AI4: How To Lack Lustre

It's fair to say that in 2006 Australian Idol re-established itself.

Part of its renewed lustre was attributable to an increase in the maximum age of participants (30) and its promise to counter past criticism with a format change providing competitors with opportunities to play instruments and perform their own compositions.

This reinvigoration appealed to viewers, who seized the opportunity to vote through to the Top 12 some uniquely impressive musicians, such as these:



For a while, it seemed Australian Idol might achieve some kind of ironic mainstream crossover: that is to say, a cross from the pop mainstream into pop relevance.

The show recently recorded its highest ratings since its first season.

In graphic terms, one might represent Season 4 like this:



Unfortunately, that little bubble of possibility was punctured.

First Reigan Derry dug her own grave with lamentable song choices in consecutive weeks. Short-sighted voters didn't save her. Strike 1.

Next, Lavina Williams failed to carefully select winning songs that would showcase her clear vocal supremacy to less astute viewers. In doing so she failed to emote in the same way as her sister, perhaps because she's obviously more fond of food - and hash - than teeage motherhood. Short-sighted voters didn't save her. Strike 2.

Which brings us to last night.

The elimination of Bobby Flynn = Strike 3.

Statisticians might refer to the Australian Idol viewership moving forward like this:



And so somehow we have gone from boasting an impressive Top 12 featuring these talents:



To a disastrous Top 6 featuring these profiteers of misfortune:



It was fun while it lasted.

There's potentially one saving grace: it's clearer than ever who the Final 3 should be.



If you miss Bobby already, remember that she's still on Celebrity Survivor...



...but then poor Dicko would remind you of Idol's past glories as well.

Poor Australian Idol.

Poor Dicko. :-(