Mandisa's Cross To Bear

Andre Koetsch
April 6 2006, 12:02AM

My partner and I are outraged. She shouldn't have gone home!

chris-leo
April 6 2006, 1:03AM

OH WELL....

i love the girl's voice, BUT...

...if homegirl doesn't have the good sense to say, "i love my gay fans," when a mic is put in her face, the way beyonce and britney and everyone else does, then her unenlightened ass needs to keep singing gospel music.

her pop diva career is done. LIFESTYLE, INDEED.

Bob
April 6 2006, 1:49AM

If you even bothered to watch her reactions tonight she saw it coming. And when Simon said 'your song choice is stuck with you whether you like it or not', Mandisa agreed. And i don't think she needed to say she thanks ger gay/straight/religious/non-religious fans, she said all her fans and put emphasis on 'all. IF you really payed attention...

Now i'm gay and like Mandisa. But she NEVER said she disliked gays or anything to that regard. I still believe she did not mean to target just gays, since most of her time she talked about HER lifestyle problems. Obviously she should have still put more thought into the whole thing..but oh well..It's a lessen learned.. I'm alot more upset at the Gay Community for jumping on her right away. Who's the more judgemental person? Her or the community? ..and being gay what would you do if she showed up a gay fair to sing for them [not to "change" them] huh?

Eric
April 6 2006, 2:38AM

Lifestyle… perhaps the community needs to stop and really dissect the word lifestyle. Does the word lifestyle mean “GAY”? I can only hope that a true Christian would live as such by not judging one person to the next, but rather leaving that to God on judgment day

Steven Butler
April 6 2006, 3:30AM

Worst Idol year ever

Charles X
April 6 2006, 6:48AM

Hello, Mr. Boykin!

I think it's pretty safe to assume Mandisa has the stereotypical view on gays & lesbians considering all the evidence. You know what she meant by "lifestyle"!

She needs to take a look at Donna Summer and other divas who attempted to distance themselves from their gay fanbase....they got CUT!

Steve
April 6 2006, 8:06AM

Whether she meant "gay" when she used the word "lifestyle" really doesn't matter. The clear implication of her message is "You all need saving. You all need God. And I'm so good (and so smart) that Godly little me knows this and you don't." The other not so subtle message is "I'm better than you." That's no way to talk to your audience, and the viewers done snapped her right off the stage for it.

Talent - yes. Tact - no. There are loads of people with talent. In order to make it, you must have a lot more than just talent.

kaccompany
April 6 2006, 9:00AM

While it is disheartening to have to deal with the fact that Amurrika put Paris, Elliott, and Mandisa in the bottom three AND the fact that Katie Couric will now infiltrate "60 Minutes", there does seem to be a bit of justice in the fact that she's going home.

And please, we know EXACTLY how she feels about homosexuality. Her words and her associations speak volumes and to not acknowledge that because she has a great voice is ridiculous.

g
April 6 2006, 10:18AM

If it wasn't my love for gay women(I'm a lesbian), I would have nothing to do with the gay community. It's full of the most viscious, backbiting, wounded and insecure people I've ever come across in my life.

Now Mandisa got booted for allegedly being anti-gay. So what if she is....the damn woman has a right to her religious convictions as you do to wanting everybody in the damn world being same-gender loving. The girl is a great singer and will go far. She got booted becaused the last two weeks she chose poor songs to perform. Don't give yourselves that much credit.

Grow up......

I wish Mandisa the best. I would 100% support her career as an artist regardless of her faith.

LI3
April 6 2006, 10:27AM

G,
I am so with you.
-L

dashawn_06
April 6 2006, 10:39AM

Well to bad. Personally I thought MANDIVA! was the best on the damn show and I was just pissed when she went home.

kaccompany
April 6 2006, 11:18AM

Would you feel the same kind of appreciation for a singer whose personal philosophy was so obviously racist instead of homophobic? I doubt it. The only way you could throw your support behind someone who so clearly believes that who you are is intrinsically bad would be if you, on some level, believed it to be true.

(You probably flock to see Yolanda A. and Donnie M., too)

Antroine
April 6 2006, 11:55AM

Mandisa definitely has a great spirit/personality and voice in my opinion; however, her past 2 performances were the worst of the top 10, especially, the Mary Mary song. I did not hear anything but screaming.

Nikki
April 6 2006, 1:05PM

As much as I wanted Mandisa to stay around, her performance on country music night was just awful. I kinda expected that she may not be around, but never did I expect to see Paris or Elliot in the bottom 3.

I thought for sure Mandisa and Bucky would wind up in the bottom 3, but not Paris and Elliot.

Lito S.
April 6 2006, 2:17PM

I never found Mandisa as great as people claimed in the first place. Her voice goes too sharp. And Simon is right, you're only as good as your last performance. And this week, Mandisa stank a big ole nasty stink.

I agree with Steven too. Worst Idol season ever. None of them become their songs. They have technically good voices, but they're not convincing in their performance; there seems to be a big disconnect. Thank gawd for TiVo so I can watch the thing in 20 minutes.

Phd2b11
April 6 2006, 4:23PM

I respected her for being who she was. I missed the show the last few weeks so I was uninformed about her statement. She's new to the business, on the pop/R&B side, so she'll learn about saying the right things. If she stays in gospel, she will likely not change. Yep, that country song stunk, but such is life. Maybe someone will challenge her in an interview and see what her true beliefs are. She may not be truly guilty by association. It could just be a way to keep performing....who knows.

