Like the numerous other fortywhat!? guys out there, I too am held hostage in my home and forced to endure yet another season of American Idol. In order to make it slightly more interesting I tend to pick a few favorites early on. Over the past few seasons I've had a few favorites. Last year it was Chris Daughtry. But, the people of America decided to hand the title over to the massively-pre-mature-graying Taylor Hicks.
I mean . . . come on. The guy's 29 years old and has more gray hair than I do. American Idol? Give me a break.
When they sent Chris home I was so disappointed I even wrote a post about it. So, this year I decided that I'd go ahead and not only post my favorites early on ( you might even consider them predictions ) as well as my criteria for what my picks are.
I'm pretty sure that most people have their own criteria, although based on past American Idol winners . . . I can't imagine what those might be. There's certainly no consensus among the American public. If so they'd never voted Chris off. Can you tell I'm still a little bitter over that? For example, Ruben Studdard? Fantasia? Taylor Hicks? What made people want to vote for them? I'm not even sure that the judges are really sure what they think the American Idol should be. I think there should be a standardized criteria for evaluating who should become the next American Idol.
So here goes . . . my criteria in order of importance.
Singing Ability
First and foremost, this is a singing contest. If the contestant's singing ability isn't beyond varsity swing choir, then they can't be the next American Idol. There are a few contestants this season that appear to be the cream of the crop. Often in this competition, however, it seems that someone with a strong stage presence or a good performance masks the lack of raw talent.Performance
It takes a mixture of confidence, steady nerves, a passion to perform in front of cameras and an audience to compete in American Idol. I'm sure a bit of ego helps as well. Nevertheless, if they can't get it together enough to pull out a good performance they shouldn't be out there competing. Over the past few seasons there have been a few contestants that appear to fall victim to a lack of confidence or unsteady nerves. I'm sure the competition is stressful. But then again, performing on tour night after night is probably no less stressful.Looks
The American Idol doesn't have to be hot. Although it probably helps. It seems to help some more than others. I won't try to convince anyone that looks is what makes American Idol winners, however. It should be fairly evident that quite a few contestants get through to the later stages by virtue of their looks. Don't read me wrong here . . . looks are important. The days where just listening to someone on the radio or otherwise are long gone. I watched the first video on MTV, Video Killed the Radio Star. I may be fortywhat!?, but I know the reality of today. With that being said, here's my picks -- Melinda Doolittle - She has an excellent mixture of raw talent, stage presence, and pleasing looks to take the whole competition.
- Lakisha Jones - She isn't all that to look at, but she can really belt it out. After listening to her it I can safely say that she could be as good as Aretha Franklin.
- Brandon Rogers - This guy is, among the guys, in a class by himself when it comes to absolute, raw talent.
- Sabrina Sloan - A fantastic voice. Sexy. Heart-felt performance. Nuff said.
- Jordin Sparks - She's young and not as experienced as some of the others that I would call "contenders", but she has excellent stage presence, talent, and looks.
- Stephanie Edwards - An elegant, classy performer with a smooth, sexy voice.
- Nicholas Pedro - He tried it once and couldn't get through Hollywood Week. Now he's back and has show he's got what it takes to be a contender.
- Gina Glocksen - She's a bit of a long-shot to win because there's five other women who are going to be tough to compete with.
- AJ Tabaldo - I need to see more from this guy to be convinced of his chances, but from what I have seen, he has fantastic singing ability.
- Blake Lewis - I'm not convinced that he has the raw, singing talent to win but this guy is a performer.
