The stars of American Idol

The third edition of the phenomenal talent show American Idol has selected its 12 finalists and began the countdown to choosing the new winner. As everybody who has watched the show already knows, it is an exciting process that keeps televiewers worldwide not only enthralled but also very, very involved. I thought that jaded old me would just give the show a passing glance or two to check out what’s happening and then switch to another channel. But no, I found myself watching every episode. Regularly even. And I react, agree or disagree and make my own choices. Maybe if the phone number is available here and we were getting the show live I might have even voted!

Millions who watch the show in the US do cast their votes. That was how Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard and runner-up Clay Aiken won in the first two editions of American Idol. The people chose them and there would have been a big stir had somebody else won. The whole thing reminds me of those gladiator battles at the coliseum in ancient Rome where the gleeful public got to decide on who would live or die. What is at stake now though, is a career as a pop star and the chance to earn millions in talent fees and I do believe that for the contestants, winning or losing is almost as important as life and death.

Win or lose though, it cannot be denied that the contest provides contestants with a most important headstart. The challenge of having to bring out their best to stay in the contest, gives the finalists the finest training and exposure imaginable. They are given invaluable advice on how to project themselves; on wardrobe, song selection and stage demeanor. Their names become household words and in some cases they get to be so popular it does not matter anymore if they win or not. Think William Hung of She Bangs fame. He never made the initial cut but he was oh so gutsy that people took notice and he now has a recording contract.

Thankfully, not all of the contestants are like Hung and I must say the previous winners are indeed extraordinarily gifted. All they lacked to get into the business were the right connections and training. But American Idol gave them these then handed the fans. These new stars who can truly sing, have massive appeal and best of all, are the ones they chose for stardom themselves.

Check out how worthy they are of the prize by listening to their debut albums, all of which were executive produced by the legendary Clive Davis and made number one in the charts when they were released last year.

Thankful by Kelly Clarkson: The former cocktail waitress sings like a cross between Whitney Houston and Christina Aguilera. Not as polished perhaps but hey, this is only her first try and it would be really great to watch her mature and discover all she can do with those powerful pipes. The album includes the Grammy nominated Miss Independent, her first single release, A Moment Like This, a duet with fellow finalist Tamyra Gray, You Thought Wrong and the Babyface-penned title track.

Soulful by Ruben Studdard: This guy makes music that is sweet, sexy and truly soulful. This early he is showing signs that he is the Idol who is in for the long haul. When power ballads have seen their day and music has returned to plain singing without vocal calisthenics, Ruben will be one of those who will be around. His first recorded song, Flying Without Wings is included and so is his latest chartbuster Sorry 2004. Then there are old favorites like How Can You Mend a Broken Heart, For All We Know and his Grammy nominated rendition of Superstar.

The Measure of a Man by Clay Aiken: Clay is one lucky loser. His final battle with Ruben caught the fancy of so many people that it took American Idol viewership to new heights. Clay didn’t get the prize but his boy-next-door looks mixed with choirboy vocals made him an instant star. Why, he even got to release his album and make number one ahead of winner Ruben. Best cuts are The Way, This is the Night, When You Say You Love Me and Run to Me.