Javier
April 6 2006, 4:40PM

While Mandisa's comments the other week weren't blatantly homophobic because "lifestyle" could mean many things, it is very likely that she is not pro-gay based upon her stated support of an anti-gay religious figure. Definitely, the negative publicity related to this disclosure hurt her this week, which it should have in my opinion. She thrust herself on the public figure in a competition that relied upon the votes of the public. Support of homophobes or homophobia is not smart when you need the votes of the public to keep you on the show. Moreover, her singing wasn't that great. She was good at singing big and hefty, but the underlying quality of her voice was not that great.

saint james
April 6 2006, 4:48PM

My Goodness!

Do you think you ever know ALL that any public celebrity thinks about anything? What about Cher? She was devastated and ceased communication with her daughter, Chasity when Chastity was forced out of the closet. I don't think her icon status has gone down at all in the gay community.

Mandisa was great a triple minority in the contest, black, fat and a Christian(?!) Stop the hate.

Kevin E. Taylor
April 6 2006, 5:48PM

Mandisa is vocally amazing, when she wants to be.

I heard the "lifestyle" word and instantly thought "OH GREAT HERE SHE COMES BEING ONE OF THOSE WOMEN!" I wanted to be mad at Mandisa for her use of the "hot button" word, but the truth is this.

I WAS PISSED AT HER PISS-POOR PERFORMANCE. She's a Christian woman who is THE FIRST to represent a straight-up gospel song on American Idol and her performance was horrific. She was shrill and she screamed and was sharp for most of the song.

I want to be mad at her words, but I was disappointed in her performance. But I granted her some grace.

Then comes country.

I love country music. I think that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash and Barbara Mandrell and Tim McGraw and others have some of the most amazing songs ever. CONTRARY to others thinking, for me, country is just WHITE PEOPLE'S SOUL MUSIC. They can SANG UP IN SOME COUNTRY MUSIC. I am reminded of the RHYTHM COUNTRY AND BLUES cd of several years back that partnered NATALIE COLE and REBA MCINTYRE, PATTI LABELLE and TRAVIS TRITT and CLINT BLACK and THE POINTER SISTERS. It was a phenomenal project and it made me realize even more than WHITE FOLKS CAN SANG when they have the right songs.

This week's Idol was abyssmal because almost EVERYONE picked stupid songs, including MANDISSA, who I was praying would sing some FAITH HILL or GRETCHEN WILSON and sang. She didn't.

This is indeed the Worst Idol Season Ever and even though I like Paris and Chris a lot, I don't feel superstar from either of them.

I wanted the Big Girl to win, since there don't seem to be any Big Talents.

I guess I'll just have to wait for Dreamgirls.

Kevin E. Taylor
April 6 2006, 5:49PM

Mandisa is vocally amazing, when she wants to be.

I heard the "lifestyle" word and instantly thought "OH GREAT HERE SHE COMES BEING ONE OF THOSE WOMEN!" I wanted to be mad at Mandisa for her use of the "hot button" word, but the truth is this.

I WAS PISSED AT HER PISS-POOR PERFORMANCE. She's a Christian woman who is THE FIRST to represent a straight-up gospel song on American Idol and her performance was horrific. She was shrill and she screamed and was sharp for most of the song.

I want to be mad at her words, but I was disappointed in her performance. But I granted her some grace.

Then comes country.

I love country music. I think that Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers and Loretta Lynn and Johnny Cash and Barbara Mandrell and Tim McGraw and others have some of the most amazing songs ever. CONTRARY to others thinking, for me, country is just WHITE PEOPLE'S SOUL MUSIC. They can SANG UP IN SOME COUNTRY MUSIC. I am reminded of the RHYTHM COUNTRY AND BLUES cd of several years back that partnered NATALIE COLE and REBA MCINTYRE, PATTI LABELLE and TRAVIS TRITT and CLINT BLACK and THE POINTER SISTERS. It was a phenomenal project and it made me realize even more than WHITE FOLKS CAN SANG when they have the right songs.

This week's Idol was abyssmal because almost EVERYONE picked stupid songs, including MANDISSA, who I was praying would sing some FAITH HILL or GRETCHEN WILSON and sang. She didn't.

This is indeed the Worst Idol Season Ever and even though I like Paris and Chris a lot, I don't feel superstar from either of them.

I wanted the Big Girl to win, since there don't seem to be any Big Talents.

I guess I'll just have to wait for Dreamgirls.

Jerry
April 6 2006, 5:58PM

Keith I love your BLOG.
I would however like to point out that contestants on American Idol are not voted against. The other contestants simply received more votes than Mandisa. I personally never found her to be a special talent.

Jake
April 6 2006, 6:40PM

She was the BEST in the competition and should have won! There is just too many haterz out there!!! Trust and believe that she WILL be back!

Jake
April 6 2006, 6:42PM

She was the BEST in the competition and should have won! There is just too many haterz out there!!! Trust and believe that she WILL be back!

