How to Win American Idol

A lot of people believe I wanted Jordin Sparks to win American Idol because we share the same last name. But this is not the case. Why would I cheer on somebody just because of their last name? What I look for in a winner is talent, originality and charisma. All of which Jordin has. Factors such as her age and weight should not be examined meticulously just because she is now the winner and in the media spotlight.

What we have on this show is a case of Unique Syndrome. If you don't have the unique card, you just won't win. (And I don't mean mean being incredibly weird and gross on TV or futhermore, having a TERRIBLE vioce!!) Let me explain.

1) The first winner of American Idol, Kelly Clarkson, established herself in the pop arena with hits such as "A Moment Like This," "Low," "Since U've Been Gone" and "Breakaway." Coming off of American Idol, she sure has made something of herself, selling millions of albums and selling out hundreds of concerts worldwide. Her first album was a hit but only with a select number of songs. Her next album "Breakaway" became a smash hit and proved to be more successful than her debut album. She won simply because her voice was better than Justin's and the sweetheart image trumped over the temporary heartthrob. She even released a movie with runner-up Justin Gurani...which was a flop at the box office. With true competition from Season Four winner, Carrie Underwood, in terms of record sales, Kelly is still a top candidate for best winner of the reality TV show. Yet, if we were to place Clarkson with the other five winners in an ultimate singing competition, I have my doubts. On Kelly's debut album, I felt her vocals were strained and sometimes came off as high-pitched shouting rather than singing. By her second, her voice had a normal sound to it and sounded amazing in nearly everyone of her songs. With her third album on its way out, the songs that have already surfaced seem to have found its way back to the "Miss Independant" phase -- back to the shouting/screaming mode. I'm just not feeling that side of Kelly. Could it have something to do with her "normal arguments" with record producer Clive Davis as she told Ryan Seacreast recently on his live radio show? You tell me what you think.

Movin right along...

2) Ruban Studdard became American Idol's second winner. I did not vote for him. Yes, I thought he had a decent voice. Yes, I thought he seemed cuddly and somewhat "teddy-bear like" as Paula Abdul mentioned a bajillion times. But that was it. Clay Aiken, the season's runner-up, could nail down any song he sang. You could have him sing "Happy Birthday" and it would be jaw-dropping amazing. His voice is just awesome. I dont care about ANY of the media hype he's been through pertaining to his sexual preference or inccident with Kelly Ripa. I just don't care. His voice is incredible. His album "Measure of a Man" goes far beyond the success of Ruban's....the winner, might I remind you. And his voice is breathtaking...if I haven't mentioned it enough.
My theory behind the shocks of why a person won over another is simply this: Over confidence. You assume your favorite or even America's favorite will win, so you save yourself the money from calling/texting your choice. Others will make up for your loss of votes, right? WRONG!!!! Don't play the "it's rigged" card. You don't vote, you run the risk of your top choice not being just that: the top choice. (Think Chris Daughtry people!! Nice going fans!) Simple as that. Clay should have taken home the prize....but it doesn't matter does it? He obviously had the unique appeal I'm preaching about and that's why he is more successful than Ruban. And look where that got the winner....singing soul...by himself...has anyone seen him lately????

3) The Ms. Fantasia Barrino, Season Three winner of American Idol. She doesn't have a horrible voice. It's definitely unique. Did anyone see her Lifetime Original Movie? If most is true, she won American Idol by the skin of her teeth. She had nine lives that girl! Barely getting to the auditions, getting a family member to get her to go back to it when she gave up, getting into Hollywood and getting patrionized for having a baby girl at the age of 19 as well as being illiterate. Some felt the singer did not represent the "American Idol." Yet, she drove on and ended up winning. My vote was with 16-year-old Diana DeGarmo. She was more my type of singer. But both deserved albums and when it came down to it, both got them as well as success. And although Fantasia has a bit more successful than Diana, she's not exactly hogging the spotlight either. Once in awhile you may catch her name, but she is no Beyonce. Not yet at least.

4) The ever lovely and charming Carrie Underwood. The Country Princess herself. I knew she was going to win the minute she stepped into the room with her curly blond hair and bright pink t-shirt. Plus, the contest need a country singer and she was outstanding in that category. This girl has sold more records during her opening than Kelly Clarkson did. Not too mention that she has won many grammys and countless other awards, performed at Country Thunder (a music festival consisting of country singers celebring the gift of music) and more! This girl even beat out the famous Faith Hill (was she REALLY mad or just playing around as she says?? Check YouTube and you tell me.) But, alas, I love Carrie and her music. She'll be around for a loooooong time. I'm sure of it.


5) Taylor Who? Oh, Taylor Hicks. See Ruben's reason for winning on how Taylor managed to win. (Soul Patrol?? Not feeling it ONE BIT!) And where is this Mr. Hicks anyway?? (Apparently he is touring.....) I liked Katherine McPhee. Her song "Over It" isn't the biggest hit, but has made some waves in the music scene. And hands down, Chris Daughtry SHOULD have won. Though, he IS doing better than Hicks so I guess what's the point in arguing.

6) Now....back to Ms. Sparks...

I'm glad she won. I had a feeling the first time she sang (during the Top 12 round) that she would make it far if not win. Though, I would have liked to have seen Gina Glocksen win with her unique sound and rock-edge, most likely she'll get a record deal and I'll be one of the first to grab it.

In the meantime, thousands will continue to try out for this ridiculous but star-producing show. And thousands will go home with their head in their tear-stricken hands. But for the Seventh Season of American Idol, just remember. It's the unique appeal that wins.

Could YOU be our next AMERICAN IDOL? You tell me -- or I'll just have to wait until next season.