American Idol has been my favorite show for a while now, but I am very disappointed in the judging this year. Bruce Dickson, a very talented vocalist from Bastrop, Texas was given the boot by the judges after professing that he has never kissed a girl and that he is saving that first kiss for his wedding day. While it may sound too good to be true, there still are guys out there who are saving themselves for marriage. Yes, Hollywood, it can be done.
Bruce’s audition turned into quite the hot topic after the judges remarks aired last week as well as some parting comments by Ryan Seacrest who spouted off “Maybe next year he’ll come back less a boy and more a man.” Anyone with half a brain can see that Bruce is more of a man than Ryan could ever hope to be. Bruce’s response to Ryan’s comments were nothing short of brilliant, “A real man would rather wait than just do whatever with whoever.”
Check out Bruce’s interview and audition…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_T9EywLx2AE
As you can tell, Bruce can sing and sing well! He was as good or better than anyone else that made it to the Hollywood round, so there was no legitimate reason for the judges to dismiss him. Simon’s comments were that he had a “nice voice for a room, but not for radio or tv”. What the heck? That makes no sense in today’s high-definition, digital EQ world. And when Bruce asked for some parting advice, Randy says to him “Go kiss some girls.” Now how will that help his music career? Give me break!
Bruce would make a fabulous American Idol role model and I can’t believe that AI has overlooked this gem of an artist because he actually has values and standards. American Idol – you just made a big mistake. Huge.
Bruce’s simple response to the situation says it best. “I respect women and don’t think of them as a sexual object, and I’m the freak?”
3 comments
NBP101
As a guy, I totally have to commend Bruce on his commitment to his future wife. It is rare (though not totally impossible) for a guy to have the heart to do that. Even myself at times wish that I’d done many things that I’ve done down through the years differently. So kudos to Bruce. I hope his wife is worthy of it!
BruceBlogger
Love the post! Thank so much for supporting Bruce! He has an official website and blog up now, http://www.brucedicksonfans.com and http://www.brucedickson.blogspot.com
Kel1
Yes! :) Thank you for posting this. I felt exactly the same way. Dismissing someone who is completely talentless is one thing, but the way he was dismissed…asking for legitimate advice and getting none…was shocking to me, to say the least. I couldn’t believe it when I watched the video. It was as if they felt Bruce had no “identity as an artist” since he was a virgin. Wow, I didn’t realize that you had to be “sexually experienced” to have vocal talent. ;) I guess that shows what I know. :P
I find it amazing that so many people will argue that this “can’t be done” and yet when they see a young person actually abstaining, they make sure to go out of their way to mock them. Apparently, those who have no self-control feel it is their right to tear down the self-image of those who do.
I think people like Mandisa, who also hold to different values and standards (and are successes in their own right) should have something to say to the AI judges, who seem to judge more on appearance (and now beliefs) than on talent.
Bruce, you are to be commended for your unabashed profession of your deeply-held beliefs.