Yup, in many aspects American Idol is a popularity contest. Simon knows this - he said so on air just last week or the week before (when giving David Cook praise). You know who is most popular when they walk out on stage and you hear the screams. The applause-o-meter in full effect. People who are rabid fans of someone will vote hundreds of times. Teens with unlimited text message are hard to get past (and trust me, as a part of a pre-teen, unlimited text messaging is cost beneficial for parents). Jason is cute and sweet and kind of doofy and non-threatening. Tween girls eat him up with a spoon. Same for David A. Tween girls don't care about overall vocal quality - they vote with their hormones.

I enjoyed Chikezie's performances. He brought something different to the table. But even he knew comparitively there wasn't a way for him to win this contest. But he'll be smart and use the time on the show to make something of this - if that's the career he wants.

And, as Paula pointed out (which was really like "duh, Paula!"), the nature of the show means everyone has to go sometime until we're down to the top two. There can be only one person who gets the title. Is that one winner? Define winner. Yes, one person wins the title. But many can have the Idol experience transform their lives into something they never imagined. Kimberley Locke last night was an example - she was going to start law school when she auditioned for Idol. Now those aspirations are on the back burner while she has a music career, is partnered in a restaurant, etc. All that came from her Idol exposure.

We have nine left to go - eight more performance shows. So, contestants, entertain me and convince me to give your CD a chance when you eventually put one out in 2009 or beyond.

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