Jim Verraros Hopes for a Gay Idol

Jim Verraros, former season one contestant on American Idol, came out shortly after his stint on the show. Jim has recently spoken out about his hopes for a high-profile gay contestant on this season of American Idol. Season 7 has brought a lot of talent and a higher level of competition to the show than any other season; in addition, it has also brought the issue of gay American Idol contestants to light. As the competition grows and the contestants continue to get voted off, one big question on Jim Verraros' mind as well as many other minds is: is America ready for a gay American Idol winner?

As Simon has always said, American Idol is a singing competition. However, in the seven seasons it's been on the air, America has proven time and time again that it is much more than that. American Idol is about the voice yes, but it is also about the image. When voting, the American public takes more into consideration than just how well contestants can sing. Fat, skinny, tall, short, beautiful, not, boy, girl, gay, straight-their background, their clothes, their hair, their make up, the way they present themselves on and off stage, the comments they make back to the judges, all of these factors are taken into consideration.

Jim Verraros is hoping for a gay Idol this season and with 16 contestants still remaining, that possibility might still remain. Throughout seven seasons of American Idol, no contestant has ever openly admitted their sexual orientation, as fans of the show, we can only make assumptions. As American Idol has progressed, fans have learned more and more about contestants, we've been privy to their history and their background now more than ever before. But American Idol remains firm that the sexuality of contestants is not an issue and not something that would be cause for discrimination.

No contestant has ever come out during the show, and as season seven progresses, it seems that this may be the case this season as well. In fact, the judges have been know to make comments and crack jokes about contestants being gay; something that would most likely discourage contestants from using American Idol as a platform for announcing ones sexual orientation. So while Jim Verraros has high hopes for a gay Idol, whether or not that happens this season remains to be seen.

Jim Verraros is rooting for a gay Idol, and if this happens to occur, would the American public be receptive? I think the answer is most definitely yes. It is a unfortunate fact of life that many individuals are clearly against the gay movement, but I believe that tolerance and acceptance are growing very quickly. America has embraced singers like Sir Elton John, Ani DiFranco, Lance Bass and many more who have spoken out about their sexuality and aren't afraid to be themselves. Whoever wins American Idol will be deserving of the title, whether they are gay or not, I don't think that should be the deciding factor.

Sources:

Derrik J Lang. Is America Ready for a Gay 'Idol'? Associated Press.