The Top Three on American Idol 2010 - Do the Top Three Have What it Takes to Bring on the Top Nielsen's?

Even if you don't watch the show, chances are you know who the top three contestants are on American Idol. Lee DeWyze from Mount Prospect, IL, Crystal Bowersox from Elliston, OH, and Casey James from Fort Worth, TX.

Lee is a rocker that reminds people of Doughtry, Bruce Springsteen, Danny Gokey, Cyrstal is a rocker chic that reminds people of Janis Joplin, Melissa Ethridge and Alannis Morrisette, Casey James is reminiscent of nobody I can think of at the moment.

In reviewing Facebook Pages of American Idol, it seems that Idol fans are giving mixed reviews. Some of them want Lee, others want Crystal, and some are mad that Mike was voted off and Casey is still there. All three finalists play their instruments as well as sing. This is something that has changed over the years on Idol, and it makes me wonder if contestants like Siobhan Magnus, Katie Stevens or Aaron Kelly had a disadvantage right out of the gate. I don't remember the earlier stars on Idol playing instruments. Something changed around season 4 or 5 that allowed contestants to use instruments.

Of course playing an instrument should be second to singing, and that is where I wonder, if it hasn't gained greater importance over the years than it should. If we could have the contestants lose their instruments again, it might showcase their singing talents more.

Idol and the Nielsen's in 2010

Last week 33 million telephone and text voters made the different in Mike Lynche's life as they voted him off the top three.

Last week's Nielsen ratings showed that on Wednesday, American Idol pulled in 11.3 million viewers, and 10.1 for Tuesday's show. See photo.

According to Wikipedia on Nielsen ratings, The American Idol Show has been America's most watched television show since 2004.

In 2005, Carrie Underwood won the 4^th Season of American Idol

From Wikipedia, the 2010 Neilsen Sweep Weeks are:

November 2009 - October 29 - November 25, 2009

February 2010 - February 4 - March 3, 2010

May 2010 - April 29 - May 26, 2010

July 2010 - July 1-28, 2010

The data that is collected in the sweeps ratings is used to provide a basis for program scheduling and advertising decisions for local television stations, cable systems, and advertisers. (Wikipedia)

History of Ratings and Winners on American Idol

Season 1 brought Kelly Clarkson fame and fortune. Season two launched Ruben Studdard; three launched Fantasia, four - Carrie Underwood and season Five - Taylor Hicks. Season six declared Jordin Sparks the winner and also declared a record of 74 million votes for the final tally in her bid against Blake Lewis. Season seven brought us David Cook, season eight brought us Kris Allen and in just a few short weeks we will know whether it is Casey, Lee or Crystal, that will be season nine's American Idol.

What does an American Idol Top Winner Win?

The American Idol winner receives a one million dollar (US) record deal with a major label, and is managed by American Idol-affiliated 19 Management. In some cases, other finalists have also been signed by the show's management company (which has first option to sign contestants) and received record deals with its major label partner (Wiki American Idol)

While it is not clear who is going to take home the top spot, is it very clear that winning American Idol can certainly launch a person into stardom.

Sources:

Wikipedia, "19 Management"

Wikipedia, Nielsen ratings

Wikipedia, The American Idol Show