by Daryl Dudley

Created on: January 17, 2008   Last Updated: November 01, 2008

American Idol searches for champions.

Our favorites may not always win; yet we, the faithful citizens of tv land, continue to watch this wonderfully addictive series.

Sometimes we blame the judges, but Paula, Randy, and Simon have one of the toughest jobs in American television. Each year they sift through thousands of singers, in hopes of finding the next singing superstar.

Paula, Randy, and Simon-they're searching for something that burns in the hearts of American Idol's biggest stars; they're searching for greatness.

Let's look at a few of American Idol's biggest stars: Kelly Clarkson, Sanjaya Malakar, and Jennifer Hudson.

3 key factors allow American Idol stars to shine above the rest. Before we get to those, let's recap some of American Idol's most memorable highlights:

Millions of fans cheered when Kelly Clarkson became the first American Idol.

Many shook their fists in frustration when crowd favorite, Sanjaya Malakar, was eliminated during season 6.

And several fans hung their heads in disappointment as Jennifer Hudson made an early departure in season 3.

One thing I love about American Idol is that even those who don't win the crown can become big stars. That's one reason why Paula, Randy and Simon have one of the toughest jobs; they're searching not only for a talented singer, they're also searching for a singer who can shine as one of America's brightest stars.

3 signs of a great singer for Idol judges are: (1) voice, (2) soul, and (3) favor. Let's take a look.

(1) Voice. A singer's voice is essential. Didn't you adore Kelly Clarkson's sweet voice? The Idol judges loved it. That's because Kelly sang the lyrics clearly-so clearly that judges and fans understood the words.

Proving her vocal range exceptional-she flowed from low notes to high, and vice versa, so skillfully. And the icing on Kelly's cake? Timing. Many of us nodded our heads and rocked our shoulders because her delivery was nearly perfect.

The judges loved Kelly because of her quality...the richness that flowed from her voice.

(2) Soul. Singers must have soul. Jennifer Hudson stunned millions of Idol viewers with her powerful stage presence. We watched show after show as Jennifer poured raw energy and emotion into each song.

It was her passion, her urgency that impressed all of the judges...even Simon! While singing, Jennifer-leaning forward, flashing her gorgeous smile-struck the hearts of viewers and critics alike.

That's the beauty of soul. Jennifer's great talent rested in her abilities to stir the

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