Is It Randy's Fault?

Mo Rocca has appeared on a bunch of shows, including 'The Daily Show,' 'I Love the 80s,'...

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Posted Mar 29th 2007 11:54AM by Mo Rocca
Filed under: American Idol, Sanjaya Malakar, Sanjaya's hair, Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, Barabbas, Jesus, Peggy

This morning I rushed into my office minutes before an emergency conference call. (A shipment due to arrive in Ft. Wayne was re-routed through Indianapolis for no known reason.) As I swept past my secretary Peggy, I thought I heard her sigh, "If it ain't broke, don't fix it." Curious, I thought, but I had no time to respond. Once the call ended (one of our reps drove out to Indy for the pickup), Peggy came in to bring me my coffee.

"What did you mean by "If it ain't broke, don't fix it," Peggy?"
"What do you think?" she countered. "I think Randy Jackson muffed the whole thing up."

An intriguing theory. Peggy's point:

American Idol is a delicate balance - a formula that's worked brilliantly since its beginning. Simon is acerbic, tough and no nonsense. Paula is the wacky mom with a heart of gold. (Simon and Paula are the comic relief, too. The sparring "lovers.") But Randy's role has always been crucial. He's sometimes been characterized as neutral or simply repeating Simon's criticisms in blander terms. Wrong. He has been the all-important straight man, but he's also been the supportive friend - not unconditionally loving like Paula, but constructive. An optimist who realistically looks for the best in each performer. (It's why historically Ryan asks Randy for "advice" for faltering contestants.) For many Americans, he's the point of identification on the panel.

But this season Randy chose to reinvent himself as Simon 2.0. At no point was the new Randy more wincingly mean than after Sanjaya's performance of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough." He was more than mean. He was contemptuous. He called the song "unlistenable" and laughed at Sanjaya, then sneered about his hair. Rather than defend Sanjaya, he stoked the crowd to mock him further.

(Randy should have taken a cue from Diana Ross, a legend who surmounted unparalled hurdles as an African-American. In the video intro, it was clear that Ross could sympathize with the special pressures faced by Sanjaya, AI's first Indian-American finalist.)

Peggy is convinced that the backlash that has now brought AI to the brink began at that moment. Sanjaya was defenseless before the mob.

"I half expected the crowd to yell 'We want Barabbas!'" said Peggy. "And Randy was weaker than Pontius Pilate."

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Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 2)

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1. hey it might be. Randy is usually on the fence about contestants, leaning a different way every performance. Yea. He really does seem to be getting meaner as the show progresses. (Showing up Simon. I dont know if its his fault Sanjaya is still there or not but somethings got to give because this is ridiculous. Its the top nine now and hes still there.

MrsMoRocca at 12:50PM on Mar 29th 2007

2. hey it might be. Randy is usually on the fence about contestants, leaning a different way every performance. Yea. He really does seem to be getting meaner as the show progresses. (Showing up Simon. I dont know if its his fault Sanjaya is still there or not but somethings got to give because this is ridiculous. Its the top nine now and hes still there.

MrsMoRocca at 12:52PM on Mar 29th 2007

3. I am loving Randy this season. I love him especially when he laughs right in the contestant's face when they've done poorly. I think the judges are having a much better time this season. And I love that I can tell my grandchildren about the legacy of Sanjaya..the boy, the myth..

SARAH at 3:18PM on Mar 29th 2007

4. What is wwrong with Sanjaya. Rod stewart and others
can't sing a lick but we spend a lot of money on
their music. Listen to the no singing rappers. Sanjaya is MONEYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY. Somebody needs to to make it from and for him

marilynn at 3:53PM on Mar 29th 2007

5. I thing the people voting for Sanjaya are
kids, ages six to 16 years of age.

Sheila at 7:27AM on Mar 30th 2007

6. It's time that Simon the isn't the only judge to tell it like it is when contestants can't sing.
Randy is finally speaking up, when will Paula
finally follow in their foot steps?
Oh Randy, ditch the DAWG.

Sheila at 7:35AM on Mar 30th 2007

7. I actually agree about Randy.

Simon may be blunt and brutally honest in his assessment of contestant's talent, but I never get the impression that he is laughing at them or making fun of them.

This season, Randy has come off as completely mean-spirited at times. I really hate if when he laughs at the singers. Its not only disrespectful, it's tatally school-yeard bully stuff.

By all means, he should go ahead and say that he doesn't get the song or that he thinks their rendition was weak or just not good enough, but quite making them feel bad about themselves by laughing at them. Jeez, he helped put them through in the first place. Also, the balance of criticism that made these judges click so well together seems to be gone with this new, nasty Randy.

Not cool, Randy.

Dawn at 11:25AM on Mar 30th 2007

8. the only place this kid will be singing is at weddings! paula, simon and randy made a mistake when they sent him through to hollywood. they better be more careful next year....if there is a next year. simon may end it all if this kid wins.

