American Idol: No more Haley's comet
04/11/07 09:15 PM
By ED BARK
Was it blatant sex appeal on her part or unequivocal sexism on the part of American Idol's showiest judge?
Whatever she or the show's fans think, San Antonio's Haley Scarnato took a walk Wednesday after Simon Cowell told her the previous night, "I think you really have a good tactic, Haley. Wear the least amount of clothes as possible."
Not that her voice could have carried the day against the show's three remaining and superior women vocalists. But Haley hardly made herself a harlot in short shorts and a coverup top.
Maybe she'll lash back in later interviews. On Wednesday's horridly bloated one-hour results show, Haley spared the kitten or the whip when host Ryan Seacrest asked her to be honest about whether Simon's judgments offended her. On an earlier show he had called her a "naughty little thing."
"Not necessarily offended. But it hurts a bit," she said.
Her Bottom Two cellmate was "Sleepy Time" Phil Stacey, who again somehow escaped eviction. It's hard to divine his appeal. Haley at least strutted her strut, even in Wednesday's closeout performance. Hell, her singing's at least as good as Britney Spears' -- and her body currently is better. Maybe she's got a future of some sort. Gotta replenish the stock.
Wednesday's Idol otherwise played as a prolonged infomercial, with Jennifer Lopez's full-out live performance providing one of the few respites. There also was a funny taped bit in which previous "coach" Tony Bennett auditioned for the show and took a verbal beating from Simon.
Next week it's Martina McBride mentoring the the seven remaining finalists in the art of country music. Can't wait to hear Sanjaya Malakar sing "Harper Valley PTA."
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