It seems that every time I turn on the radio, Jordin Spark’s Tattoo plays. And do I ever turn on the country music station? Carrie Underwood is asking Jesus to take the wheel or singing her tribute to the American girl. But when was the last time you heard a Ruben Studdart ditty? And Taylor Hicks, the winner of year 5 was eliminated by his record label.
With this year’s American Idol contests weeks to go and only one mediocre female contender (Syesga Mercado) left, I almost wonder, does it really matter who wins this year? Because, if history repeats itself, the last we will hear from them will be the grand finale.
All the winners have been very successful. Even Fantasia, who may not have made the pop charts, is a force to be reckoned with on Broadway and an R&B star. Jordin is fast becoming a pop star, even duetting with Chris Brown on his next single. Kelly Clarkson is winning popular and critical acclaim with each new hit, and Carrie Underwood can’t go wrong.
I wonder why it is so? I think maybe, just maybe, it has something to do with making it more acceptable for a woman to win what is basically a popularity contest disguised as a singing contest. For girls, winning is a direct ticket to stardom. For the boys? It would be better to finish second, like Clay Aitkin did in season two. He may not have a great recording career, but he’s Seusical’s darling. And really, isn’t your voice more suitable for Broadway? And let’s not forget third place winner Chris Daughtry.
With one of the best rock albums of the past year, his band Daughtry will likely be around for years to come. What I would like to see is that one of the boys comes to this conclusion and, with three remaining, begs and pleads with the voting public not to vote for them. Then maybe they would have a chance to have a career. Why otherwise? Look for this year’s American Idol winner in a sales container near you.