Filed under: Donovan, Music, TV Shows
Author: Donovan
Date: Feb 22, 2010
Third time isn’t always a charm- at least not for perennial American Idol contestant punching bag, Angela Martin. I understand that American Idol is a TV show trying to highlight dramz for the viewing audience but the treatment given to Angela was down right mean. To catch you up to speed, this was Angela Martin’s third and FINAL time trying out for the show. Since she’s 28-years-old, she will be too old to try out next season. For the past few years, she’s made it to the Hollywood round only to fall short right before the final cut.
In year one, we were first introduced to Martin and her heart-wrenching story of raising a daughter with Rett Syndrome. A few days before Martin left for Hollywood week, her father was murdered by her mother-in-law. Considering the circumstances, Martin wasn’t able to perform at her best and was cut. Fast forward to season eight where she once again made it to Hollywood week. Unfortunately for her, she was unable to attend due to traffic violations and was stuck in jail. Since she didn’t have the funds to pay the violations, she had to spend a few days in lockdown.
With all this bad luck, you’d think some good luck would finally be coming her way. Right? Nope. Once again she made it to Hollywood week. This time, a few days before she had to compete, her mother was reported missing and as off press time, still unaccounted for. Despite facing family problems once again, I felt she performed well and had a good shot of making the Top 12 girls.

While I’m not a fan of Backstory Idol, given Idol producers hard-on for touching angles this season, I thought Martin had a spot in the bag. WRONG. Not only did she get cut, but Kara made her sit on the uncomfortable arm chair while delivering her the bad news. Boo DioGuardi, Boo.
With this being Angela’s final year to try out, I was worried she’d be another one of those robbed Idol contestants that would fade into obscurity despite being super-talented. Thankfully, new Idol judge Ellen Degeneres wanted to help out Martin. During Ellen’s Friday show, Martin sat down with the talk show host and performed Alicia Keys’ “Superwoman”. After her performance, DeGeneres informed her she would try her best to find her a record deal and that Kara DioGuardi would write her a song and help her record and produce it. Let’s just pray that it isn’t “No Boundaries” part two. That shit was heinous.
I know Ellen’s usually a woman of her word, so I really hope she is able to pull this off. I’ve been a fan of the beleaguered Idol contestant since I first saw her. Given all that she’s been through, its amazing how Martin still has such a positive outlook and able to flash her million dollar smile. Go Angela, Go.
Ryon
February 22nd, 2010 at 6:52 pm
Yeah when they didnt put her through, this time around I actually thought that it was because they were going to try and pull something behind the scenes for her. She is really talented and this wont be the first time that a Idol cast off found a recording contract because of a push from the Idol machine.
Good for Ellen and Kara for supporting her.