Jeff Hobbs
April 6 2006, 8:51PM

You know what? i was all about Mandiva us both being big girlz and all but that 'lifestyle' comment busted me out the back door of her fan club. I knew what she was hinting. Maybe Ryan Secrest shouldn't have made such a fuss over her shoes the night he let her perform in her bare feet. His gay behind probably offended her as well. you know a gay man was doing her hair and make up and all the gay brothas in the audience were cheering her on. I feel sorry for her narrow minded views. Clearly she wasn't made for the entertainment world. na na na na... hey hey hey... good bye!!!

Regan DuCasse
April 6 2006, 10:24PM

I can hardly stand American Idol, but my roommate (who happens to be gay) likes to tune in, so I watch with him.

Mandisa has a fne voice, but if I'd been her, a country BALLAD-a classic by Dottie West would have worked better for her voice.

I'm with Kevin....black folks can sing country! I have the Country Rhythm and Blues duet compilation he's talking about.
Aaron Neville singing 'I Fall to Pieces'...omg!

And the prince of country cross over, Ray Charles...can I get a witness.

Let's just be real...Mandisa's basic acceptance of her gospel music and sound in THAT crowd is a given.
But to appeal across the nation-WOMEN with her figure problems aren't accepted.
It's just a sad fact of life, and discrimation against women in this area isn't fair.
But I would wonder at how much stamina she really has. Or if her health is a liability to be considered?
Ruben Stoddard can hardly perform onstage because his body weight isn't conducive to performing a set that lasts longer than an hour.

Mandisa most likely fell into that lookism trap.
She's pretty, but girls THAT big, just don't get the same breaks.

naturalblkluv
April 7 2006, 12:18AM

I hate to break it to u kiddies, but American idol is composed to produce any more black winners. Have you noticed, most black singers are gone by the middle rounds? This isn't just a consequence. Nothing on TV is live or un scripted. Everything is controlled from the producer’s office.

Have any of you ever went to the web site and read the comments? People there are happy with soul singers, fat people, and people of color. To them, the American idol must sing pop music think the producers are trying to get another Justine who can sing pop and r&b.

kaccompany
April 7 2006, 11:19AM

Quote from Entertainment Weekly.

One last question. A lot of your fans were upset that you listed Living Proof Ministries' Beth Moore — who says homosexuality is ''scary'' — as one of your idols on the American Idol website. Are people right to think you're anti-gay?

"It breaks my heart to hear that's what people thought of me. I hate nobody. I absolutely live my life treating others the way I would want to be treated. I live my life being guided by love."

That's a load of crap. You are, indeed, judged by the people you align yourself with. It speaks for itself. She didn't denounce the ministry or deny any connection or support of the ministry and their UNDENIABLY anti-gay views. Cloaking those view in "the love of Jesus Christ" doesn't change a thing. In fact, it flies in the face of who he actually was and what he actually said... (and DIDN'T say).

Nyah Molineaux
April 7 2006, 12:25PM

I love Mandissa ( her looks anyway). I dont know but there is something about thighs on a full figured woman that turns me on.

But anyway, this dumb bitch should have known that gay people are an integral part to American Idol. I havent watched the show a lot (probably just for 2 minutes), but when you say you wont perform at gay events you are asking to get kicked off.

jazzi
April 7 2006, 1:47PM

Mandisa, in my humble opinion, was one of the best voices on that show this season. How could she not have recieved enough votes to stay on? Incredidble! I honestly didn't think she'd win but I really did think there'd be a run off between her & maybe Elliot or Paris. No one else is really up to par.

It doesn't bother me at all that she wouldn't feel comfortable performing at a gay event, if thats what she really said. The press is notorious for taking things out of context & people believe what the want to believe. I don't think she is a homophobe at all. Maybe it's me. I don't need an artist to expressly say they love gay or Black people for that matter for me to feel good about myself. I also don't jump to conclusions about what people believe just because they talk about Jesus. It's always easy to assume. I don't care who said she said it or where someone read it. Until I hear her say it with my own ears, it's all speculation. Ain't got time for that.

I'm a big Mary J Blige fan. She talks about her love for God all the time. Sounds as if she's really into her faith if you ask me. Should I assume that she's a homophobe just because she reads her Bible & prays everyday? Where do I get off thinking that I could shut her career down if she were a homophobe? Isn't that a little arrogant?

RJ
April 7 2006, 2:32PM

I whole heartedly believe that Fox somehow effects the votes if not outright rigs them. Mandisa's outspoken Christian nature got her the boot. The other two overt Christians, also both black, got an early exit as well. In fact, Gideon's closing comments about Jesus never made it on air. I give Mandisa props for her bold faith and know that she will get a gospel record deal from someone.

From Mandisa's Mouth
April 7 2006, 4:03PM

Mandisa breaks her silence
A day after getting booted from American Idol, Mandisa talks exclusively to The Advocate about the gay controversy that may have done her in and explains why you'll never see her belting at the White Party.

By Neal Broverman

An Advocate.com exclusive posted, April 6, 2006

American Idol



Wednesday night was your last night on American Idol. What are your feelings? You must be upset.
I was. I was shocked, and I wasn't ready to go. In hindsight, I look back on it now and it was my time. You can't go wrong with who they've got left. It's going to be a great season this year.

There's been controversy about your comments on the Idol Web site and your appreciation for antigay writer and lecturer Beth Moore. Some took it as an endorsement of the "ex-gay" movement. What do you say to people who were turned off by that?
I just heard about that a couple of days ago. It broke my heart. I live my life by the value system that you treat others the way you want to be treated. I let love be my guide. I absolutely hate no one. When I heard that I was really upset.

