Every week the judges say that it’s all about song choice. They burn this idea into contestants heads and judge harshly when the wrong song is chosen. However, is it really about song choice?  I doubt it. 

We’ve seen many contestants choose horrible songs and still make it through. As we get closer to the end, I think song choice becomes less and less important. Sure, maybe in the begining song choice is important, but after a few weeks, it’s more about popularity.

Popularity is key. If the crowd at home likes you, you could forget the lyrics, or start the song over, and still not be voted out. I believe that David Archuleta forgot the words one week and no one cared. Katharine McPhee did too and she got second place.  And then there was Sanjaya.  Why he lasted as long as he did had nothing to do with talent.

So is American Idol a talent contest? Yes, but to a point. It’s more of a popularity contest overall.  

If you ever get on Idol, prove you can sing in the beginning, be nice to people and remember the fans are home are picking early favorites. Once you have the fans, you may just get a free pass on a future screw-up.

I was unable to find a good Jordin Sparks at the Teen Choice Awards clip on YouTube, but Rickey.org does have all the video and pictures of Jordin and Sanjaya at the 2007 Teen Choice Awards.

If you watch the video clip Rickey.org has on their site, listen closely to the beginning and you’ll hear new Jordin Sparks music in the background. This is just a taste to what’s going to be coming in the near future.

Congratulations to Jordin Sparks as she won the American Idol Finale last night in Hollywood. She beat out the bet boxing Blake Lewis and definitely deserves the title.

The show, which was just over two hours long, seemed more about American Idol overall than season 6 or Jordan and Blake.

All former Idols where there with the exception of Fantasia who was busy on broadway. Kelly Clarkson kicked off the show with her new single. Tailor also sang his new single. Carrie sang her Idol Gives Back song and Rubin did a duet with Jordin. Then all the Idols came back on stage and did a tribute to Sargent Pepper.

There we also many musical guest stars but everyone was there trying to up their album sales. Pretty soon we’ll have a commercial free American Idol as it’s all turning into advertising anyway.

Carrie Underwood was presented with an award from the American Idol record company for having the biggest selling album. With just over 6 million sales, and tons of awards, she’s well on her way to be the biggest Idol ever. It was also noted that Chris Daughtry, who placed fourth last year, has the biggest selling album so far this year. Not just for American Idol, but for the music industry overall. Taylor has almost half a million album sales, Kathrine is at about a quarter of a million and Chris is at two million. Interesting.

Last night Melinda and Sanjaya also got to share the spotlight as those two Idols got their own spot on the show. Melinda sang with the group she use to sing backup for and they sang an odd song that sounded like something out of an after school special. Sanjaya sang his horrible You Really Got Me Going song with Joe Perry from Areosmith. Even Ashley Ferl was on hand to cry cry cry.

Ohh and lets not forget about the Golden Idol Awards. The awards that promote the worst and continue to tarnish the finale show. I really think these things hurt American Idol’s image as it shows they are not just looking for the best singer, but they reward the horrible, bush baby owl and giant chicken, singers. Come on.

And after all the Idol advertising and artists promoting their albums or shows it was time to get back to why we were all here, oh yea, to crown an American Idol.

609 Million votes were cast this season, 74 just for the finale. And what it all came down to was Jordin Sparks. The 17year old that has been amazing the judges and audience for the past few weeks. She deserves it and has earned it!

The American Idol finale was long, over done and seemed to focus more on everyone else than the two fighting it out for the title. I had to skip the season finale of Lost for this and it true Idol fashion, it was one hell of a show.

In a 2+ hour long show that was more about everyone else, Jordin Sparks took home the win in the end. Everyone was there too. The top 10, all past idol winners except Fantasia and even Melinda and Sanjaya got to sing in the spotlight. It was an odd night that seemed more like Idol advertising than a results show. And the horrid Golden Idol Awards were back. Ohh how I hate those things.

Congrats Jordan and I’ll be back with more insight tomorrow. To much buzz going on now as it is.

