Can an old fart chime in?
Don't know what the demographics of the audience are, but would tend to think it's skewing rather young. There are, however, a number of us who are of "a certain age" who love the show. I was a junkie for last season's show.
The title of the show is "American Idol." That being said, a lot of the new music is thump, thump, thump, misogynistic, screaming, yelling, unintelligible blather. That's what people appear to be buying (or downloading off the internet.) What I hope the producers are looking for is a voice that will last. A person with a style that will last.
Clay's looks generate lots of comment. He's no pretty boy, but he can sing circles around Justin with his mouth taped shut. Tuesday night, I noticed what I thought were lots of freckles. It struck that he had been reminding me of someone for quite a while. It was one of my favorite characters of all time.... Howdy Doody. I loved Howdy Doody. I love a Howdy Doody who can sing even more. He's got a clean cut image. He's the boy next door. The young man no parent would object to dating their daughter. He doesn't go in for the histrionics. The boy has a voice. He has a voice with staying power. Think Frank Sinatra or Tony Bennett. Not gorgeous men, but men who can sing and who have lasted (even after he died in Sinatra's case.}
For those who are commenting on Ruben's weight, according to recent statistics, he IS the American Idol. America is running WWWAAAYYY overweight. That aside, he, too, has a voice that will last. Think LUtha. (That's Luther Van Dross [sp.]) He also has had a weight problem over the years, the least of his problems lately. Think Barry White. Ruben has a voice. He's heavy, he doesn't (can't) run all over the stage, but can sing. As Gladys said, he's a big teddy bear. He just exudes sweetness and kindness. One night 20 years from now, the little teeny boppers will be kicking back at home on a cold night cuddled up to a RUBEN song of romance.
I'm torn. This week I voted for both Clay and Ruben. Either one, I think would make American proud. They both, in their own way, embody America.
Sorry about the length, but you know how we of advanced age can go on, and on, and on, and on........