Is there a conflict between being religious and being gay?
I know my value system, based on that, that on the word [of the Bible], that it does speak of that. I do know I have no place to judge anybody. I know that at the end of time we all face the judge and his name is not going to be Mandisa, so I cannot place any judgment on anyone.

Would you be comfortable performing or singing at a gay event?
I would not, no.

Would it conflict with your religious beliefs?
Based on what I believe, I'm not an advocate for [being gay], so it's nothing I would take part in.

Do you think that feeling contributed—along with your Web site profile—to some people not voting for you?
It's possible. Honestly, I'm not sure. I've heard a lot of different theories about what could have happened, and all of 'em sound pretty decent to me. So I just know I did my best and I tried to live my life in public the way I do in my personal life. You know, it was just my time and it could have contributed.

Would you change anything if you had the choice?
I wouldn't. I don't have any regrets. It's been an amazing ride for me. I have enjoyed every second, every minute of it. So I am not looking back on it. I enjoyed myself so much, I wouldn't want to change a thing.

Before you sang the Mary, Mary gospel song “Wanna Praise You,” you mentioned that people's various addictions and lifestyles are not as strong as God. Were you speaking of gay people?
No, no. That song was a very personal testimony for me. I've been dealing with an addiction to food for most of my life. I've been living in a lifestyle of pure indulgence, giving in to every single desire that I've had as far as what I've put into my body. So when I was speaking that, I was strictly speaking of how the Lord has helped me to overcome my personal struggle and I was just saying if God can do it for me—and a lot of other people face many different things out there—I was trying to be a testimony that he can do it for anybody.

Do you think gay people can turn straight?
I don't really know. I honestly don't know much about it. I wouldn't be very knowledgeable to speak on that subject.

What are your future plans?
Not sure. There's a lot of possibilities that have opened up for me. So I'm just looking forward to seeing what is next and can't wait to see what's in store.

Thank you, Mandisa. Good luck.
Thank you.

TWINKIED
April 7 2006, 4:46PM

MANDISA U GO GYRL. THE LORD SHALL BLESS U AND KEEP FOR STANDING UP FOR YOUR BELIEFS. YOUR BLESSING IS ON THE WAY. JUST TO LET EVERYONE KNOW SHE WAS THE BEST SINGER THROUGHOUT THE TRY-OUTS AND THE COMPETITION..........GO GYRL.....

imat
April 7 2006, 4:48PM

I think it's funny that gay people jumped on the word "lifestyle" as an attack on them. I'm a Christian, and there are a whole lot of things that the Bible talks about not doing...gossiping, lying, fornicating, backbiting, whoremongering. Any of those things are "lifestyle". So is greed, jealousy, rage, lust...etc. When someone who believes in Jesus says lifestyle, don't automatically think they are referring to you. In fact, most people's "LIFESTYLES" can't and don't measure up to God's Word. To do so would make us perfect, and since we're not, we have to do the best we can.

Mandissa can SING, and her song choices sent her home.

rena
April 7 2006, 5:08PM

In the 1st American Idol season, I thought - what a way for Randy and Simon to become famous and Paula to revive her all but forgotten singing career.
Simon earns 85 million dollars a year - to my shock and horror. Paula signed for several more Idol seasons @ 5-8 million a season.
It is the worst Idol season ever -
How can we expect any future Idol seasons to get any better when we have been spanning the country for the last 5 years on the look?
Who have we not seen or missed? How many 15 year olds are out there on the verge of turning 16 this year with Idol quality talent for next season's shows?
For the show to last and keep going, I definitely think the show needs to stop age discriminating!

saint james
April 7 2006, 5:12PM

Mandisa was one of the best in this year's Idol contest. She was not without some serious hurdles.
1. She was fat and did not know how to dress for her body type. Those sleeveless blouses and skin tight pants on those broad hips were a plain hot mess. We only let Aretha get away with stuff like that.
2. She did sing sharp sometimes and some high notes were shrill. We only ler Patti get away with that.
3. Most people do not vote for Idol contestants. I know tons of 'colored folk' who claim that a black being voted off was unfair, etc. When they don't call and vote for their favorites. Did YOU vote?

Steven Jackson
April 7 2006, 6:00PM

If Mandisa was eliminated because of the gay vote it doesn't surprise me at all.Sorry to inform some people but while God loves us all because he made us don't believe for a minute that homosexual behavior is something he is pleased with and it's high time people that know the word of God to stand up for what is right. But at the same time remember it's not our place to judge anyone just tell the truth and let God's word stand. Stay strong Mandisa.

Mel Smith
April 7 2006, 6:30PM

It's sad that to know that there is so many self hating gay adults in the world. There are many different views dealing with Christianity and homosexuality. You guys can't distinguish between sex and sexual orientation? Mandisa have problems with you guys and she should just keep it real. Don't piss on my leg and smile in my face!

