American Idol: How Much Do America's Votes Count?

American Idol, now in its ninth season, is really built on an ingenious concept which gives unknown talented singers the opportunity to be vaulted into stardom. American Idol viewers watch and vote on singing talent, with the remaining singer on the final episode becoming the 'American Idol'. There is no doubt that judges Simon Cowell, Kara DioGuardi, Randy Jackson, and Ellen DeGereres will influence Idol voters.

Viewers also watch the overall creation of a star, through the helpful comments of a panel of three judges. Over time, however, the American public's ability to truly choose its American Idol has been gradually eroded.

First, physical appearance, which affects perception, and therefore our votes, was changed. Nowhere was it more apparent in the British version of the show when Susan Boyle's magnificent voice practically had the judges' jaws dropping, but Simon Cowell's smile twinkled as he realized a star was in the making. Of course, make-up artists and consultants quickly made over Ms. Boyle, and tried to enhance the public's view of her. While these efforts were noticeable, they were not really much different from any American Idol contender on the United State's version of the show. The before and after photographs of nearly all contestants show improvements in their physical appearance, which can help draw votes. Getting the magic American Idol designation requires votes, but voting is gradually becoming more guided through physical appeal.

Although Simon Cowell and those working to produce the album and promote the stars want the best talent - America could vote for whomever it wanted, and the producers were stuck with those votes. It often worked out well, as evidenced by 2005 winner, Carrie Underwood, who is one of Idol's most successful winners and was also a consistent favorite of the judges.

However, American voters did not always follow the judges' opinions.
For example, the year David Cook won the coveted title, Simon Cowell clearly judged David Archuleta as the stronger contestant, but fortunately Americans had at least chosen a very talented and eye appealing idol. However, 2006 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, had mixed reviews from judges and later, he was dropped from his record contract. Similarly, in 2007, websites popped up that gained a following and urged voters to choose the weakest talent, thereby helping contestant Sanjaya Malakar to stay on the show longer than expected.

Thus, a gradual shift to change America's voting power and influence the votes more heavily is not unexpected. America votes, but how much say does America really get now?

In the earlier seasons, the three judges, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson, and Simon Cowell discussed their views of the singers, but did not spend much time on the specific technical reasons behind their decisions. Now, the judges are more specific about the technical singing capabilities of the singers - an attempt to sway voters into picking the best singers.

Further influencing voters is the addition of a fourth judge. Although an occasional guest judge previously appeared, such as Olivia Newton-John, it was not until Kara Dioguardi was added as a permanent fourth judge that four professional opinions were consistently provided. Now, America had another judge to relate to and influence voters.

Last season the most blatant attempt to ensure that the producers did not get stuck with an idol they didn't think would be commercially successful was introduced. The season eight kicker was a safety net for the producers. America's vote was not always final. This was the year the judges could choose to save one person and give a contestant of their choice another chance. Therefore, the judges maintained a little more control over the voting process.

It will be interesting to see if there are any new changes to the American Idol voting process this year as new judge Ellen DeGeneres joins former Idol judges Simon Cowell, Randy Jackson, and Kara Dioguardi in another exciting season.

'Idol' Winner Taylor Hicks Loses Record Deal
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/22544644/

How Does the New 'American Idol' Rule Work?
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1606858/20090312/story.jhtml

Is Howard Stern Behind Sanjaya Malakar's Staying Power on 'Idol'?
http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1555113/20070320/id_0.jhtml

David Archuleta and David Cook Duke It Out Tonight in the Final Performance of American Idol
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/777671/david_archuleta_and_david_cook_duke.html?cat=49