‘American Idol’ phenomenon obsesses nation
By Kassie Kalner
IV Leader Staff, April 12, 2007
The cultural phenomenon that is “American Idol” had taken
hold of our country for the sixth time. And with the increasing success of idols
immediately upon their departure from the idol world, the competition has been
validated as a real talent producer.
There are so many factors that contribute to the order
contestants are given the boot. So, let’s take a look at the characteristics of
each performer based on my knowledge, obsession and sixth years of idolizing
“Idol.” After each contestant I will rank them first, how I think they stand up
and then, since my opinion really doesn’t matter, when I think they will
actually be sent home.
Sanjaya Malakar – Let’s just get this one out of the way.
Sanjaya is clearly one of the worst singers in “Idol” history. Week after week,
his performance is ridiculous, his singing, terrifying. Sanjaya is literally
demeaning the whole foundation of the program. It seems that he is no longer
taking the competition seriously. Yet, Sanjaya has generated the most
controversy and media discussion to date. With the help of radio personality
Howard Stern and votefortheworst.com, Sanjaya had built a fan base. It truly
dose not matter how he sings, in fact the worse he sings, the more his fans love
it. However, Sanjaya’s days are numbered. It seems that there may be more people
who actually like the show than ones who are trying to destroy it.
My rank: Sanjaya should have left in week one, but he didn’t
so: 8, Predicted Rank: 6
Haley Scarnato: Originally, I thought Haley would leave
during the first week of the top twelve. But, Haley has definitely improved a
lot. She has sung some songs that really show her personality and her voice. She
has also used her sex appeal, mostly her legs, to gain fans. However, Haley has
consistently been in the bottom three. Also, Haley’s voice cannot stand up the
three other remaining girls. My Rank: 7, Predicted Rank: 8
Phil Stacey: There is always one contestant that Simon loves
to hate. Last year, that contestant became the American Idol, Taylor Hicks. This
year, Phil seems to be Simon’s target. But luckily for Simon, Phil will not be
the “American Idol.” Phil seems to narrowly escape elimination each week. Phil
does have a great voice, and sometimes, when he picks the right songs, he sounds
flawless. But there are times, particularly when he sings lower, that he is
really kind of creepy; his voice and his facial expressions are actually, for
lack of a better word, creepy. Plus, in a year when the best are girls, Phil is
the worst remaining guy (except obviously Sanjaya, who I do not really even
consider a competitor but as someone who is just there is his own world). My
Rank: 6, Predicted Rank: 7
Blake Lewis: Deemed by the judges as the best male
contestant, Blake really does offer a refreshing personality to the competition.
His vocals are very smooth and his dance moves are even smoother. He brings life
into songs that are decades old. His only problem so far, is that he is either a
hit or a miss. However, Blake is very popular, has a strong fan and will be the
last guy contender. My Rank: 5, Predicted Rank: 3
Chris Richardson: First, I need to get something off my
chest. I have a crush on Chris. He has a quiet confidence, piercing blue eyes,
and a voice that had been compared to Justin Timberlake. I hope that Chris’s fan
base is strong enough to pull him into the top five, and past Sanjaya. However,
Chris has had some rough performances where song choice and nerves seem to get
the best of him. But Chris is very hip and current, and I believe he could have
a career post-idol. My Rank: 4, Predicted Rank 5
LaKisha Jones: LaKisha’s voice is powerful, strong, soulful
and beautiful. But, when she sings older songs, she has a hard time making them
current. I fear that LaKisha’s best performance was her very first one, the week
with 24 when she sang “I’m Telling You I’m Not Going.” Unfortunately, I think
LaKisha will be the victim of the “vote-split syndrome” because Jordin and
Melinda are similar to her, but seem to have a stronger fan base. My Rank: 3,
Predicted Rank: 4
Jordin Sparks: Jordin wins my award for most improved idol,
which actually means a lot because the original idol, Kelly Clarkson herself,
was not amazing in the beginning of her competition. But she got better, a whole
lot better and so has Jordin. Jordin is very youthful, and her performances are
fun and joyous. I think Jordin, along with Blake, is the most commercial and
will sell a lot of records after Idol. My Rank: 2, Predicted Rank 2
Melinda Doolittle: Melinda may have the best voice “American
Idol” has ever seen. She is flawless. Her voice is pure and perfect. She has
amazing stage presence and she conveys every word she sings with such beautiful
conviction and emotion. I think Melinda will win, and she deserves it. My Rank:
1, Actual Rank:1
My final thoughts: It is a shame that good singers, such as
Gina Glocksen, Chris Sligh, and Stephanie Edwards, were voted off before Sanjaya.
It’s true, none of them would have won, but it’s not all about winning. Each
week the contestants get exposure; more people learn their names and hear them
sing. And each week they get to work with a guest mentor, which is a valuable
and memorable experience.
(Editor’s note: On Wednesday, April 11 one of these
contestants was voted off)