Martin, what I find interesting here is that in a recent interview with Simon, he said that the last couple years were a bit lackluster and assures everyone that this year we're going to meet someone who blows us away--a "clearly recognized winner". I'm just wondering...did they show him/her in the auditions?

I've never missed an episode of Idol from the very first show--and I can still remember being blown away when Kelly Clarkson auditioned, and (cough) Clay Aiken--the guy had lungs! I remember Fantasia & thinking "she's incredible" and even Taylor Hicks & thinking "he's not the most talented but I still like him best".

All from the audition shows.

But as much as I enjoyed this years "antics", I'm not sure I can think of ONE person that stood head & shoulders above everybody else like these earlier Idol winners...(I know Clay didn't win for his year, but he sure did a lot better in the long haul than Reuben!)