American Idol

Since the start of AI, it seems that the show has evolved more into a popularity contest than a true singing talent competition. Should the AI voters still be the determining factor of who goes home each week, and ultimately, who will win the competition?

I agree that the finalists, up until Carrie Underwood's season, were correct in terms of singing talent. But, let's take a look back at the season of Taylor Hicks' victory. He definitely did prove his talent. Compared to his competition, was he really the most talented of the bunch? Okay, so he is quite a likable character. Let's not digress from the objective of American Idol. This is a singing competition, not a congeniality contest. More specifically, it seems to be a contest to find the best, most outstanding and versatile performers.

Let's look back at season 5 again with winner Taylor Hicks, runner-up Katharine McPhee, and top 4 Idol Chris Daughtry. Many (including celebrities) admitted that "underdog" Taylor Hicks was a favorite. I was just as perplexed as Simon Cowell. Anyway, out of them all to this day, Chris Daughtry's music has been the most successful. I admit I bought his CD without even having heard his music. Number 1, I always though he was so hot; 2, he is definitely a talented singer/performer; and 3, he's just so gorgeous. He was the best in the competition for his music style. But, was he the best and most versatile? Maybe not. But, I vote for him because I knew I'd buy his album, listen to it a lot, and like his music. Katharine McPhee- she's awesome. I thought she deserved to win because of her vocal potential and proven performance. I know, and kinda like one of her songs. Buy her album- probably not. Taylor Hicks on the other hand. I've never heard any of his work. Would I buy his album- I'm pretty sure I wouldn't. Apparently, he and Ruben Studdard were both dropped from their labels.

LESSON: Vote for the person whose music you'd actually pay to listen to.

Then we have season 6. One that I never cared to watch. I caught half of a show and thought, "Gee, has American Idol all of a sudden gone to shambles? Did America run of out talent?" Okay, perhaps America did get the final 2 right. But boy, Sanjaya Malakar being kept in the show as long as he did. Popularity did prove its power. Not just in this season, or just on this show, but it seems unfair to me that there are those more talented who get the boot, because someone less talented is 'so much cuter.'

LESSON: Vote for the person you thought had the best performance. The one that you enjoyed listening most.

Now we have the most talented season, season 7. An assortment of musical styles are represented by very talented singers. We've got country, R&B, rock, ballads, and rock/blues. Did America vote right this week, sending Amanda Overmyer home? I, like others I know, am not a big fan of her style. But, she is awesome without a doubt. She shouldn't have been the one to leave this week. I'm guessing her votes lacked due to the lack of fans of her genre. Yes, she was bound to be voted off really soon. But, shouldn't have been this week. I can think of 2 other people that should've been in the bottom 3 this week besides Carly Smithson and Amanda Overmyer. I suppose Simon had a point about Carly's choice of song. With her potential and what she's proved so far, she deserves to last a long time in the competition. With Kristy Lee Cook's displeasing performance last week, and bland performance this week, she should've been the one to go. She is the only country music representative in the game. All the country music patrons must be rooting for her.

Cute and amiable Jason Castro, one of my favorites this year, delivered a disappointing performance that should've placed him in the bottom. Although he doesn't seem to "strong," versatile, and creative, I would still buy his music- and listen to it, of course. Would I have voted for him to stay on this week- no. Yet, he is worthy of another chance. My fellow Filipina, Ramiele Malubay presented an "alright" performance as usual. I attest that she does have an amazing voice and amazing potential. I'm waiting for that outstanding moment when she makes all of our jaws drop. I know she has what it takes. Until she gives us something "bigger and badder" than the others, I can't vote for her just because she's Filipino like me. I know many of my fellow Filipinos that are rooting for her for this reason alone.

LESSON: Again, vote for the one you think is best. Without bias of race or genre of music.

Remember, America, American Idol is a singing competition. Not a popularity or congeniality contest. These singers will have a lot more integrity if they succeed due to their singing abilities.

If it were all up to the judges, I wonder how things would be. Simon Cowell can come off as a jerk of a judge. But, he does know what he's talking about. He hears, sees, and thinks what many of us TV viewers do. On top of that, he's honest, and 95% spot-on with his critiques. Perhaps America's votes should just indicate America's favorites. Or, America's votes should place the bottom 3, leaving each week's "loser" in the hands of the judges.