Carly Smithson was born in Ireland. Michael Johns was born in Australia. Ramiele Malubay was born in Saudi Arabia.
Never has an American Idol top eleven included this many foreign-born contestants. And people are talking.
"I'm sorry but I think it's weird. It's American Idol," says Idol Watcher and pundit Will Bressman, quick to add: "Look, I'm not prejudiced. I just know that these other countries have their own singing competitions."
Let me be clear: This discussion is not an invitation to xenophobic ranting. Readers of this blog know that I am a full-throated champion of the contributions that singers from abroad have brought to our pop music scene. Furthermore I am nuts about foreign travel. (Right now I'd chuck everything for a trip to Sydney!)
But with immigration such a front-burner issue, it is essential that we address head on the question of the rights of foreign-born American Idol contestants. To Will's point: Idol has competitions in over 40 countries, from Armenia to Vietnam. (This includes Australia, Johns' home country.)
On the one hand, we should flattered, right? Winning American Idol is far more important than, say, if Ramiele were crowned winner of Saudi Idol. (Considering that she would be concealed behind an abaya and not permitted to stand near the host or make eye contact with the male judges, it would be quite the feat if she were one of the 24 contestants invited to Riyadh, their version of Hollywood. Never mind how she would ululate from the Lennon/McCartney songbook.) In other words, the American Dream is a universal aspiration, and American Idol trumps every other contest.
On the other hand, we must ask: Is this a case of foreign-born aspiring Idols stealing slots from perfectly able American-born singers? Are these interlopers exploiting our openness, only to turn their backs on us when they don't need us or our highly produced singing competitions? And would an American-born singer even be allowed to audition for Tajikistan Idol?
Look, Carly Smithson is a fine singer. I got chills from her rendition of Come Together. What's more, I have great admiration for the millions of Irish immigrants, starved by the British, who came to this country for a better life. But do we really expect Carly Smithson to "come together" with the rest of us when this show is over? We're more likely to eavesdrop on her in a Dublin salon snickering with her EU friends about the American yokels who texted and called for hours on her behalf.
To paraphrase Ryan Seacrest, America may decide on Carly Smithson ... but will she decide on America?
Some of the more extreme opponents of foreign born American Idol contestants cite security concerns: Why was Ramiele born in Saudi Arabia? Were her travel patterns properly scrutinized by the NSA and Fox TV during her Idol security clearance?
I largely dismiss these questions as Dobbsian paranoia. But clearly a major shift in what constitutes an American Idol is happening. (The first two winners, Kelly Clarkson and Ruben Studdard, were and remain passionately American.)
The question becomes: Are we prepared for an Idol without borders? Or should we put a stake in the ground now? After all, our Constitution mandates that our President be born in this country. Now what about our Idol?
Reader Comments ( Page 1 of 4)
1. As long as They're a citizen, who really cares?
You still watch American Idol?
-shakes head-
Talisa at 2:33PM on Mar 14th 2008
2. Aw Mo,
America is a land of opportunity.
It is also a land of devotion.
You don't just come, take the money, and run.
And you just don't inherit the sacrifice of your fore-fathers.
Being an American requires daily renewal and self-definition.
That is why, as silly as the Pledge of Allegiance sounds, it was constructed with an essence of renewal in it.
Detroit born Madonna made a fortune off America and Gay males and now she lives in England with an English accent.
My adoptive grandfather was born in Poland, volunteered for a U.S. Sanitation Brigade in W.W.I, became a naturalized American citizen as a result of his service and established an enduring family here.
So, I guess the answer to your question is:
I don't know.
JG
So,
John Giza at 2:31PM on Mar 14th 2008
3. My dear fellow American Mo,
hope you are feeling fine.
ANSWER: Yup! If they are naturalized and call themselves "American". Think of Charo!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dA14bLZs29I&feature=related
You watch American Idol?!!
-nods head approvingly with a tilt to convey an endearment beyond verbage-
ah,Clem at 2:49PM on Mar 14th 2008
4. Aw Mo,
The irony of the situation is,
after 45 years
I found out I was adopted and...
