The American Idol ‘Scandal’ and Trenyce’s Part In It: Curiouser and Curiouser

by Sting7 -- 05/03/2005
Unfortunately for Corey Clark, the only gleaming light of credibility in his allegations against Paula Abdul seemed to be in the form of fellow season two finalist, Trenyce. Earlier, Trenyce noted in an email to her fans that she would be participating in the PrimeTime Live segment that promises explosive information about American Idol. But that appears to have changed. In Trenyce’s latest email, she tells why the change has happened and her feelings about the public’s utter dismissal of Clark’s claims.

In season two of American Idol, forever (perhaps unfairly) known as the Ruben vs. Clay season, there were of course 10 other semi-finalists. Though season four is supposed to be the most talented Top 12 in Idol’s history, I do not think they managed to surpass the power of season two.

A big part of season two was Trenyce, the young beauty with surprising vocal power. Her rendition of Al Green’s "Let’s Stay Together" inspired Green himself to publicly applaud her effort. Trenyce arrived in the Top 12 via Wildcard selection from Paula Abdul, and delivered solid and consistent performances with polish and grace throughout her campaign.

As mentioned previously, Trenyce sent an e-mail to her fans that indicated she would be a part of the Primtime Live special, and that she had something to share. While Corey Clark’s accusations have been suspect, if Trenyce thinks something was amiss, we can believe her. However, Trenyce has not specifically said that, so we were waiting to see her ABC appearance.

Now, however, Trenyce seems to ask us to do a lot of reading between the lines. She recently followed up her first e-mail with another, quoted below. You decide:

Everyone,

I am very sorry to report that the interview will not be aired as scheduled.

The negative energy surrounding the whole Paula and Corey scandal has made it a little impossible for me NOT to look like I am reaching for publicity, and even though my fans know me better than that, the media will probably think otherwise. I was hoping that putting our interviews on different nights would help, but there is just too much drama surrounding this, and lets face it...I don't have a book or CD, etc. to push.

The producers of ABC said that they ran into a problem with trying to get a hold of some very VITAL information, and unfortunately, without it, a key part of my interview can not be aired. Not that I don’t have a story to tell, but I have to be careful not to get sued, and so do they...considering the machine.

Maybe it is just not meant for everyone to know what the truth is right now.

You all have no idea how disappointed I am, because I was hoping to shed some light, but who knows what will happen. Since this has started, I have been asking myself the same question: "Do people really want to know the truth?"

There have been some people actually saying that they DON'T CARE if Corey and Paula had an affair, and that it wouldn't affect the show, and to be quite honest with you, hearing that from this end makes me ask:"What kind of response is that? And when is it okay to tamper with the outcome of a show that is based on craft, votes, talent, includes a record deal, changes your life and not to mention the public?" when clearly there could have been plenty of people in Corey's spot if his allegations are true. A lot of us take our craft very seriously, and it would just really be a blow to my heart. Not that it would be surprising, but to know that people are willing....before they have any proof...dismiss this because they think that "we" the contestants, have something to prove, or we just want publicity...the lines just become very grey, you know?

Since when does the truth come with a price? I thought it was supposed to set you free? (Talking more about telling my truth about me and my experience on the show! To set the record straight) I know the things that I KNOW would have people in an uproar.

I will wait and see the evidence first, because I have always been a realist, regardless of what it looks like...I need to hear the facts.

I have been contacted by American Idol to defend Paula and call Corey a liar, and I refused. I was offended by their nerve after all of this time, so to me it looks a little like they are scared and have something to hide.

Clearly, Corey's credibility is not up to par and he is trying to sell his book, I have been contacted already to answer questions about things he wrote about me, so the entire book is not "the truth", and unfortunately he does seem bitter and out for revenge, but does that mean that his ENTIRE story about Paula is a lie?

What I do know is that I don't want to be looked at as the Idol that is bitter, "entitled" and can't move on...which are all things that I have read since this whole ordeal. Especially when that is so far from the truth.

I have decided at this moment to just wait, and continue with my life. This is a little too much for me right now.

I sincerely apologize to you all. As always, I will keep you all posted!"

Speaking somewhat personally, I think Trenyce is a bit too concerned by what is being said out there. I would almost swear she is reading message boards, and those of you who have emailed me know I urge folks not to go to them because they are not reality. Message boards are full of people trying to be irreverent. They would rather get off a good one-liner than actually say what they think. Message boards have also become something of a license to judge the contestants – who they are as people, their motivations, their morals, their character, what their facial expressions say, etc. – things those who are doing the typing can't possibly know as fact.

Granted, everyone is entitled to their opinion. If Trenyce has a story to tell, she should tell it. You cannot please all of the people all of the time. No matter how or when she tells it, someone will question her motives. When you are in the eye of a storm, it is difficult to see your way sometimes.

She also seems a bit appalled that the public is so ready to dismiss Corey Clark’s claims. Speaking personally, I just don’t want it to be true. I want to believe that the judges and contestants are not intermingled in ways they should not be during a competition. I want to believe everything is above board. And I do. Many conspiracy theories have been sent my way and I’ve shot them all down.

But I think what Trenyce is missing is, if Clark and Abdul were involved, how much impact would it have on the show? Paula does not choose the winner – America does. She supposedly helped Clark pick songs or clothes to wear on the show? Big deal. I feel comfortable in saying that most of us do not vote for outfits. And I would be surprised if the contestants don’t get some input from someone about their song choices. Is Paula’s opinion really any better than yours or mine? And no matter what song is chosen, the contestants still have to perform it well!

If it happened, it is inappropriate. No question. But whether a relationship between a contestant and a judge gives a contestant an advantage is really questionable.

Hopefully, Trenyce will find the courage or the inspiration to speak her mind. I think she will find the public far more receptive to her than Clark, and far more receptive than she has been led to believe.

Sting7 has been a respected published writer for many years, as a music editor, entertainment critic, columnist, and interviewer. He also has a curious love for pro-wrestling! You can email Stinger at stingseven@yahoo.com.

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