The time has finally arrived. Sanjaya Malakar was voted off American Idol last night and it’s about damn time. His talents are pretty good, but not good enough for this stage in the competition. You know it’s pretty bad when they interview people on the street and even they say Sanjaya should go home. And then you have Simon Cowell grinning from ear to ear to see Sanjaya in the bottom three. It’s getting to the point that I almost feel bad for the kid. But now he’s gone and we are all free to enjoy Idol again.

Joining Sanjaya in the bottom was Lakisha and Blake which wasn’t really a surprise. Lakisha’s performance lacked the greatness of her previous performances and Blake had a horrible song choice. When the Stars Go Blue is a good song, but only after you here it a few times. For those that heard it for the first time on Idol, they probably hated it. It took me a long time to warm up to the Tim McGraw version.

Fergie and Martina McBride also performed. Fergie sang Big Girls Don’t Cry and I liked the song. She’s got a powerful voice, to bad she doesn’t use it for all it’s worth. Instead she does that kind of rap thing that I dislike. But that’s a different topic. Fergie also looked like she got dressed in the dark. She’s a hot woman but didn’t look it on Idol.

Martina McBride on the other hand was steller. She sang Anyway and it really showcased her amazing voice. That lady is a good inspiration for the Idols and I’m glad they go to hear her sing!

Next up is Idol Gives Back! The star studded night where American Idol is raising money for those that need it. Details on that in an upcoming post.

But for now, American Idol is Sanjaya Free!

Here are a few stories from around the web:
- Is it actually possible that our long national nightmare is over?
- Sanjaya’s Going, Going, Gone
- America Idol’s Down to Six: Sanjaya finally goes home
- Hair He Goes: American Idol Sanjaya Malakar Loses
- American Idol: America Sends Sanjaya Home
- Many Many More

Country night was a success in my book. I was hoping that they’d sing real country songs, and for the most part, they the wannabe Idols didn’t disappoint. No cowboy boots or hats, but I do think we got some banjo!

Phil gave one of the top performances in my mind. He sounded great and just did a fantastic job!! Way to go Phil! Maybe you’ll live to see another week.

Jordan did a pretty good job. Not ‘wow’ in my book, but good.

Lakisha was just off. First, you don’t sing a former Idols song. By picking a Carrie Underwood song, you are already asking for it. Then to just do OK at it, well that’s definitely not good. Lakisha may just be in the bottom three. Watch out!!

Chris was ok. I loved the song, but I’m growing to dislike his voice. Definitely in the bottom three and his little shout out at the end to Virginia folks, just seemed odd. His hearts in the right place, but it seemed way out of context. Actually, so did Simon’s and Ryan’s wasn’t much better. We know ya’ll mean well, but it came across very odd.

Melinda Melinda Melinda. What can you say about Melinda. She looked fantastic, young, energetic, full of attitude and sang like she was on the Grammys or something. She had Idol written all over her and, for the first time, I could see her winning it all. She was the complete package.

Blake did alright in my book. Being a big Blake fan, I’m not sure what to think. The song was an odd choice and he could have picked something so much better. I do like When The Stars Go Blue, but it’s a weird song and takes some getting use to.

Ohh and no, I didn’t forget about lovely Sanjaya. I thought he started out good and then crashed and burned. It was bad but will he actually get kicked off? Will he even get in the bottom three? Ohh I hope so.

I enjoyed country night and thought most did a good job. It’s nice to see the tables turned a bit and see a few different Idols excel. I really think Phill and Melinda stole the show and lets hope it’s finally time for Sanjaya to go home. Sorry dude, but your way out sung.

So Latin night didn’t go over big and I’m not too surprised. Not many non-Latinos can really hit the groove and soul of the music. But the Idol wannabes gave it their best shot.

Both Lakisha and Melinda were given bad reviews for the first time. Simon disliked both power girls and that’s a good thing. Everyone needs some criticism in order to get better and it’s about time.

