By Drew Olson Special to OnMilwaukee.com Published May 15, 2009 at 10:40 AM

A lot of people around town are just getting over the disappointment of Danny Gokey's eviction from the competition on "American Idol."

We understand that.

One thing we can't figure out, though, is why the city isn't more excited about Erinn Lobdell's entry into the final four on "Survivor: Tocantins."
We realize that the "Survivor" franchise has lost a little zip on its fastball in recent years. It is not a ratings monster. It still wins its time slot, usually with about 13 million viewers, but it doesn't generate water cooler conversation like it did in years past.

But, it's still a big deal.

If Danny Gokey's appearance on national TV and homecoming visit warranted a parade, a key to the city and an avalanche of hype usually reserved for events like the Circus Parade, then I think the lovely stylist from Glow Salon and Spa, 765 N. Jackson St., deserves a at least a little attention.

Lobdell, a 28-year-old graduate of Waukesha South, went into the Brazilian highlands with 15 other contestants and is now in the running to win the $1 million prize on Sunday.

Lobdell is in the finals against J.T., Stephen and Taj. She is considered an underdog in the competition, with the two men -- who have formed a friendship alliance -- tabbed as favorites. Most hardcore "Survivor" fans are impressed that Lobdell made it this far. Her strategy of staying below the radar has served her well, especially since "Coach" had targeted her for elimination early.

If you haven't been watching the show, JT the cattle rancher from Alabama entered as a bit of a hick, but has shown to be sly. He's the favorite. Stephen, the gawky New Yorker, bonded with JT but one of them will have to turn on the other to win. Taj, who is the wife of former NFL player Eddie George, was a strong player early but her influence waned after the "merge."

Lobdell will need to be crafty in the closing moments in order to win over the jury, but she's been quite resourceful to date. Win or lose, she deserves a little attention from the hometown folks.

 

Drew Olson Special to OnMilwaukee.com

Host of “The Drew Olson Show,” which airs 1-3 p.m. weekdays on The Big 902. Sidekick on “The Mike Heller Show,” airing weekdays on The Big 920 and a statewide network including stations in Madison, Appleton and Wausau. Co-author of Bill Schroeder’s “If These Walls Could Talk: Milwaukee Brewers” on Triumph Books. Co-host of “Big 12 Sports Saturday,” which airs Saturdays during football season on WISN-12. Former senior editor at OnMilwaukee.com. Former reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.