CASSIUS SKYE
April 7 2006, 6:36PM

IF EVERYONE ONE THE PLANET WERE GAY;WE WOULD BE HEADED FOR EXSTINCTION. THINK ABOUT THAT! AS FAR AS THE LIFESYLE COMMENT; THE WORD LIFESTYLE DOES NOT MEAN GAY!I'M TIRED OF GAYS WANTING SPEICAL TREATMENT BECAUSE THEY HAVE SEX WITH THE SAME SEX.IF YOU'RE A GAY MAN OR WOMAN;JUST BE PROUD OF WHO YOU ARE AND STOP TRYING TO ACT LIKE YOUR OPPOSITE SEX,WHICH HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH BEING GAY.

chris-leo
April 7 2006, 6:54PM

do my diva's have to LOVE me and my gay life??? well, i'm sort of old school. my answer?? YES!!!!! i'll make it even clearer, "HELL YEAH!!!"

MY DIVAS are supposed to tell me that they don't want to lose me, and they love me as i am.

my divas will come out in the rain to support me, and i will come out in the rain to support them.

my divas tell me that if i fall short of my desires, life holds for me one guarantee. i'll always have them.

my divas tell me that things are going to be alright.

my divas show up at my pride events and are proud to be there, and they soak up the love and sing a few extra songs.

my divas don't tell me that they would be uncomfortable performing for me, that they don't know much about me.

i wish mandisa well. i hope she gets a handle on her weight and health.

...but she doesn't ever have to sing for me again. i don't ever want to see her again.

she's not my diva.

Mel Smith
April 7 2006, 7:11PM

Cassius, chill with all the self hating talk and stop repeating what you hear others say.

Elaine
April 7 2006, 7:18PM

Since this post is about whether or not Mandisa lost gay votes because of her "lifestyle" statement and public link with Beth Moore I can say without a doubt that she lost 2 from my household. I was all about her until her opening remarks to the Mary Mary song. I've been around long enough to have a pretty good idea when words are words and when they are code.

Rosalind
April 7 2006, 7:48PM

I think this is a case of over-sensitivity. 'Lifestyle' is not code for SINGLING OUT gay/lesbian people, good grief.

Prostitution is a lifestyle. Bed-hopping (ho'ing) is a lifestyle. Gold-digging is a lifestyle. Adulterous affairs are a lifestyle (for the time the person is in the affair). Welfare dependency is a lifestyle. Drug dealing is a lifestyle. Domestic violence is a lifestyle. Need I go on?

I really hate that people don't like to THINK anymore. This country is in real trouble...

Kim
April 7 2006, 9:06PM

I would say that we've heard her thoughts on this topic from her according to the article someone posted. I don't believe that she has any negative feelings towards Gay people. I believe that she believes what she believes and doesn't plan on changing that for American Idol or anyone else. Someone mentioned that Gideon's comment never made it on air, it made is on the air and I found my self crying because I had never seen that happen especially coming from a child. I pray that God works miracles in their lives including Paris because they have publically given God the praise. God Bless them all.

Darrell Baldwin Diggins
April 7 2006, 9:20PM

Oh boy. As much as I love arts & culture and politics and try to stay fairly informed of what's going on in the country and the world, I think I might be losing pace with the rest of you cultural "critics." Mandisa? The big fat would-be diva with the pretty face, warm smile and the Oprah aura got booted off American Idol? Oww! Never would've thought it. I hate to admit it, but there's something about the big fat Black woman ("stereotype"?) singing her ass off that excites me. (Think Ann Nesby or Jennifer Holliday a la' Dreamgirls on Broadway, circa 1983.) I just knew Mandisa would make it to the final three, if not two, AI contestants. I could just see her in my mind's eye digging deep in her gut for breath to belt out: "And you, and you, and you, you're gonna love meeee---"

Alas, I was wrong. The sister was voted off. Such an entertainment loss, yes. But, as a certain sensational journalist once said: "Sunlight is the best disinfectant." If Mandisa loss because of her "beliefs" or her homophobia, I say: "Sorry it had to happen this way, sister. But I'm glad you're gone." ...Tolerating homophobia--of any sort--from our "people" is not in our best interests as Black (or any other color) folk. Not from Donnie. Not from Angie & Debbie. And not from Mandisa. Voice or no voice; diva or not.

Mel Smith
April 7 2006, 10:48PM

"I think this is a case of over-sensitivity. 'Lifestyle' is not code for SINGLING OUT gay/lesbian people, good grief."

Rosalind, most anti gay people I have debated equate lifestyle and homosexuality as one.

Marv Reid
April 7 2006, 11:43PM

It's disgusting to think that anyone in America would vote based on their support of Gays. Have we lost our minds? The show is supposed to be about overall talent, not whether you support gays or not. Yuk! I'm sick of all people who use bias as an excuse to be an idiot. It is clear to everyone that the best singer the show has ever seen is now at home because of her affiliation with a minister/evangelist.

Just awful.

chris-leo
April 8 2006, 5:33PM

"Have we lost our minds? "

WELL, i know i haven't, marv. but when i read some of these posts, i feel like i've been taking crazy pills.

"The show is supposed to be about overall talent, not whether you support gays or not."

hmm. WELL, marv. if the show was really about overall talent, then the final 12 would be amongst the best talents in the country. some of those kids were barely holding on, ALSO support works both ways. if mandisa wouldn't feel comfortable performing for a gay audience, i simply don't feel like i have to support her. she's doing her first amendment thing. i'm doing mine.

"Yuk! I'm sick of all people who use bias as an excuse to be an idiot."

