by Roryanne O'Rourke

Created on: January 12, 2010   Last Updated: January 13, 2010

The American Idol Phenomenon

I began watching American Idol during the last few weeks of the first season. Not knowing anything about the show, and only going by my own personal taste in music, I rooted for Justin Guarini over Kelly Clarkson.

This began a battle in my household that is still raging. The latest argument is over last year's winner, Kris Allen. I liked Kris, and I thought he had a nice voice, a pleasant personality, and I felt that he took the judges' criticism well. However, I did not believe he should have won the title last season.

From his first audition to his last performance in the finale, I strongly believed that Adam Lambert was going to win American Idol last year.

Although my family and I agreed that Adam Lambert should have won, we were in disagreement over the reason he did not win. Rumors circulated toward the end of last season about Adam's sexuality, and many believed that this cost him the title. I believe that is what happened, but I take it a step further.

I think that the judges and the producers of American Idol saw what the audience did not see in Adam Lambert. I think they saw more of the Adam Lambert who performed on the American Music Awards, than the Adam Lambert who performed each week on the show.

I believe the people behind the scenes at American Idol who are responsible for the publicity, start circulating rumors and release information behind the scenes, to influence the voters' decisions. I have believed this from the first time I watched the show.

After the shocker of watching Adam Lambert lose last year, I am more certain of that than ever. I always complained about the judges' comments for certain contestants. For me, it was almost as if they were deliberately making remarks to make viewers vote for the contestant they thought would fit into the mold of who the producers thought America's Idol should be.

I run into trouble every time I say this, but I do not care for Kelly Clarkson's style of singing. Many people told me that she fared well in every performance and if I had seen her each week, I would feel differently. I have since watched some of the old shows from the first season, and I still do not understand what all the others are raving about.

I was happy with the winner of the second season, because Ruben Studdard has a magnificent voice. I rooted for Clay, but was okay with either one winning. However, as we have seen, becoming America's favorite singer does not guarantee automatic record sales. Clay

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>