Chris Richardson sang ‘Smooth’ and I think Rob Thomas’ version overshadowed it by a long shot. The judges seemed to like it though. Go figure.

Then there is Haley. She didn’t blossom until the top 12 and I sometimes wonder why she’s still in it. However when she comes out with those mile long legs and tiny shorts, you can easily see why she’s still here. She’s got the look and I do enjoy her voice. She’s one of the bottom on my list though and it seems like the judges agree. This just may be her last performance. Simon is a little mean about it, but he’s honest and that’s better than filling her full of false hope.

Phil was good, but i think his voice had a few issues/cracks. Or was that just me? He just may beat out Haley for the home ticket. His comment about ‘Simon Cow’ was great though. I can see that catching on and I’d sure buy a Simon Cow at the store.

Jordin is quickly moving into the top spot. I think some weeks she does an amazing job, others she’s just ok, but the judges do like here almost always. He’s at a good age, beautiful personality, a good look and great voice and is going to be in it to the end for sure.

Blake again does an entertaining performance. I think he’s up there with Jordin. Sure his voice isn’t the biggest and best, but his personality shines high and he’s got some skills. Blake was also the only one to win over all the judges. One way or another, he’ll be a hit on the radio sooner or later.

And then there is Sanjaya, I found it boring but it doesn’t matter. Those that like him will continue to vote for him and it doesn’t matter what anyone says.

Who do you think is going home?

I’ve put together a list of Idol contestants with their celebrity look alikes. Some are quite similar, others not so much.  Check ‘em out!
Gina Glocksen and Pink

One part attitude, one part hair color and a little bit of fun all mixed into one.

Haley Scarnato and Nikki Cox aka Mary on NBC’s Las Vegas

Nearly identical twins I tell ya.

Blake Lewis and Adam Levine aka Lead Singer of Maroon5

Maybe it’s the alternative music, or the funky hair, but I see the similarities.

Jordin Sparks and America Ferrera aka Ugly Betty on ABC

Sisters? Separated at birth?

Lakisha Jones and Mandisa from American Idol Season 5

Big women, big voices and tons of talent. Lets hope Lakisha does better than Mandisa did.

Chris Richardson and Justin Timberlake

Even Simon has been saying this since the beginning.

Chris Sligh & Carrot Top

Both funny men with big hair. Who doesn’t see that?

Melinda Doolittle & DW from Arthur

Ok, I kinda see it, but I didn’t come up with this one on my own.

Phil Stacey & Sting

Ok, if you get past the visuals and just listen to Phil sing ‘Every Breath You Take’ you’d swear it was Sting. They sounded exactly the same!

Sanjaya Malakar & Macy Gray

Both a little different, questionable sining abilities and crazy hair. Yet lots of fans. Go figure.

Ok, I’ll admit, some of my look alikes are not perfect, but if you can think of someone better, do let me know.

A lot of people talk about American Idol, but they don’t really get their opinions heard by anyone except their friends. Well now you can. Join the discussion over at the VoiceThread American Idol group.

VoiceThread makes it really simple to record your thoughts right from your computer with no fancy equipment. You can discuss Sanjaya’s hair, Lakisha’s voice or Chris’ comedy. There is even a comment over there that Melidnda’s personality might be an act. ACK!!

So head on over and voice your opinions or start your own Idol fan group.

Brandon Rogers was the latest to leave idol and it’s not because he’s a bad singer, but because he forgot some of the words. Of course, on the flip side, Haley Scarnato forgot her words too, but she really made you feel as if she felt bad about it. Brandon was just kinda like, yea my bad where as Haley started to cry and felt down right awful. It goes to show that if you forget your words, make sure the public knows that you are sorry.

The bottom three were Brandon Rogers, Sanjaya Malakar and Phil Stacey. No big surprises but, thanks to some people that vote for the worst, Sanjaya is still in it. One of these weeks, I’m going to be so happy as he won’t last much longer.

So which genre week is next on the list?