WELL, marv. i think we're in agreement with that one. but we part company on one of the finer points of tolerance. i'm not going to be so tolerant that i'm going to tolerate intolerance. if people are going to couch their bias by saying, "I'M NOT A BIGOT; JESUS IS!!!" i feel that's also just an excuse to be an "idiot." it's pretty clear from her interview that mandisa's not some vitriolic hate monger - that she'd never really given it much thought. like so many others, she's simply taking her marching orders from anti-gay bigots who call themselves "christ-filled." i would call THAT an excuse not to think.

"It is clear to everyone that the best singer the show has ever seen is now at home because of her affiliation with a minister/evangelist. Just awful."

WELL, marv. you're right. it's just awful. she was one of the best singers, in my book too. but when i was a kid, i loved to hear anita bryant sing on those orange juice commercials. she seemed like doris day, so sunny and wonderful. BUT unlike doris day - anita and mandisa align themselves with people who are actively trying to strip me of my civil rights, while doris supports her gay friends in sickness and in health. needless to say, i don't own any of anita's albums. why should i?? but when Pillow Talk comes on AMC, i'm there.

AND in typical arrogance, some people are all too willing to advise me and others on how to deal with our oppression - complete with the age-old rants of "why y'all so sensitive??" please!!! if jessica simpson suddenly aligned herself with some marginal racist leader and said she loves all people but wouldn't be comfortable performing for a black audience, i don't think anyone would fault me for not wanting to support her career - even if she was the best singer in the world. jeeeez. gimme a break. if you insult me. i don't support you. period.

if someone gay is either so apolical or prideless that he/she wants to buy this girl's CD's, then that's fine. SAD, but fine. i'm just saying i don't have to. i know when i'm being insulted. i'd never heard of this mandisa until a few months ago. my life will be just fine without her.

Marcos Vazquez
April 8 2006, 5:58PM

Bravo to America for withdrawing its support for someone who clearly has some homophobic bias. It is a great lesson to young people, particularly black youth, that homophobia is not only wrong, but can hinder your career.

Leslie
April 8 2006, 6:48PM

"I think this is a case of over-sensitivity. 'Lifestyle' is not code for SINGLING OUT gay/lesbian people, good grief."

Comments like this come from the same kind of people that see a "White's Only" fountain, and claim that it doesn't mean that we don't want white people here.

Are they next going to claim "Some of my best friends are gay"?

bubba
April 9 2006, 4:01AM

Mandisa got voted off because her rendition of 'Any man of mine' was horrible. It is obviously not the style of music that she is used to. The performance was off key and weak. Let's not make more of this subject. The queers can continue to be queer. Bubba

bubba
April 9 2006, 4:08AM

The gays should be upset. But not because of Mandisa. God does not approve of your lifestyle, period. Get angry if you want. America doesn't agree with your lifestyle either. It is gross and goes against nature. You are tolerated because of economics, period...I am ashamed of that fact. You should change your ways while you have a chance. bubba

Mel Smith
April 9 2006, 9:29AM

Bubba, we don't have to change sh!t because there is not anything wrong with us. Was there anything wrong with James Baldwin, Langston Hughes, Audre Lorde, George Washington Carver, Bayard Rustin, Alain Locke, Lorraine Hansberry and other black homosexuals you prejudice straights admire? Therefore you and others need to stop with the backwards thinking and move into the damn future!

michael
April 9 2006, 2:52PM

When Mandisa said "Your addiction, lifestyle, or situation may be big, but God is bigger!" she was refering to her food addiction and not to homosexuality. Also in her exit interview ( available at americanidol.com ) she talks about how she is not anti-gay.

Lafontaye
April 9 2006, 9:49PM

Well I for one am pleased as tickle-me-pink-punch that Mandiesel, the big fat greasy cow, was deftly put out to pasture!

Way to shut 'em down family!!! All that hot air she was blowing (long before all that she's said lately) was getting on my damn nerves anyway.

And to Mandiesel; Gurrrl, may you sanctimoniously continue to graze out there on the range until you burst, you horribly hefty homophobic heifer!

Cliff_O'Sullivan
April 10 2006, 12:21AM

Well Mandisa was my favorite right from the start... as far at taent goes, in the early days, she rated among the top.... BUT.. for the past three weeks, I sensed that her performances were not keeping her on top. Specially the last (country song) performance. She defenitely was the weakest on that show.

Now.. she was my favorite, but for the last three shows my favoritism of her faded, and I could not vote for her for the last two of those performances. She just did not have good performances. I understand that the fan base keeps you on the show, but as the contestant count drops, Mandisa needed to win over the votes of those that supported the previous "eliminated" contestants. I don't believe that she did so, considering her last three performances. I believe that those votes went elsewhere.

This was her downfall.

Considering the history of the show, Simon Cowell is mostly right on his comments. Listen to what he says, and watch the vote the next day... they generally (although not always) line up.

Too bad about Mandisa, but in this household, we saw it coming.

Good luck Mandisa.. She'll do well on the American Idols tour.

shy
April 10 2006, 1:21PM

This is so very sad. Mandisa did not say anything hateful or mean about gay people. She merely stood up for her own beliefs when the subject was brought to her. Reading thru all these emails that are posted the time it takes to read past all the name calling and judgement that gay supporters are throwing out there...it is proving time and time again that this is the only way you can defend your beliefs and "lifestyle" because you have nothing else to back it up. It is wrong no matter how right you try to make it sound. Mandisa isn't the issue here, it is that people believe differently and we do not have to "say" we agree with something we don't.

