Wearing All Black Today

[RweTHEREyet]

I am definitely in mourning after the American Idol decision. I think Clay should have won, Kimberly Lock should have been second and Ruben third. I was part of the 8,770 people in the Raliegh crowd shown last night. I can tell you that I had to get up and leave before Ruben sang that same song for the third time. Don't mean to sound like sour grapes, but I honestly feel that Clay is the better singer, performer and truly deserved to win.

 

[Hnymoon@Dixie]

I admit I didn't watch any episodes, but I watched for a few minutes last night. Ruben sings better in my opinion, but to watch him sweat and spit when he sings, was gross! I have nothing against overweight people, but sweaty people...gross! He should go straight to the studio & skip live performances!

 

[jennyl772003]

I watched every episode this season. At first, I was a Clay fan, but everything he sang kinda sounded the same. They both have recording contracts, and I think that ultimately Ruben's CD will do better. He has a more versatile voice. However, Clay is also a very good singer. Just not really a pop singer. I can't wait for the next season to start. That show is one of the few good family shows on TV. I don't have to worry about letting my son watch with us.

 

[jrmasm]

I totally agree! I am so disappointed with the outcome.

I'm also in shock as the winner was such an obvious choice. Apparently I saw a totally different show than about 12 million other people!

 

[Slainte]

I have to admit to being relieved Ruben won. Clay has a nice voice, but looks too much like a dweeb to be my American Idol. My husband kept referring to him as the Keebler Elf.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

And I feel that Ruben can only sing one kind of song, so I don't think he is versatile at all. Clay at least proved that he can sing different types of songs.

 

[kamgen]

I love Clay....I think Ruben is talented, but Clay deserved it more.....JMHO.
Clay is the better singer and better performer...but he will have a stellar career without the "title"!
Kamy

 

[RweTHEREyet]

I also think that all the judges, etc., knew in advance what the outcome, therefore Paula's comments for the winner to stay grounded, etc. I think Clay is totally grounded and down-to-earth and what you see is what you get. I think that Ruben's family may have some challenges in dealing with the money/fame etc.

 

[PammyK]

Both singers are extremely talented and should both be congratulated. While this series of AI did focus more on the singing, I think a lot of people did look at marketability and although I think Clay has the better voice overall, I think Ruben's voice quality and style are better suited for a popular genre, whether it be R&B or top 40 or adult contemporary.

And for the Clay fans - its not like he is going away with nothing. He is still going to be recording an album and will have tons of opportunities to be heard. In some ways, not winning may end up working in his favor as it might give him other opportunities that he would not be able to follow if he had won the competition.

 

[suzannen]

I'm with you, RweTHEREyet!
Clay has such a far superior voice. Ruben has no range and every song sounds exactly the same with no emotion.

Even Simon said in an interview with TV Guide that Clay has the potential to make more money than any other Idol Competitor.
I hope so. I know I'll buy Clay's CD the day it comes out. I won't buy Ruben's.

 

[jrmasm]

I have felt from the beginning that if that was truly the deciding factor than Kimberly Caldwell should have won, hands down.

 

[Tess]

That's exactly his appeal! That elfin look!

I'm with you Rwethereyet! Very disappointed in the outcome. Ditto the sentiment Hnymoon@Dixie--major yucks!

Ruben is not a versatile singer--R&B ballads are not versatile. He will appeal to those who enjoy the genre and that's great! There's certainly nothing wrong with that! Conversely, Clay appeals to those of us who enjoy more "performance oriented" entertainment--if you are paying for a seat to hear a performance, you'd like to see one as well. He could also be classified as lacking versatility. Most performers are not "versatile"--they are labeled by a genre. It all comes down to how well that genre sells.

It didn't really matter which of the two guys won--nearly half the voting viewers were going to be disappointed! With a 50.28 and 49.72 split--it just doesn't get much more even. Round that down and up folks!

 

[Miss Jasmine]

Originally posted by RweTHEREyet
I think that Ruben's family may have some challenges in dealing with the money/fame etc.

I find this statement interesting. Why is that?

 

[Talking Hands]

OPinion of both my daughters. Well actually all 3 if you count the extra one I gained through friendship. Ruben was the best musically. This is from one prefessional musician and 2 music performance majors. And I agree with them. Clay was ok but slightly offkey the entire time. Grating

 

[chris1gill]

I have to agree with you on this, he should have won How was the crowd after the decision? Was Clay on your local news today?

Definitely not a happy day today....

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Miss Jasmine, it caught my attention when Ruben's Mom made the comment during an interview, that went something like, we were driving an '83 Malibu a few weeks ago and look at us now. Not saying they are bad people, I just think that too much fame and too much money too quickly have been the downfall of many people before. I think that opportunity is there now. I honestly hope that Ruben stays grounded and close to his church, where it appears his singing career started.

Even though I honestly believe Clay should have won, I don't wish anything bad for Ruben and his family.

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Chris1gill, the crowd was in a state of shock and people, including us, started to leave before Ruben even sang. We were recording it at home and knew we could watch it later. Within 10 minutes of the announcement, the entire arena was empty, with the exception of the news crews.

There was a lot of discussion in the parking lot as the 8,000+ people tried to head for home. Most everyone in disbelief. Lots of comments, he was robbed, it was rigged, etc., etc.

We caught the tale end of the news and one of our reporters was out there, Clay was as gracious and professional as anyone could have ever possibly been. The dj's on the radio, particularly FOX-affiliated stations, have been playing Clay's music all morning long.

I am still in disbelief. And yes, while this may work to his advantage, I think Clay should have had the title.

Well, they will all be here in for the tour in early August. I cannot wait. We have floor seats in the 26th row. I am not a big concert go'er, but I wouldn't miss this for the world. So many talented young people on one stage.

 

[chris1gill]

Thanks for the update... I can't even imagine how you must've felt... I know how bad I felt & I'm not even from his hometown
I can't wait til his album comes out, I hope we don't have to wait a year....

I was going to go to the concert, but I think I've decided against it....

 

[RweTHEREyet]

Don't you think it interesting that even as of this minute, that Clay's single is No. 1 on Amazon. Ruben's has risen to No. 2, but Clay's is still No. 1, and my office is getting ready to help it stay there. We are placing one big order to avoid the shipping.

 

[chris1gill]

Originally posted by RweTHEREyet
Don't you think it interesting that even as of this minute, that Clay's single is No. 1 on Amazon. Ruben's has risen to No. 2, but Clay's is still No. 1, and my office is getting ready to help it stay there. We are placing one big order to avoid the shipping.

I DO think it's interesting (and yes, I've already ordered the single!), you know what I also find interesting? Tuesday night, the judges really did NOT like his first (original) song (Simon even saying he hoped that wasn't his first song out)... but yet, everywhere yesterday, everybody was talking about what a great song it was!! I loved that song! As my friend said to me, it was a total "chick" song (it really was LOL...) I think the judges sort of had it out for him for quite a while & it was simply amazing that he held up to the pressure with such grace... I think if I met him, I would simply shake his hand & say thank you for adding decency & morality to today's entertainment, such a sap I am