the reason why John Stevens is not leaving American idol anytime soon (for Ang)

[neonchaos]

If there's a pink-hair curse on "American Idol," as Amy Adams' fans have suggested, perhaps the opposite could be said for red hair.

Just as Clay Aiken was the only singer in the second season to not make the bottom three, third-season crooner John Stevens has been seemingly invincible. Stevens' feat is even more impressive considering each of his performances in the finals has received scathing critiques from the judges.

Whether you love him or hate him, the 16-year-old Frank Sinatra worshiper from East Amherst, New York, is the talk of season three. And the question everyone is asking is: How is he still around?

"American Idol" experts, many of whom believe Stevens will make the final four whether he deserves to or not, have several theories.

One might be best described as "the grandma factor." According to FOX, of the roughly 17 million Americans who watch the show each week, more than 4 million are 55 and older. With his retro singing style, Stevens is likely quite appealing to that audience. The fact that his own grandparents attend the tapings and have played prominently in his personal segments can't hurt either.

Geoff Mayfield, director of charts at Billboard magazine, noted that the over-55 music fan has emerged in recent years as a passionate supporter, prompting artists like James Taylor and Barry Manilow to sell record numbers of albums late in their careers. " 'Idol' is certainly engaging that older audience," he said.

Need further proof that grandmas (and some grandpas) attach themselves to finalists? Check out Clay Aiken's current tour, where it seems nearly half the concertgoers have gray hair (see "Cutielicious: Kelly And Clay's Live Show Heavy On The Sugar").

And speaking of the second-season runner-up, another theory about Stevens' success is that he's simply attracting Clay's unique audience — and those people might be even more determined to vote after Ruben Studdard narrowly won last spring.

"Clay fans see that John is a skinny, tall, kinda geeky redhead with a great voice and are reminded of Clay," said Raina Deichert, the 16-year-old webmaster of "John Stevens' First Fansite."

Logan Martin, who covers "American Idol" for FansofRealityTV.com, believes Stevens has won over some of Clay's audience, but he thinks that Jon Peter Lewis, another somewhat nerdy singer (Simon Cowell first called him a pen salesman), has captured more.

Martin's theory is that Stevens is surviving on pity votes. "On our site there are people [posting messages] who think Simon is so mean to John they say, 'I'm voting against the judges,' " he said.

Dale Anderson, who has been tracking Stevens for the Buffalo News, agreed. "It's the emotional factor," he said. "His failings only make him more lovable."

Something about the shy Stevens was, of course, lovable to begin with, which is another theory. "People are voting more on personality than performance," Martin said. "How else do you explain LaToya [London] going to the bottom three?"

"He's a gentleman with charm and class, easily attracting young ladies," added Deichert, who usually logs about 750 votes for Stevens each week. "He's unique in the competition, as Simon has previously stated. I love the soft quality of his voice. It's soothing and pleasant to listen to."

Deichert also has a more technical theory about Stevens. "Though many people dislike John's performances, they can't vote him out," she noted. "If voting were based on least favorites, John would have undoubtedly been eliminated already. However, the good thing about the current voting process is that it makes sure the most popular person wins. If the public were allowed to vote out their least favorites, someone neither loved nor hated would probably slide past everyone's radar and win the whole competition."

At this point, however, Deichert is actually hoping Stevens is eliminated soon. "So that his chances of success in the music industry are better," she explained. "With each week he lasts, the more he is bashed and the more the hatred for him intensifies."

Wade Paulsen, who covers "American Idol" for RealityTVWorld.com, believes Stevens is being carried by three different types of fan. "And not just the grannies," he said. "Another group is made up of very young tweens, who like his looks, his youth, his shyness. And the third group likes his potential, but they think he could benefit from vocal lessons and studio time. I think the plurality in this group were supporters of Josh Gracin last time."

All of the theories are too much overanalyzing for Camile Velasco, who was voted off last week. "He's got red hair," she said, "and all the girls love him."

[The Brunette]

He looks like Conan O'Brien. That usually is a good thing in my book, but it's not in his case. I don't watch Idol religiously anymore, but I do catch the end-of-show performance recaps right as I tune in to 24. He may be good singing Brat Pack standards, but he was horrid on Elton John night!

And I liked Clay, but more so pre-makeover.

[grumpydawn]

I'm glad Carmine went- that quivery voice was too much!

But, since day one the powers that be for American Idol wanted John Stevens and it's very obvious. The boy forgets lyrics, sings without any change in his vocal range, and is boring. And he looks like Opie. But, everyone loves Opie, don't they?

[Spacegrrrl]

Pity votes are stoopid!
I thought the point was to vote for the best singer.