ANNIEG at 7:00PM on Mar 30th 2007

9. AMERICAN IDOL FIGHT TRIGGERS CYBERCRIME

FRENCHIE DAVIS'S STOLEN NATIONAL FAN CLUB

WE demand APOLOGIES for FRENCHIE DAVIS & ROSIE! DOUBLE STANDARD issues have not discontinued until an apology is made. We have nothing against American Idol's concept of the show, but "certain principles" should be recognized. WE HAVE NOTHING AGAINST BARBA!??OUR FAN CLUB EMAIL got BROKEN into and hundreds of FAN email for Frenchie got deleted and WE ARE BLOCKED from changing our password on that ACCOUNT! IS THAT CYBERCRIME if ones emails aren't safe? We need public support in this and send us an email at: supportfrenchie@hotmail.com

Chris Tian & Friends for Frenchie Davis and Rosie

Chris Tian & Freinds at 7:34PM on Mar 31st 2007

10. randy has to be tougher on these contestants because there isn't that much talent like usual.he can't say they're really good when the talent isn't there.

rosey at 7:12AM on Apr 1st 2007

11. Sanjaya's can't carry a tune in a bucket.He has 2 things going for him he's a Michael Jackson want to be and is taking advice from Simon advice a contestant must be remembered. So if he can't sing it's got to be his hair that he'll be remebered for.

That kid needs to go!!!!

Helen at 11:09AM on Apr 1st 2007

12. Look guys, this is the 1st time I have taken a serious look at the AI, ( as I normally watch news and documantaries) because of all the fuss and nasty comments about a young, helpless kid of color. How do they pick the judges, except for Paula ? Their mean comments to young and nervous contestants is not professional at all. They are suppose to give relevent , practical, supportive and critical comments to help the contestants to grow and gain self-esteen and not to break their spirits and confidence with plain ignorant and irrelavent jokes. And it's no joke but bad taste. It's plain ignorance, indecent and a liability to the channel, esp."know it all" Simon. He is getting to where the people will , sooner or later ignore the show altogether, not because of Sanjaya. The producers should bear this in mind and set limits to rogue jokes on a family show. There are kids watching the show too ! Can Simon sing, better the Rod Steward or knows how to sing at all ? Anyone can be a critic !. Or is he there because he has enough money to own or run the show ?. Give this little guy Sanjaya a break. Afterall, this is suppose to be a fun and relaxing show for everyone!. In every game there are surprise winners and loosers. Some naturally take it personal, with a loss. I feel sorry for them. Just immagine, Sir Simon, someone standing in front of your face with millions watching,and say the things you and your other goofy judge say ?. Psychology speaks for itself. "When one can be so ugly to others, who are humilited in front of millions of viewers, the same person who dishes it out, can never take the same kind of insults when reversed, NEVER". I was amazed as to how this kid took your nasty comments with a sweet graceful smile.( when I watched a playback on his 1st appearance). You, Simon, should learn some manners from this kid !. I would't be surprised if he actually wins in the end. He looks like a role model for the kids, at least, by projecting a positive image in the face of such critizisms. Plus, ironically, you and the grumpies, are also making him popular !. Than what ???. Who will be the last to smile? I can see the talents in this kid. At the age of 17, he is getting better at his vocal strength, every week,( now that I watch the show) plus, his self-esteem is high enough to ignore the critics and I doubt he will give up no matter who says what ! Some say the Indians are supporting him. Please !!! He is only part Indian, a blend of Italian and Indian. He is an American boy, with an Indian look !. So who is supporting him and the others ? This is USA. The people and teens are the people behind his strong support. We, as Americans are smarter than you Simon. We know the difference between right and wrong and racially tolerant. Most Indians and their kids are probably doing school homework, because their parents normally switch off the TV by 8pm, as I understand. Good luck lad !. Keep your chin up son. You have a great future, no matter what the outcome is !!!

Bryan at 2:37PM on Apr 1st 2007

13. HOW ABOUT MENTIONING THE KING OF ALL MEDIA ??????WHY WONT ANYONE REALIZE HE CONTROLS IDOL????????

JOE COLEMAN at 7:30PM on Apr 2nd 2007

14. I blame AI altogether. Sanjaya never should have been picked by the judges! If Sanjaya wins the whole thing, I blame Randy, Paula, and Simon. Oh and in response to Bryan above...these contestants are supposed to be the best out of the thousands that auditioned. SO what if he shows slight if any improvement week after week...the kid can't sing well, good or anything else. If he sang at my wedding there would probably be a divorce in the not to distant future.

Chad at 10:27AM on Apr 6th 2007

15. I REALLY BELIEVE THAT AMERICAN IDOL HAS TURNED INTO A COMEDY SHOW. WHY IS SANJAYA STILL THERE?? WHY LET GOOD CONTESTANTS GO AND LET HIM REMAIN?? IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH COLOR, THE YOUNG MAN IS NOT TALENTED, MAYBE HE SHOULD BE A MODEL BUT NOT AN AMERICAN IDOL. IF THERE IS SOME CONSPIRACY GOING ON TO KEEP THIS YOUNG MAN IN THE COMPETITION THAT IS NOT FAIR, BECAUSE A LOT OF THE REMAINING CONTESTANTS ARE TRULY TALENTED AND THE PRODUCERS SHOULD PUT AN END TO THIS. IT WILL MAKE A LOT OF VIEWERS LOSE INTEREST IN THIS SHOW

FLORINE WOOD at 12:47PM on Apr 11th 2007

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Mo Rocca appears on a bunch of shows, including CBS News Sunday Morning (with the indescribably wonderful Charles Osgood), The Tonight Show on NBC, and NPR's Wait Wait... Don't Tell Me! He's a sometime judge on Iron Chef and was featured on Telemundo's Amore Descarado. Last year he starred on Broadway in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. His expose "All the President's Pets" was published by Crown in 2004.