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The mere name "American Idol" alone conjures up an image in the viewer's minds; even before they have seen the contestants perform. The term "American anything" tends to make one think of, "Mom and apple pie." Do you remember the term, "As American as apple pie?" Years of conditioning have instilled these images in all of us. We're prejudiced to what our own minds believe an image of something, or someone, should be.

People who vote for the contestants might possibly be voting according to a preconceived image they have, rather than voting for who has the most talent. You might hear comments like, "He or she certainly doesn't look like an American Idol." Great singers are being sent home because they don't look or act the part that the American public has built up in their minds.

Amanda Overmyer, a 23 year old nurse from Indiana, was recently booted off the show. Amanda, who rode a Harley and dressed like a rock and roller, chose her songs to fit her personality. She was often praised by the judges for being true to herself. Unfortunately, her image was compared more to Janis Joplin. Simon Cowell was quoted on Fox News as saying, "Her problem was she just didn't smile." Again, Amanda was not exactly the image of mom and apple pie.

Carly Smithson also stands outside the box, as far as the preconceived image goes. While she has a beautiful voice with a deep Irish tone, she also sports a full arm tattoo that was created at the Tattoo Shop she and her husband own. She also stated in an interview that she works in a bar. How does the American public respond to someone like this? Will they think she fit's the "American Idol" image?

Let's not forget that these contestants are being compared to past American Idols. It must be very intimidating to try to live up to the standards of Carrie Underwood and Kelly Pickle, considering that they have both made a huge success of their careers in Nashville.
Country music is as American and wholesome as it gets for some people. Not many of this season's contestants seem to fit that "country singer" niche.

If you've ever watched the show and heard the young girls scream and cheer, you'll know which of the guys are the favorites. Those screams are for how "cute" they look on stage, not how well they've just preformed. Jason Castro, the 20 year old from Texas, gets his share of screams. He may not be the best singer, but he has a charming grin and "really cool" dreadlocks. David Archuleta, the youngest contestant,

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