“And I am telling you, I’m not going,” sang Ada Vox at the opening of what might have been her American Idol swan song.
But as it is sung, so it shall be.
Vox is objectively one of this season’s strongest and most captivating contestants, but America, or the cross-section of America that feels compelled to vote in American Idol, did not agree.
Related: WATCH: Eliminated ‘American Idol’ contestant returns in drag and slays the house down
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When the votes were tallied, she didn’t have enough for an automatic advance to the top 10.
So she sang this cover of “And I Am Telling You” from Dreamgirls, looking like the actual Queen:
Is it the best version of this song that ever was? Absolutely not. Does Vox have something valuable to bring to this otherwise sleepy show? Yes she does.
And the judges tested the boundaries of their enormously expensive paychecks.
Just look at this dramatic conference they had:
Said Katy Perry after removing her earrings:
“I don’t know everything. I’ve got a lot to learn. But I have worked my butt off for over 10 years in the spotlight and these gentlemen on my side (pointing to Lionel Richie and Luke Bryan) – all of us collectively together – how many years would that be, maybe 60? Collectively? I think we do know talent when we see it. I would say that we would like to make an executive decision right now that Ada – (points over to where the top 10 are seated).”
And while the judges were always meant to pick four more contestants to advance, Perry later added that they did indeed go off-book:
“When the Ada moment came, it wasn’t just one person’s idea. We all looked at each other and we saw the math … excuse us, we’re going to step in now. Were we allowed to do that? We found out we were. We messed up the timetable a bit, but you know what it was, we felt so strongly about it, we didn’t have to wait for that vote. Enough was enough and you put your foot down when it’s real. We stand for truth and for justice.”
In the comment section of the above video, Vox said:
“Hey, y’all!!! Firsrly, I wanted to start by saying that I love you all!!!
Secondly, I wanted to make note that I am aware of my much less than perfect vocal. Haha not only did my emotions run wild on me, but before the show, I had an allergic reaction to our lunch which made my tongue and throat swell up almost immediately. So that was fun… Lol
Thank you to everyone who did vote!!! If you want to see me continue on, make sure to vote next week! I promise it will be so much better!”
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Young Timer
Normally, drag queens do not interest me vocally.
I’m one of the ones who hoots and hollers at their usually poor imitations at being women.
But Ada Vox’s performances have been SPOT ON.
Her back story is heart-breaking, but strangely, one filled with hope.
I am a fan.
Here’s hoping that middle America’s vote doesn’t count.
American Idol has never had this type of talent before, and I hope she makes it as far as America will let her.
BCbreeze
She did get as far as America let her. So will the judges have to save his ass every week when America votes her off. I could care less who stays or goes, I care about the American vote that Idol has always been. If he is that talented like Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, he should have no problem in the real world.
Lvng1Tor
The public only chooses the top 6. The judges picked the rest from the remaining 8. Are you saying that anyone from the 4 chosen doesn’t deserve it? Did you watch it? Do you even know what happened?
DCguy
“”””
BCbreeze said…..
She did get as far as America let her. So will the judges have to save his ass every week when America votes her off. I could care less who stays or goes, I care about the American vote that Idol has always been. If he is that talented like Chris Daughtry and Jennifer Hudson, he should have no problem in the real world.
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Except “America” doesn’t vote, the way American Idol is set up, it’s to squeeze as much oney as possible, in other words, they let people call in as many times as they want ,so “America” voting is a bunch of 12 year olds hitting “Re-dial” as was shown when in the last several seasons the least talented boyband knock off always either one or stayed WAAAAY past his sell-by date.
Teddy Ready
Although Ada Vox did an exceptional vocal of the “Dreamgirls” song without the typical exaggerated histrionics of some Drag Queen’s who performed the song, she delivered an elegant but powerful performance of exellence. Personally, I think that the ultimate fairness to all of the contestants vying for the top 10 would have been stretching the end to make a top 11 ( a special place for ada) since there were equal other talents who may have barely missed a spot due to a bit of well- deserved partiality.
Nowuvedoneit
She didn’t do the song justice. It was a mistake and she would’ve paid the price except for the producers and judges. It’s not hate to vote off a person who sung terribly.
BCbreeze
It’s true, she didn’t pull it off in any way. America voted, and she should be sent home. What happens if America votes someone in and the judges send that person home, talk about some bull shit. I am just about over these judges, they are incapable of giving a honest critique.
BobbyB
Agreed her pitch was all over the place.
radiooutmike
America voted her out. But were the votes against for her performance or because she IS out?
As an uninterested observer, how much outcry would there be if the top 10 was all white and male, but number 11 was black and female?
duecers
I fear the reason she will not win is her statis, not her talent. I think she is clearly the one of the most talented in the group. I do not like drag queens, especially those that lip sync. But those with REAL talent should be celebrated fairly. To says things like “her pitch was all over the place” does not compare to the other singers that had similar problems. American Idol in all of its season has had difficulty with these supposed votes. It tends to make one believe the winner has already been choosen. Unfortunately, it is a fair bet that Ada will not be the winner, but for a reason other than talent!
Cylest Brooks
The top 6 that “got through” on America’s vote were 5 white people and 1 black man.
The judges then got to “save” an additional 4 performers. They saved Ada, a black man (Dennis), a black woman (Jurnee), and a white man (Caleb, I think? Honestly he’s shit and didn’t deserve it, lol).
Jamessir
Actually Caleb, the white boy with the light blue eyes was top 6 and he’s not shit. They got rid of the other two pretty boys and they were marginally talented. The 4th the judges chose was the lass from Venezuela. So gay, lesbian, black & Latina were their 4 choices.
Cylest Brooks
You’re right. Caleb did get through on America’s vote… my bad. Michelle Sussette was the fourth one saved by the judges.
Mack
The thing is what we saw America voted for was the TOP 6, not the TOP 10. We don’t know if she was voted in the TOP 10 or not, that information was never given. Based on her vocals she should have been in the TOP 10, but will America vote for a drag queen? They wouldn’t even vote for someone that wasn’t a Drag Queen but was gay. Adam Lambert should have won and would have had it not been for the bigots voting.
Cylest Brooks
Exactly. We have NO IDEA which one of the “danger zone” contestants actually ranked #7-#10. The top 6 got auto-approved and then the judges voted from the remaining 8 contestants.
fur_hunter
This young man is a total Sensation and Phenomenon. His talent is incredible. Words cannot describe how fantastic he truly is. I can only take my hat off to him and wish him the best, success and much happiness in the future.
chris33133
If the judges have some picks and they used one of their picks for Ada, then so be it. Their decision certainly provided some ratings magic; and since AGT’s getting long in the tooth, it needs to have some magic fairy dust sprinkled on its ratings every so often.
Cylest Brooks
Totally different show, but the ratings thing is not a lie. This is the first season of the American Idol reboot… so they are working hard to reel folks back in after a several-year hiatus.
DCguy
If Ada is still in, I may start watching, but if they just had a bunch of teens all trying to redo Katie Perry or Bieber songs like the last few seasons I’m out.