The Partial Observer - American Idol on Trial

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RHYMES AND REASONS
American Idol on Trial
What Simon says and Michael doesn't.

by Greg Asimakoupoulos
March 18, 2005

Beware of What Simon Says
Life lessons in self-esteem from the American Idol craze.

Paula and Randy are candid (yet kind).
But American Idol wanna-bees
are often stung by the waspy words
that Simon says.
He's mean-spirited. He's heartless.
And furthermore, he's often wrong.
But he's not alone.
When you try your hardest,
you too have critics
who will attempt to steal your joy
and rob you of your self-esteem.
They will undermine your dreams
if you let them.
But as Carole King reminded us
back when we idolized her,
"Don't you let them!"
Remember, you've got a Friend
Who loves you more than you know
and loves you as you are.
In the end, it's not your critics who count.
It's a panel of One
from Whom your gifts have come.

Michael's Drumline

You've never heard Tom-Toms like this.

You could call it Michael's Drumline

near a ranch named Neverland.

where the legal Tom-Toms square-off

making noise.

There is Sneddon and there's Mesereau

aware of Jackson’s jazz

and the trap set for

unknowing little boys.

It's a Tom-Tom competition

quite complete with many snares.

These are rhythms you will never

hear again.

There are prosecution rimshots

and the roll of Mike's defense

as the lawyers do their best to

claim a win.