Special Olympics Statement on Idol

[sandy]

I just read an article that said the Special Olympics Group is offended by the judges' treatment of people? But then it says they're not?:confused:

From "A Socialite's Life"

"Much has been said of this season's particularly harsh criticism of contestants on "American Idol," prompting some viewers to speculate that perhaps the judges (most especially Simon Cowell) were simply being too vocal in their disapproval of certain contestants. In fact, American Idol winner, Kelly Clarkson recently voiced her opinion on Access Hollywood, diplomatically stating:

"The judges are a little harsh this time. But they sit all day and watch all these people come through, so you have to give them some credit."
But Clarkson isn't the only one talking about the judges. The Special Olympics is voicing its two cents on the situation as well.

It seems that the Special Olympics is actually lauding American Idol for the judges' "gracious" and "encouraging" treatment of contestant, Jonathan Jayne, a former Special Olympics athlete, during his audition on the show. These accolades come in an official statement on the organization's website.

Whether on the stage of American Idol or on the field of competition for Special Olympics, people with intellectual disabilities don't want to be pitied. They want to be judged for who they are and appreciated for what they can achieve. American Idol should be commended for providing Jayne with the same opportunity to succeed as any other contestant.

Yes, I agree. Every person, no matter what their background, should be afforded the opportunity to make an ass of themselves on national television. It is our right, as Americans."

http://socialitelife.com/2007/01/26/special_olymics_says_thanks_american_idol_for_insu lting_us_like_everyone_else.php#more

[Diva]

Sandy -

I LOVE that the Special Olympics came out saying that. The judges are harsh, but they always have been. Now if they seem harsher this year, first it wouldn't be a surprise, most people six years into a gig can be bitter and jaded (not all people, but a good portion), second, after 5 years, people should know what to expect, they should know what the judges are looking for, so the judges should be allowed to be more free in their criticism. Either the auditioner actually thinks they're good and needs to be corrected or they're wasting everyone's time and needs to be reprimanded.

OK - that was off-topic - on the Special Olympics and auditioners with developmental disabilities - in my experience most people with disabilities (genuine disabilities.... because you don't want to get into work-type stuff because I deal with disability management at work far too often) - anyway.... in my experience, people with disabilities want to be good because they ARE good, not because they're good for a "special" person. Human beings don't want to be separated into a smaller pool to be deemed better than they are when judged against a larger segment. All I'm saying is that I don't want to be told that I'm a good singer for a blonde, or for a woman, or for a chocolate-lover, or person with dyslexia, etc... etc... If I'm good, I want to be good against other idols - since that's the arena in which these people are competing. Well.... until they come up with Special Idol.