are two young men who play the game Scotty and James. They connect with the audience in the studio and at home. While I think they both should have been called out for a few performance flaws along the way they bring heart to what they do on stage.