In Danger for Bottom 3 tonight...

[winterlong]

I know this is going to make me a little unpopular, but I feel I need to point out some facts that are going to make the verdict show a really difficult one for us tonight.

I dont want to scare anyone or bring them down, especially after D did such an amazing performance.

But there are factors about tonights show that put Damien in more danger of leaving than there ever has been - by far.

I understand the confidence people feel about D getting through, I love the fact the fans believe in him so much (as we should!) and from his performances he really deserves it, but this weeks situation is different than it has been. Its been wonderful to have him safe all these weeks, but conditions have changed - its not the same contest. We should not take previous results as any indication that things will be alright.

Please note this:

• We are at top 5. An Idol has a greater than 50/50 chance of going bottom 3.
  
• The 2 touchdown performances are safe. Voting history shows this to be true. At this stage of the contest, touchdowns dont go bottom 3. This of course will change as the weeks progress.
  
• Deans fans will vote extra hard this week, and we know there are many of them. They will vote extra hard because he went bottom 2 last week, and was percieved my many to have the weakest performance of the night. Call it a rebound vote or a sympathy vote, but voting history shows this is the most likely outcome.
  
• There is a frightening amount of people who missed Damiens performance. I've done the rounds of many Idol sites, and I'm absolutely astounded at the number of diehard Idol fans who missed him. I can only imagine the figure in the general population.
  The performer who performs first on a normal Idol night often goes bottom 3, but tonight was even worse for the 1st performer: an earlier timeslot AND daylight saving, highly unusual, means a vast number of people missed him. And quite frankly, the 5 second recap just doesnt do that beautiful performance justice.
  
• As we all know and love the fact, Damien has never been bottom 3 before. I cant even begin to tell you the amount of people I've heard say he is safe because of this. Remember Bobby Flynn? Yup, he went the same way...first up performer, never bottom 3. Voter complacency is such a killer! I know we all vote hard, but we are such a small representation of the greater voting public.
  

It all sounds a bit doom and gloom eh, and I am sorry to bring such pessamistic facts to the forum.
There are some excellent things to look forward to though. Going around the forums, I have never seen such excitement and anticipation over the possibilities of what D could be performing on audience choice night should he get through. Its truly inspiring and awesome to see how revved up people are about it - it really will be a great night I think if D gets there.

So for me, thats my motivation for voting this week. I think I would rather see D get to Top 4 and blow the country's minds with a couple of amazing performances than see him Top 2. I want him to have the best possible exposure he can have in this contest for his life beyond the contest.
And thats why I'm going all out voting this week. Blowing the lid off any voting number I've done before.
I know we are all doing our very best for D (and I love you guys for that!), but even a few more votes from everyone may make a difference.

I really do sense danger, and I really want him through to next week.

[winterlong]

Ok, just have to add one more thing to my small novella ;D


As you may have read in other posts, I loved "Message to my Girl". And I mean REALLY loved it. I adored its simplicity and focus on the lyric, and I love that it didnt rely on the big notes (as Idol performances often do) for its beauty. It just was, and it was sublime.

While I will be so very dissapointed if D goes this week, if he went on this performance I think I would feel in a way quite satisfied. He hasnt chosen to second guess what the public want or what the judges want, I believe that he is doing the music that means something to him, in a way that is truly reflective of him and not what an Idol should be.
If the Idol voting audience are seeing this and still wanting something different, then fine. Let them have it. I think by doing what is true for him, he is showing a far greater audience what he is all about. And ultimately, I think thats more important than the title.


(but I still want him to do the Top 4 show, so vote dammit!! And vote hard!! ;D)



ETA: just read this back, and geez I wish I could string words together a little better..I think I'll just stick to making purdy pictures from now on! *runs off to make with the pretty...*

[Mi chiamano Kami]

I think you strung your words together just fine.

I couldn't agree more with everything you've said. I'm really afraid for Damien this week even though I've voted extra and I know everyone else is voting extra. I'm unbelievably frustrated that what I saw as the performance of the night wasn't seen by many and furthermore wasn't given the recognition that it should have.

Still, watching the performance last night made me extremely proud to be a fan of Damien. I also love that he comes on the Idol stage and does beautiful, quiet, multifaceted performances instead of reaching for the big notes as most contestants do. Although I think his last note in "Message To My Girl" was one of the most beautiful I have ever heard. It was truly a gift to hear him with just the piano and to be able to appreciate his lower notes as well, since the high notes usually get a bigger workout!

I think he's made his point already on the show and is destined for international stardom!, but I too desperately want him to get through just one more week. If he can get to next week, looking over the songs the other Idols will be singing I really think he'll excel and be safe for another week, and getting him to Top 3 is just an incredible thought.

In any case, all his fans will stand by him no matter what happens tonight, but I believe we can get him through this tough week if we try hard enough. In fact, I think I've talked myself into sneaking in a couple more votes...

[catarina68]

Dont forget to do a few extra votes for me everyone.. (dont have a landline remember and my silly pre pay wont let me..(DAM U VODAFONE)
GO Damien

[Selestial]

You certainly have not become unpopular with me winterlong! You are right in all you say and thank you for sharing it here (what better place to share your thoughts and feelings on the Big D!?)

Apologies in advance to Dean fans for me saying this -
but everyone last night was a joy to watch - except him! You couldn't say he wasn't good looking, but his face is expressionless to me and I don't sense any charisma from him. And I am not saying he can't sing, but his voice is commonplace and unremarkable.

[irishscorpio]

Hi guys, so glad he got through...I scared my poor little puppy when I jumped out of my seat last night with excitement. I was having my dinner when they were announcing the bottom three, nearly got sick when he made it into the bottom three (what the?), but I guess everyone has to have a turn and hopefully it will be his last.
Here's to another week of the beautiful DAmien Leith....oh joy :-))))
xxxx

[Mi chiamano Kami]

The way I'm looking at it, he wasn't in the bottom three so much as he was in the top three!

In any case, he's still there and I have a good feeling about this Sunday. Can't wait!

[Trilly]

You were spot on, winter.Damo did need the extra votes, and we did it.! YAHOOO! Oh boy, the anticipation for Sunday has already begun.I'm so excited and happy we are going to hear him do those gorgeous songs.Also, you are so right about Dman doing the music he loves so magically, makes him so much more. Yipppeeee!!!

[murfinator]

Yes that's right! Top 3! I voted more than I ever have! I'm so glad he's still there

[Neski]

haha i agree with you kamitsuki Top 3!

Anyways Im glad we did it and now D is rewarding us with the best 2 songs Ahh how does he know what to please us with ;D

[sasha20_200]

I Love Damien's voice What a MAGIC sound-----and I thank him for the joy he brings to me each Sunday.See you in Sydney on Final Night I know you can do it You are Magic