By: Zach Brendza | Features Editor
Goodnight America?
It seemed like just yesterday that the first season of American Idol: The Search for a Superstar, now shortened to American Idol, aired. But that was 2002. Now it’s 2014 and the show is “winding down,” per 21st Century Fox President Chase Carey. Oh the times, they are a changin’.
Casey told tech website Digital Spy that the show was in a “transitional period.” But after 12 seasons how much transition can there be? Judges have come and gone. Paula Abdul left at the start of season nine. Simon
Cowell left at the end of that season and launched the United States version of The X-Factor (he previously judged the British version of the show). Randy Jackson has stayed on the show since its conception, but will be a mentor this season instead of a judge.
Cowell announced that he was leaving U.S.’s The X Factor for the original British version and with its subpar ratings Fox canceled the show altogether, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
It will be interesting to see how long Fox keeps the possible sinking ship afloat and when we will hear the final uttering of “Seacrest out.”
Zimmerman v. DMX
It was back and forth. Will it happen? Could it happen? Should it happen? Finally the decision is in.
The fight is off, for now.
Boxing promoter Damon Feldman held a press conference Tuesday in Delaware County to announce that he would no longer be involved with the celebrity boxing match between George Zimmerman and rapper DMX, according to The Delaware County Daily Times.
“I want everyone to know that I am moving on from this event,” Feldman said. “Damon Feldman or ‘Celebrity Boxing’ will have nothing more to do with this event.”
In celebrity boxing, participants perform for three, one-minute rounds while protected by headgear and extra-padded boxing gloves, according to the Delaware County Daily Times
Zimmerman was the shooter of Florida resident Trayvon Martin in 2012. He was found not guilty and said to be acting in self-defense in the case. While the fight is off, there is still a chance it could happen, according to phillmag.com. British billionaire Alki David called into the press conference to confirm that the fight will happen on March 15 at an undisclosed location. DMX has not been confirmed as Zimmerman’s opponent and there are said to be eight potential opponents.
According to The Delaware County Daily Times, David wants to make the fight available on his website, FightOn.com, for pay-per-view.
The opposition to the “fight” has been documented. Petitions through whitehouse.gov and change.org have reached about 28,000 and 105,000 signatures, respectively. While a Facebook page entitled “Cancel George Zimmerman’s ‘Celebrity’ Boxing match,’” has received about 329,000 likes.
The bottom line is this: Zimmerman is only relevant in this “celebrity” fight because he was involved in an infamous court case where he killed Trayvon Martin. Regardless if he “fights” DMX or anyone else, the idea is absolutely disgusting. While it might make some feel better if Martin’s murderer takes a few uppercuts, at the end of the day, he will profit from this stunt no matter how much damage physical damage he endures.
If the “fight” does happen, everyone involved is at fault, even his opponent, whoever it might be. While the outcry against it helps to raise awareness about it happening, it ultimately might not be enough.
The one sure fire way to ensure that this monstrosity of an event doesn’t happen is to leave Zimmerman without an opponent. Otherwise, the fight will remain a possibility.
Win, lose or draw, Zimmerman will walk away from this on top for getting a payday out of this despicable situation.
What’s Out This Week
+++ (Crosses) – Self titled
Band of Horses – Acoustic at the Ryman (live)
Modern Baseball – You’re Gonna Miss It All
Prawn / Joie de Vivre – Split
On The Horizon
2/21 Lionize w/ Nox Boys and Katie Hate @ Smiling Moose (upstairs)
2/23 Russian Circles w/ Ken Mode and Inter Arma @ Altar Bar
3/1 Flogging Molly w/ The Drowning Men @ Stage AE
3/2 Sleepy Sun w/ KDH, Talley Cavy and I am a Sea Creature @ Smiling Moose (upstairs)
Just Announced
4/4 Phantogram @ Stage AE
4/10 Eisley w/ Merriment @ Smiling Moose (upstairs)
5/14 Blue October @ Altar Bar
5/25 Conor Oberst w/ Dawes @ Carnegie Library Music Hall Homestead