Idol ratings drop -- Did they shoot themselves in the foot in shooting down Haley?

[My Alter Ego]

^^mercfan, while we frequently agree on a number of things, you and I have some different perspectives about the players (although you've been a great deal more specific than I am).

First, I don't know that I'd label Lauren as a little ADD; however I could easily label James' performances as the "manic" part of bi-polar. (Yes, I know that he has a different syndrome, but I know far too many folks diagnosed as bi-polar, and I see that manic element in James.)

Second,the problem that Lauren had was the same thing that Jessica, Holly, and, most especially DeAndre suffered from: going into this show when they're too young. They were still at an age where they are still in the "please parents/teachers/other significant adults in my life" and they simply didn't know how to absorb and/or deflect the conflicting information that Jimmy and the judges gave. I think Amber suffered from that a bit as well.

Third, I think that Season 11 had a number of dynamic (maybe polarizing, but still very vital) personalities: Erica, HeeJun, Elise (even though, as you stated, she didn't come across well on camera), Colton, Skylar, Joshua, Jessica, and Phillip in his own, sly way.

And, it's that last category that made me realize that Candice being cut when she was cut in Season 11 was a blessing in disguise. She was still too insecure and too shy (she was/is still shy -- and I can speak from experience here: both are hard to shed, but one can develop coping strategies - or an "alter ego.")

And, Tusk, the "Lazaro scenario" was just the lowest! Yes, infinitely excruciating -- and, yet, he still doesn't get it. One wonders what it will take to make him "wake up."

I'm so -- so very happy for Candice! I still can't wipe that smile off my face that I had since Thursday night.
~~
Actually, at the very beginning of the season, because I was preparing myself for, yet another white guy winning, I thought that both Paul and Devin had the potential to "run deep" (in the competition). I was quite surprised that they went out as quickly as they did.