Thanks to an earlier post from 4Ms, I have spent the last several hours reading Slezak's comments on Adam on season 8, and watching videos of his reviews.  I was struck by the fact that Slezak and several of the other commentators just didn't "get" Adam for much of the competition.  They did not fall head over heels for him like we did.  We talked a few days ago about Adam making people feel "uncomfortable."  That seemed to be the case with Slezak and the others.  They thought he was too dramatic, too OTT, mugging to the camera too much, flaunting his sexuality too much, belting too much, showing off his voice too much, not being genuine enough... etc.  They thought he was being pimped by the producers and given the best staging, lighting, etc.  

Over the course of the season, they seemed to come around a little.  They recognized how impeccable his vocals were, they commented on how moving Mad World was, they talked about him changing things up so that he was always interesting, and toward the end, even noted that despite the flamboyant, showy performances, he seemed like a very likable, nice, down to earth guy.  They also recognized that, because Adam was hands down the best singer and performer, they started to expect increasingly amazing things from him each week and fault him for tiny things when his performances were still by far the best.  

When we fans puzzle over why Adam has not become a top tier performer with multiple number 1 hit singles, I think the reaction of Slezak and others on Idolatry points to an answer.  What we have always seen as fabulous, others have difficulty accepting or believing.  In many areas of life (with the exception of professional athletes, perhaps) Americans seem to be uncomfortable with people who not only don't fit into boxes, but who stand out and excel at what they are doing.  There is a script that says one shouldn't "show up" everyone else.  Remember in high school when the smart kids were criticized for ruining the grading curve?  Especially in women's culture, standing out as exceptional is thought to be showing off and putting yourself above everyone else in a haughty, egotistical way.  

I see from reviewing these articles and videos that recognizing the brilliance and fabulousness of Adam takes a certain personality, rebelliousness, and perhaps a little of Adam's own OTT quirkiness.  Because of that, Adam may never be "mainstream" enough for the masses.  But, that's why we love him, and why we have found a community of like-minded, quirky spirits here at ATop.  I love y'all for it.