Will There Be a Gay American Idol?

Several of the contestants on this season of American Idol have sparked a debate among the viewers over the singers' sexual orientation. Some people, it seems, even oppose the idea of having a gay American Idol. Much of this controversy stems from the recent information that one of the popular male participants, David Hernandez, used to work at a gay strip club. In my opinion, a contestant's past (unless it involves some heinous criminal act, should not affect how viewers vote. David should be judged on his singing ability, not whether or not he is gay. Also, does it make a difference if the contestant is "openly" gay? I am thinking at this point of Danny Noriega, who most viewers would identify with as being gay, although he has not officially "come out" on the show. This brings up the issue of stereotypes: people don't always act how society dictates that their sexual orientation should act.

Over the past seasons, we have seen potentially destructive information, videos, and photos arise out of the participants' pasts. To me, at least, these things have a minimal impact on how I perceive them on stage. I would rather watch their performances for myself and judge them on their singing ability rather than what they've done in the past. Plus, their being gay or straight doesn't affect me at all -- I'm not dating any of them! Although in the case of Michael John, I was greatly disappointed to learn that he was married.

So will there every be an openly gay American Idol? I don't see why not. Many actors/singers/musicians are openly gay, and although this might cause a brief media stir, it ultimately does not lead to a loss of their fan base. However, this recent exposure (no pun intended) of David Hernandez should be a lesson to any young person looking for a place in the spotlight: in this age of rapid information sharing, nothing in your past can stay buried for long. Before you subject yourself to public opinion, think about those racy pictures you took in college, or the anti-establishment blog you used to write. The media, and the American audience, are always looking for some kind of scandal to expose. Fortunately for David and the other contestants, no scandal is interesting for too long...soon someone else's dirty laundry will become more important! As for his singing ability, I think David has a great style, and an excellent shot at stardom.