Who is Idol's 'crying girl' and where did she come from?
Immediately following Tuesday night's show, many commenters and bloggers were speculating that the "little girl who cried" was "a plant" or an actress paid by either Sanjaya's family or the show's producers. Others surmised that she was merely one of the executive producer's kids or special guests getting some extra screen time.Turns out she is 13-year-old Ashley Ferl from Riverside, California. Apparently, Ashley and her mom had gotten tickets for a taping of Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader. Their tickets allowed them to attend a dress rehearsal for Idol. Ashley began the waterworks during the rehearsals, was spotted by a producer, and was offered prime seats for Tuesday's show.
While Idol's cameras focused on Ashley during Sanjaya's performance, making it appear that he was her favorite, she apparently cried throughout the show. She also told the Los Angeles Times that she supports Sanjaya, Melinda, Gina, and Jordin all equally.
So why exactly did Idol give Ashley so much camera time and attention, even bringing her up on stage for a group hug? Well, it gave us all something to talk about, didn't it? It created some live, unscripted drama. And it clearly boosted Sanjaya's ego. But for the audience at home, it also felt like a stunt. Many people questioned its authenticity. Have we really become such a cynical society that we now mistrust the tears of little girls?
I think that in any other arena, Ashley's tears would have seemed sweet and sincere. But in Idol's big glaring arena, it all appeared a bit staged and fake. Wasn't it convenient that a young girl, resembling Marcia Brady, cried hysterically during British Invasion week?
278 Comments