We're now one week into the finals of American Idol 2007, and I have noticed two things: the absolute supremacy of Melinda and Lakisha, and the amazingly bad efforts of Sanjaya, Brandon, and Haley. Yes, at this point the American public is, at least partly, to blame for three just BAD singers being in the top 12, but what were the judges thinking to advance them over, say, Tami Gosnell? Out of thousands and thousands of auditions, we could not find better options? If the judges keep saying this is a singing competition, as well they should, then that is what the main (not the only, but the main) point should be. And if AI needs back stories and drama, there is plenty to be found in Lakisha (the single mom who is blowing everyone away after what must not have been an easy road so far), Melinda (the back-up singer who is so obviously head and shoulders over almost anyone she has ever sung back-up for), Chris Sligh (who I love - but let's face it, he is not the stereotypical Idol-candidate), and I could go on. And by the way, I love Sanjaya - he is cute, he is sweet, and I think his voice has good potential. He is just not ready to be on that stage and there is no shame in that.
Going back to my first point, if anyone stops Melinda and Lakisha from making it into the finals (unless they really mess up vocally one week) - then it's all the more clear that AI is not a singing competition. So here's to Melinda and Kiki, reaching 1 and 2 and staying on top of the music world for a long time to come. And to a good record contract for Blake and Chris S., and someone to take Jordin under their wing so that she has the chance to become the amazing that she shows all the potential of having.
