American Idol season 7: Should popular votes or judges' votes determine the winner?

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by D.Elise

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American Idol: America or Judges?

In the history of American Idol, there have been individuals sent home early due to a popularity contest versus a vocal contest or because they had one bad night - Tamyra Gray, season one or Melinda Doolittle, season six. Then again, it's all about a person's perspective and opinion with the judges and with America. America is made up of people who love different types of music and different types of sounds. Ultimately, the American Idol is just that - America's Idol. So far, all the past winners have been worthy of winning, which is why I'd keep the vote to America.

Having America be part of American Idol solidifies America as a whole, well, at least those that watch and actually vote. It gives America a voice. It brings families together. It provides for suspense and teaches contestants to always try and bring a better performance the next time around. In other words, a better competition equals better television. It allows for the contestants to up their game and really give all that they can give each night. If each contestant felt as though they had the best voice, regardless of their music genre, then they may just count on the judges to pick them versus trying even harder each night so that America keeps them around. Sometimes, each judge has their own favorite singer. Therefore, the contestants may or may not play it safe. Also, allowing America to vote gives the singers a fan base, which is needed not only during American Idol, but outside of American Idol. The singers' fan base will help guide their record sales and other career endeavors - prime examples - Chris Daughtry from season five and Jennifer Hudson from season three, who weren't the American Idol winners.

Even though this is a vocal contest, it's also about charisma and a connection with the music and the audience. You have singers with amazing voices, but poor presentation and not enough depth or soul in their singing. You want to be able to believe someone when they are singing. Singing is storytelling. It's a presentation that either moves you or leaves you lifeless. Sometimes, it's in between. So, having America vote, once again, let's the singers know, you are going to face this outside of American Idol. So, let's see how you face it in your current situation. I would agree with having the judges make the final vote, but, the past winners have been worthy of winning the winners seemed to have the whole package great vocals, charisma, performance, you name it. They've all fit some form of musical genre as well.

I do agree that the popular vote or sometimes even the sympathy vote may go too far - did anyone say season six's "SANJAYA." Okay, he wasn't that bad. But, he is the best example. (Plus, he definitely showed us not to take ourselves so seriously.) Life is unfair. I know we've all heard that saying a million times. It's true. Life is unfair. What you do with the unfairness is the question? When a contestant, with a stronger voice, is voted out, their journey isn't over unless they give up. There are so many opportunities and other venues a contestant can try to push through. They have opportunities they didn't have before being on American Idol. If they use those opportunities wisely, you never know what may come out of their "15 minutes of fame" could be a long lasting career or a great moment in time. Remember Jennifer Hudson - Remember the Academy Awards - Remember the Oscar! You just never know. There are others who have done well as well in different arenas then music. They may not hold that crown of American Idol, but they hold other crowns that are just as important to them. American Idol is a stepping stone not the end result. America's popular vote will help not only on the stage of American Idol, but also off the stage.

I will admit, I hoop and holler too when I think someone should have left and another should have stayed. "Why are they still there?" I may not hoop and holler, but I have my own opinions. The judges having the final say for the American Idol doesn't give us America's Idol, but the Judges' Idol. There's no surprise element. I want America to decide who gets to sing that final song in the end...the one who becomes America's Idol. It makes for a great surprise and a great honor. There are times where I may not agree with what the judges say. Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell already help sway the votes with their comments on performance nights. They aren't completely voiceless on who should be America's Idol, which is why they are there in the first place. I respect all three of them and their opinions, I mean, they are the ones in the music business. All in all, in the beginning, the judges choose and in the end, American Idol - America's vote.

We may all not agree, but it makes for great conversation - don't you agree?

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