50% Native American/French, going back to where our school history books start.
And, that is why I believe "renewal" trumps
birth right.
Okay,
time to get my smartass back on.
Jg
John Giza at 3:03PM on Mar 14th 2008
5. You know Mo,
I have thought about this quite a bit this season already and my feelings are mixed on the subject.
My problem is not the fact that some of them were born outside of the United States. I take issue that they were not raised here, did not go to school here, probably do not have American driver's licenses (although they give those out to just about anyone nowadays), and are not American citizens!
I think the requirement should be the same as most elected officials but not necessarily the same as being President. You must be an American citizen!!!
If Arnold Schwarzeneggar can be Governor of California then certainly Michael Johns can be the next American Idol... provided he can tell me the capital of Montana (Hint: It's not Hannah). Of course, if Carly Smithson rips up a picture of the Pope next week... I think I'll change my mind again.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYw8JR1N90o
Rocca the Vote '08
FINN at 3:08PM on Mar 14th 2008
6. Im kinda torn on this. Half of me says yes and half says no. But, if they are American citizens, why deny them? I can see if they were illegal, in which case id say no because every other country in the damn word has their own version of American Idol anyway. AND whatever music is big here is generally 500x bigger in other countries. Eh whatever..
Blayze I am FAR from a tramp. My mamita also. Just because she has no idea how to operate my camera doesn't mean she don't wreak of class...
Your supposed to clean out the bong every once in awhile!!! ;)
Mo are you still in Pittsburgh?
Jacqueline aka Mashka at 3:38PM on Mar 14th 2008
7. Why not, Mo? We see this all the time! For example, non-funny people (like you) enjoy their reputations as comedians. So, why shouldn't a non-American become an "American" Idol?
Paul at 3:51PM on Mar 14th 2008
8. Why did they just fire John Gibson from Fox News??? Anyone? Anyone?
Jacqueline aka Mashka at 4:00PM on Mar 14th 2008
9. Here Jacqueline,
Found this on the Post... Huffington that is!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2008/03/13/john-gibson-loses-fox-new_n_91426.html
It was all downhill for Gibson after he made a homophobic Heath Ledger death joke... so it looks like the Joker will have the last laugh now!
Rocca the 180!
P.S. - Sorry I kinda instigated the tramp comment. I think you and Blayze should kiss and make up: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i9dTYy5mkKg
FINN at 4:29PM on Mar 14th 2008
10. Both Carly Smithson and Michael Johns are married to Americans, so I don't see either of them winning and leaving. And Ramiele was born in Saudi Arabia, but she was raised in the Philappines.
Lori at 4:44PM on Mar 14th 2008
11. in my tragic opinion, taking the show off the air would put an end to this heinous war of words.
tirebiter at 5:58PM on Mar 14th 2008
12. Hey guys!
I just found this old American Idol audition video of John McCain...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gX2CyIH_ebE
They let him audition, and run for President, and he wasn't even born in America! So maybe we should cut them all some slack. By the way, McCain looked great with hair and was very athletic in the video! I think I finally understand what Cindy sees in the old bastard!
Rocca the Vote '08
"America has decided..."
FINN at 6:36PM on Mar 14th 2008
13. I agree that they should have to be citizens, that's only fair. Although, it'd be great to see a bunch of americans sneak into the competitions of other countries.
One of the things that makes me proud of this country IS that it is made of so many cultures and nationalities....
Don't make me have to pull out Schoolhouse Rock again, people!
Gabrielle at 6:50PM on Mar 14th 2008
14. I don't know Mojo, I kinda like Idol without borders. Idolers get to come to the good ole USA, sing a song or two, and hopefully win a Great Big American Prize to take back home....a BMW, Mercedes or Toyota.
Willet at 6:57PM on Mar 14th 2008
15. Since America is a great melting pot, why penalize people for not being born here? If they have a legal right to be here, I say let them be on Idol. Especially if they can sing like Carly Smithson.
Mirillie at 7:07PM on Mar 14th 2008