American Idol wednesday

I don't normally watch American Idol, but Wednesday night I caught the 2nd hour. The only times I really watch is when the auditions are on and they eliminate the 'jokes' who really can't sing. The final contestant turned out to be a guy who grew up 20 minutes away in Superior Wisconsin. The Duluth News Tribune has an article today about him:

Mom angry over son's rough 'Idol' reception
Superior Daily Telegram,
Published Thursday, January 18, 2007
The mother of a former Superior man who performed on “American Idol” Wednesday is totally mystified, and not a little angry, at her son’s actions.

“My son can’t carry a tune,” she said this morning. “My son should have never been on there. I don’t have a clue why he decided on go on ‘American Idol.’”

Lorimor did not see her son’s performance — she was watching “Medium” — but has received enough comments from friends and family to know her son embarrassed himself in front of millions of people.

“I had phone calls until midnight,” she said. “I finally had to shut the phone off.”

Thoen had called her with news he had made it through the show’s first two auditions, with his third airing Wednesday. Lorimor’s response: “I want to crawl under a rock.”

But Lorimor also has a second reaction: fury. She said her son is developmentally disabled. She argues it was irresponsible of “American Idol” to have allowed Thoen on the reality show, and consequently allowing him to humiliate himself. Lorimor said she is “seriously” considering contacting FOX, the broadcast company that produces “American Idol,” and giving them a dose of her displeasure.

According to a Baltimore Sun story published today, Thoen, who is nicknamed “Red” because of his hair, said he occasionally does a little “care-oki.” He predicted success, contending he can hit the high notes.

“This is not typically a good sign. He said he is as good as Freddie Mercury and launches into ‘Bohemian Rhapsody’ in a high pitch and hitting none of the notes,” the newspaper said.

Judges laughed throughout his performance.

“Thoen said he can even do country. This doesn’t help. Cowell says it was ‘like a 1-year-old’ and Thoen said, ‘That was harsh!’” the newspaper reported.

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