Defenders of the Faith
April 10 2006, 1:41PM

Quote from bubba..."God does not approve of your lifestyle, period. Get angry if you want. America doesn't agree with your lifestyle either. It is gross and goes against nature. You are tolerated because of economics, period...I am ashamed of that fact."

Well bubba, why don't you leave the country then? There were gay people here before you, there were gay people in this world before Christ, and there will be gay people here when you are dead and gone. YOU are tolerated because WE (all of us, gay or straight) choose to be civil and respect other peoples beliefs...but that doesn't give you the freedom to speak out against another group of folks and NOT expect to feel the backlash...

And the fact that Will & Grace has prospered in this day and age is even more proof that America (in general) is tolerant of the gay "lifestyle." Mandisa had it coming, you dance with the ones that brung ya, B-IOTCH!

And as Jack would say on that show..."Now begone, before somebody drops a house on you!"

Willie
April 10 2006, 1:45PM

I read most of the message on the board. When did lifestyle become a code word for gay? I've seen people critize Mandisa for her comments. She stayed true to the gospel and took a stand for what she believes. Many commented on her size, the color of her skin, her vocal talents, and for what reason? She is a beautiful plus size sista who loves God. Good for her. God bless her and keep her. But she must realize that the world hated Jesus, so anytime you stand for God, you will be ridculed by this world. Stand strong Mandisa and be of good courage.

America wants to remove God from everything and then wonder why yhe world is going to hell?

arland
April 10 2006, 2:33PM

LEAVE MANDISA ALONE. How would you like it if your life and every word were put under a microscope?

States_Rights
April 10 2006, 3:52PM

A CPR dummy has far more intelligence and usefulness than "Bubba" has.

saint james
April 10 2006, 5:14PM

I am wondering how you can counter hate speech (as it has been so narrowly defined in these posts) with hate speech?

Even when Mandisa calrifies her comments she is still "antigay?" Read her comments again and ponder.

saint james
April 10 2006, 5:16PM

Oops! I meant to type; "Clarify."

Mahealani
April 10 2006, 6:13PM

I think people should be allowed to stand or not stand for anything they want. That is true freedom. How would gay voters have liked finding out all of this after she won American Idol? Mandisa has chosen to live for something greater than herself and not be shoved into a mold where all of America will love her "if" she conforms. Is this not the same thing that Gay rights advocates do as well? The real hypocrits are the ones that conform, the people pleasers, the whimps that have more jaw-bone than back-bone. I commend her for her stand and agree that we have not heard the last of Ms. Mandisa. Her gift will make a way.

Gay & voted for Mandisa
April 10 2006, 6:26PM

Defenders of the Faith? Say what? When does it take "Faith" to go for the same sex? More like Defenders of the Fake! They stated "YOU are tolerated because WE (all of us, gay or straight) choose to be civil and respect other peoples beliefs"." Hello? If you truly did, then us Gay folks would have still voted for her because of her talent and not her belief. You shouldnt teach something you yourself are not willing to live by. You make us gay people look stupid as if we are led around on a leash by our emotions. You need to post an apology, maybe humility will cover your stupidity.

mary
April 10 2006, 11:07PM

who cares???

Whitney
April 11 2006, 12:05AM

You cannot please everyone... it is impossible to please everyone on Earth. I applaud Mandisa for her outspoken-ness with her views against homosexuality. The only pleasing we should do is please God, who says in His word that homosexuality is in fact a sin. Why should she specifically have to say "I love my Gay fans" she didn't say "I love my skinny white girl fans" so maybe they voted her off because they got "offended." If you are gonna live in this World you are going to get offended, whether you are gay, straight, christian or athiest. GO MANDISA!!! God will use her and bless her for her faithfulness to share His love and Forgiveness.

kaccompany
April 11 2006, 9:17AM

Put down the crack pipe, whitney. God, nor his son, Jesus Christ has EVER mentioned homosexuality. Jesus did, however, talk about a lot of other things which many of his followers seem to have forgotten.

Specifically, the passages in Leviticus were written by MEN, not by God. And in the same book, they have the following to say:

Leviticus 11:9-12 says:
9 These shall ye eat of all that are in the waters: whatsoever hath fins and scales in the waters, in the seas, and in the rivers, them shall ye eat.
10 And all that have not fins and scales in the seas, and in the rivers, of all that move in the waters, and of any living thing which is in the waters, they shall be an abomination unto you:
11 They shall be even an abomination unto you; ye shall not eat of their flesh, but ye shall have their carcases in abomination.
12 Whatsoever hath no fins nor scales in the waters, that shall be an abomination unto you.

You cannot pick and choose. I assume that, in addition to your disapproval of homosexuality, you have also seen the error of your ways and given up shrimp.

Let me know how that's workin' for you.

kaccompany
April 11 2006, 10:28AM

And another thing...

White folks have been using the Bible as an excuse to deny folks their civil and human rights for centuries. Why should Mandisa be any different. It may not have been hate speech, but aligning yourself with someone who believes that gay folk are, by their very God-ordained nature, bad ...speaks for itself.

Jim Cash
April 11 2006, 10:47AM

Anytime someone named "Bubba" says something is "gross" it usually refers to something in his Southern home,not the sexuality of strangers.
Also,blacks today are more and more embracing
Klan-styled supremicist values.Sad.
Could all the religous nuts please finally shut up?You have nothing to say.

