I don't think of VFTW as doing that at all. Ruining dreams implies that AI's format lets viewers vote singers OFF the show and we're all ganging up to power vote boring glory note singers like Pia out. VFTW genuinely likes quirky, entertaining trainwreck singers that normally aren't pimped by the show, so we vote for them to try to keep them around longer. It's making light out of something that fans take so seriously. At the end of the day, the format of the show ruins dreams a lot more than VFTW, since only one person can win.
I mean, this season, Paul was never going to win. And despite the fan outrage, Pia was not either. So no harm no foul really. Both are gone now, and Pia's already got her recording contract because the producers were sooo in love with her. That's another thing - if Idol wants to push somebody, it doesn't really matter if the person "won" or not. The people in charge of Idol pretty much pushed aside Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen to focus on their chosen ones, Daughtry and Adam Lambert.
And Jennifer Hudson is the shining example that you don't need to win, nor do you need Idol's backing, to have a successful career if you truly have the talent. Idol really didn't care about Jennifer back in season 3, especially compared to Latoya London and Fantasia, despite the show recently trying to claim her as some awesome talent that they discovered. She made it on her own more or less.
Idol didn't push Taylor Hicks and Kris Allen aside, the people who voted for them did.
Fact is, VFTW supported Taylor but they aren't going out to buy his music. Not all of them, anyway. Nobody cares. Same with Kris Allen. His winning was the best thing that could have happened because it meant Adam Lambert wasn't tied to Idol's label and Idol's specifications. He can do what he wants.
Look at Fantasia. She won, she got idol's label, but the one thing I don't see is her putting out a bunch of albums. I said way back then her voice needed more work, and she's gone in the right direction in that aspect. Jennifer Hudson was and is an amazing singer. That she was voted off so early was a stupid mistake, but it didn't stop her.
VFTW picks someone who is basically bad, and determines they better deserve to win. Talent means NOTHING and is ACTUALLY a detriment where VFTW is concerned. That is my problem. They dedicate so much time because they've nothing better to do than piss people off and knock talented singers out. You ask why they dedicate so much to a show they don't like, and they claim to like it. Then they yell "VFTW VICTORY!" because Casey knocks out Stefano. As IF Casey needed help this week.
The earlier in the top 12, the less likely the voted off will get consideration.
That's why losing Naima early worries me. She's talented, but going so soon hurts her because that talent just flew over so many heads.
Personally, the show needs to die after this season. The judges are COMPLETE idiots more than ever, which is a serious accomplishment. Without Simon, no one has any respect for these performers because they refuse to tell them how they can improve.
Just look back to where Jennifer Lopez said they were too good to critique. MMhmm. The worst set in Idol history is too good to critique.
As for Idol Gives Back, I doubt will see it. After last season they've got too many problems to do it again. I mean, they still could, but with no advertising for it by now I doubt it will happen.
