LaToya London’s ouster on “American Idol” has the show’s millions of fans asking: What’s up with that?
Their jaws dropped when “Idol” host Ryan Seacrest announced Wednesday that viewers had voted off London – the bubbly, charismatic, church-choir singer from Oakland, Calif., who was considered a shoo-in for the final two.
The shocker came just three weeks after fan favorite Jennifer Hudson was voted off – a wound still fresh in the minds of “American Idol” viewers.
Theories have abounded as to this season’s startling controversies:
* It’s become a popularity contest.
* Younger viewers are voting for the younger, “cuter” contestants, not necessarily the most talented.
* Viewers just assume the more talented contestants will get lots of votes, so they support the lesser talents.
One music legend said he couldn’t believe his eyes and ears when he heard Wednesday’s results.
“I was appalled and very upset,” devoted “Idol” viewer Neil Sedaka told The Post yesterday. “I think it’s become apparent that ‘American Idol’ has become a popularity contest as opposed to a talent contest.
“For LaToya to be taken off is a travesty. It was absurd. She’s a magnificent singer and a beautiful girl.”
Even venomous “Idol” judge Simon “Mr. Nasty” Cowell, who had dubbed London “the best singer in the competition,” was nearly speechless along with judge Randy Jackson.
“I think it’s a travesty,” said Jackson, while fellow judge Paula Abdul wept openly on his shoulder.
Still, London, 25, was poised and graceful in defeat – only endearing her more to the millions of fans who supported her run.
“It’s wonderful to have had the opportunity to perform on such a big show and to have had so many people just know who I am,” she said on yesterday’s “On Air with Ryan Seacrest,” hosted by the “Idol” emcee.
“Who knows what’s supposed to happen with me right now?” she said. “God has a plan for me and maybe it just wasn’t meant for me to win ‘American Idol.’
“It doesn’t stop here. I know that.”
Did America get it wrong? Seacrest asked London – who nodded her head “yes.”
London certainly seemed to have the support of many “American Idol” viewers. Before Wednesday’s show, an America Online poll had 47 percent picking London to win the show, followed by Fantasia Barrino (26 percent), Diana DeGarmo (21 percent) and Jasmine Trias (6 percent).
Barrino survived Wednesday’s eviction, barely, while many think DeGarmo, who’s 16, is getting the younger vote.
As for Trias, well, some think she got the “sympathy vote” after breaking down in tears on Tuesday’s live show when she was heavily criticized by the judges.
“I felt Jasmine got the sympathy vote because she was crying. I think people felt sorry for her,” said Sedaka, who’s been a judge on “American Idol” this season.
“As far as Fantasia and Diana, I would certainly pick Fantasia – she’s a young Aretha Franklin and has star quality. She’s a record star.”
And London already has one job offer on the table.
“I called my agent after the show and told him to see if LaToya wants to be my opening act at the Westbury Music Fair,” Sedaka said.
“I think she would be marvelous. We could sing my duet, ‘Should Have Never Let You Go.’
“She’s sophisticated, has a great voice, great stage presence, confidence and polish,” Sedaka said. “That woman is fantastic.”