[whodabe]

Originally Posted by neonchaos

"Clay fans see that John is a skinny, tall, kinda geeky redhead with a great voice and are reminded of Clay," said Raina Deichert, the 16-year-old webmaster of "John Stevens' First Fansite."

I liked Clay, him and Kimberly Locke were by far my favorite last year- and the first time I saw John Stevens I thought his voice sucked. Sure it's nice when he sings songs that fit it, but any other time..... blah

Originally Posted by neonchaos

Something about the shy Stevens was, of course, lovable to begin with, which is another theory. "People are voting more on personality than performance," Martin said. "How else do you explain LaToya [London] going to the bottom three?"

hmm more on personality? yes that explains why John Stevens is still there where as Amy, Matt and Jon are all gone.

He's there cuz people pity him and don't wanna see the little turd crying his eyes out when he gets the boot. He's boring as can be. I could have more fun watching paint dry or grass grow then watching that little dork.

and let's not forget he's probably got that whole school voting for him too... I know him being in high school--- I'm sure that's getting him a few extra votes... not a million or anything but a few could be just enough to save his ass each week.


I doubt he'll make it to the final 4.... he's going to have to go within the next 2 weeks..... has to

the thing I don't understand though WHY didn't Randy, Paula and Simon cut him way sooner. He sucked in Hollywood.... sounded like ass and forgot his words but they kept him... they kept him over Scooter girl?

uh? riiiiiight

and yes chances are it is rigged.

(goes to drink coffee)

[neonchaos]

the grandma factor *let me pinch those cheeks*

[sugarbritches]

Grrrrr.

I do not like Clay A. HOWEVER, he can carry a tune and has some charisma.

Stevens has a horrible stage presence. Ugh. That robotic hand gesture at the end of "Mandy" made me believe that, at any moment, he'll start muttering "beep beep" and become a Pete or Tanis sig.

Ugh.

[pelegurl]

he's always reminded me of shitbreak from american pie..
am i the only one?

[Lord_Rask_of_Trevdale]

And to think Jennifer Hudson is gone. . and my dear sweetheart Amy Adams. . and he's still there

I'm not watching next season. .

Or anymore this season

---------!

Jacob.

[Steve SFM]

Hey, I'm not an AI watcher, but I want to toss something out.

I understand that Elton John, who apparently was a celeb judge recently, has openly accused the voters of racism, because talented African-American singers keep getting bounced and folks like this Stevens guy keep getting retained.

Anyone agree with this? Because if this is true, I see a shitstorm a-brewin'.

Steve the Sweet Fat Man

[Amy!]

I think it's an easy assumption but I don't really think it's true. There are lots of possible reasons that the vote went the way it did.

1. America is racist.
2. America votes for the people they like personally rather than professionally. As in, I think LaToya has the best voice but I find John Stevens endearing.
3. Jennifer Hudson's bulging eyes and attitude annoyed people other than me. Did anyone see her bit on ET where she commented that people today don't know what music is and had she been born earlier she would have gotten the same kind of billing as Aretha. Yeah.
4. The bottom three are splitting the vote for their type of performance. They are three young black females with big voices. The rest of the contestants are somewhat more unique.
5. The four black contestants left are all a little older than the other three, and I think that age garners a few votes. Both from the school age crowd and the adults who are impressed by the young age of the other 3.
6. In the fine print it says very clearly that the producers can override the public, and what garners more attention than throwing out a favorite and stirring the racism pot? Not much.

I'm sure there are a lot more theories, but I'm sure it wasn't only racism that made it happen that way.

[HangTenHoney]

Well, last season Ruben Studdard won, despite being up against your all-American average white male. And Kimberly Locke was also in the top three last season. So I don't think so. Unless the racists are just starting to watch the show...

[HangTenHoney]

Originally Posted by Lula

6. In the fine print it says very clearly that the producers can override the public, and what garners more attention than throwing out a favorite and stirring the racism pot? Not much.

Wow, I had no idea it said that! Neat.

Oh, and I just wanted to point out that you said "In the FINE PRINT is says VERY CLEARLY...". That's all. I just thought it was funny.

[Amy!]

as in it's not all lawyer speak, but yeah, in the fine print it says very clearly that Lula is a little umm, yeah, that's it.

[RapidFixer]

I said in the other thread, too, I don't think it was racist.Did you read the article explaining that AI is just as -or more) popular in black homes than white homes. So unless every white person is voting racially while black people are voting on talent, I don't think this is the reason. Also, the judges keep building up the same contestants, so I think people assume, "Well, Fantasia's safe. Jennifer's safe. So I'll vote for the geek kid to let him stick around a while." Plus, I think personality does mean a lot. And if it were racism, wouldn't Amy and JPL still be around? Amy was not the worst singer by far; JPL was around longer than she was despite worse performances --I suspect 'cause he's "oh so dreamy."