AdidasRob
April 11 2006, 12:22PM

To bubba, Willie, shy, Steve Jackson and the rest of your ilk: I’ll not beat about the bush—you’re my enemies and I hate you. Faggots like me have had to endure the shrill screeching of your moral condemnation all our lives. You and your opinions make me sick. This is the blog of a gay black man and therefore I seriously question your presence here. To me it smacks of pure hubris. If you don’t like gay people, don’t be one and just STFU.

Mandisa is a tremendously talented singer and I was sorry to see her go. But AI asks its audience to vote for their favourite singer(s). Mandisa simply didn’t get enough votes last week. We can speculate why this happened but we can never know. What we can be more certain of are the comments that she made in her Advocate interview. First of all, I don’t believe Ms. Hundley when she claims that she was unaware that her favourite author, Beth Moore, had anti-gay attitudes. I see her as being an intelligent person and incapable of such wilful ignorance. Secondly, while statements like “I don’t advocate homosexuality” may be reflective of her beliefs that doesn’t mean they are impervious to criticism or that they are not supremely offensive to gays and lesbians everywhere.

Chris_leo said it best: if she doesn’t support gay people, we don’t need to support her. I’m sure she will do very well without us. I’m sure the Winans will support her and help to bolster the persecution complex that the Pharisees love to adopt.

kaccompany
April 11 2006, 1:13PM

Thanks, Rob.

saint james
April 11 2006, 3:50PM

Shrimp and Homosexuality?
When you try to disprove biblical arguments with biblical arguments you must understand context. Food laws and moral laws are not viewed the same in Leviticus or anywhere else. That's the problem when well meaning Christians try to argue against gays with Leviticus in isolation from other scripture.

As far as the bible being 'written by men' these posts (and the website itself) are written by men. We all have viewpoints that can lend to the discussion without name calling and visciousness.

What did we all learn in Sunday School? We learned that Jesus loves everybody and that we ought to love one another, right?

kaccompany
April 11 2006, 4:06PM

Jeez.

Re: shrimp. You do realize that I was using sarcasm, and that we were basically saying the same thing, right?

I'm not sure what your point about "word of men" was... this web site etc. MY POINT was that the words of men are often ripped from the pages of the Bible and passed of the the words of God or his son, Jesus Christ... and these words are used to justify all sorts of twisted, self-serving views of God's world and his creation.

Mel Smith
April 11 2006, 4:59PM

People must understand that the scriptures about homosexuality does not have anything to do with homosexual people in 2006 because of the context of it. The bible does not contain information about sexual orientation. It just gives condemns people who worshiped false gods and those who engage in homosexual sex in Pagan temples. HETEROSEXUAL people engaged in HOMOSEXUAL sex for religious rituals. The bible writes of this but it does not write about people with a NATURAL HOMOSEXUAL ORIENTATION. Some of the biblical texts also contains incorrect translations.

saint james
April 12 2006, 1:40PM

Re: Shrimp.

I do indeed recognize that you were using sarcasm. I do not agree that we are saying the same thing. I think we do however, want people to do more than quote scripture out of context to make points.

Peace

saint james
April 12 2006, 1:53PM

I forgot;
My point about the "words of men" is this; When you say that God nor His Son Jesus Christ ever mentioned anything about homosexuality to a Christian who believes the bible IS the Word of God, your point falls to the ground. Christians believe that "men" wrote as they were inspired by God. That's what I meant.

saint james
April 12 2006, 1:57PM

Okay,

My last entry on this point (I think):

Remember that Jesus' words were also recorded by "men". Or was that with a touch of sarcasm also? That is a serious question not meant at all to be a samrt-mouthed comment.

Thanks

SAD
April 12 2006, 5:23PM

Must everyone sacrifice self truth in an effort to not offend some gay people? The next thing you know some will be condeming children for preferring one ice cream flavor over the next, if a gay persom speculates that the next one had some gay affiliation. Sounds childish? Well it is. Life is bigger than gay/straight. To wake up every day wearing your gay card on your shoulder is ignorant. One day your going to wake up and find that life requires much more from you than a personified gay acceptance.

We teach children to stay true to themselves in an effort to stand against bullies and peer pressure. Some of you are your own worst enemies: can't be true to yourself because that would make you hypocritical; your not allowing others the same privilege. What kind of person is proud of their sexual orientation if they have to constantly badger others into agreement and slander them if they do not?

SAD BUT TRUE

Daniel
April 13 2006, 10:11AM

I couldn't care less if Mandisa accepts or rejects me for being gay. My existance does not revolve around anyone else's justification of my life. Especially an American Idol contestant for God's sake. Even if I chose to be gay, it is my free will and choice to be so. Nobody on this earth has any right to to question my individual choices. I'm glad Mandisa turned down an opportunity to perform at a gay event. That's alright Mandisa, " WE DON'T WANT YOU!! "

Daniel
April 13 2006, 10:17AM

I couldn't care less if Mandisa accepts or rejects me for being gay. My existance does not revolve around anyone else's justification of my life. Especially an American Idol contestant for God's sake. Even if I chose to be gay, it is my free will and choice to be so. Nobody on this earth has any right to to question my individual choices. I'm glad Mandisa turned down an opportunity to perform at a gay event. That's alright Mandisa, " WE DON'T WANT YOU!! "