He's Still Our Justin, and He Deserved Better
Marni Ogrodnik
Foxes on Idol, September 7, 2002
www.foxesonidol.com/cgi-b...art&page=1
Justin took second place in American Idol, yet he got less respect from the
judges than third, fourth, fifth, etc. Millions know he's amazing, and he is
still our Justin.
Like Dana (writer of all things American Idol here and at the RealityNewsOnline),
I - along with millions of others according to the percentages announced
Wednesday night - thought Justin was amazing all along. From the get-go. From
the second he opened his mouth and sang with such sincerity, soul and ease. From
the minute Simon said that this boy proved why the talent is much better in
America. He is the reason why I watched this show every week. We knew Kelly was
going to win and, frankly, were relieved because those cheesy, horrific songs
were so obviously written for a woman and so did not suit his style. But are you
telling me that he deserved the treatment the last two shows?
No parting words from any of the judges? Excuse me?
I bitched about this on the AI message board that evening and many agreed. I was
furious that the three of them had absolutely nothing to say to our Justin.
Paula's stupid, "Justin... if only I were five years older" remark
doesn't count. He came in second. R.J., A.J., Nikki and Ryan were all worthy of
parting commentary before their exits and he wasn't? This was incredibly
disrespectful. No richly deserved "farewell" tribute? Dana, myself,
and lots of other people who get Justin - who know that he is not just about
flash and the 'fro - see his substance. Even Simon said it was a privilege to
hear a voice like his. That tape sure didn't wind up in the finale's clips,
though. Funny, that.
I just hope Justin knows that there are so many of us who saw his talent and
appeal from the first time he sang to us. It's why we pulled for him through all
the drama, the apology, and the frustration we felt at the song selections that
didn't showcase the "authentic Justin" who worked his way into our
hearts. He's a rare find - a fantastic blend of charm, charisma, soul, and
showmanship. And the way he supported Kelly proved he was a gentleman and a
class act. So Randy, Randy, Randy and the other two judges: You can kiss our
collective asses. He is still our Justin.