Did American Idol finally jump the shark?
465140
NO!\n\ni love american idol...\ni think taylor will win...\ni love bucky
52359
Oh dear...I don't think I have enough time or space to answer this.\n\nFirst off, I'm a big believer in "to each their own".  If you love this show, more power to you.  As you will see, I am not one of those.\n\nIt's really too bad, because the concept of a talent showcase is awfully appealing.  But, wrapped in the spangly cloak that is modern reality television, it becomes a perversion of the thing it claims it is.  The show panders constantly to the lowest common denominator, filling the occasional moments of real entertainment with so much bombastic hype that it's the worst kind of sensory overload.\n\nThe entire production is nothing more than a caricature of entertainment.  Everyone seems to be a stereotype--from the freakishly hip host to the panel of "judges"--two elevated C-list celebrities and a truly pompous jerk who's made himself a household word because of it.\n\nAnd the talent...I have no doubt of the phenomenal ability of many of these people, but it all seems so lost in both their own and the show's moronic desire to put EVERYTHING over the top.  Apparently sublety is a dirty word on American Idol.\n\nYet untold millions of people tune in every week to watch.  I truly do not sit in judgement of anyone who finds this show entertaining.  I think it's great that it can provide this level of enthusiasm to so many.  I really salute the show's producers for coming up with something that obviously touches so many people.\n\nBut the day I watch an episode and enjoy it is the day I've gone 'round the bend...
537194
LOL I'm tired of the American Idol questions, too. I'm sorry folks but the show is lame.
608804
This season of American Idol is crazy-- it's hard to tell who will be in the final two now that Chris is gone. Taylor is probably a lock, as much as I care for both Elliott and Katharine; I say probably because anything could happen. \n\nIt really depends. Consistency is a major major issue with both of these, Katharine especially. Performance-wise, Elliott has done nothing but grow in the past couple of weeks. Katharine, however, started off as a favorite to win it all, but now she's slipping for one reason or another.\n\nSpeaking of the fan-base, however, Elliott has a much smaller one. The male demographic will obviously vote for Katharine, and will vote even more depending on how skimpy her dress is Tuesday night. \n\nIt's a tossup right now, but I'd put my money (or yours, rather) on Taylor vs. Elliott in the finals. I believe the whispers among the fans that say that they'll be voting for Elliott and Taylor to avenge Chris' "wrongful departure". But you never know.
614759
I agree with Kevin. Meatloaf and Toni seemed like they were heavily medicated. Meatloaf just butchered the song period. I think his appearance on American Idol last night will really hurt sales of his new album. In regards to Toni Braxton, that was just an awkward and really bad performance on her part.
640868
It's sad when anyone from the top five go home cause they're all so good in their own ways.  I wouldn't feel too sorry about Elliot going home cause I'm sure he'll get a record deal.  Anyway, the winner of these types of shows only has success for a short while and most of the time it's the losers who actually do better (excluding Kelly of course).
715225
I think that Taylor Hicks is a joke, and American Idol is somehow rigged.  He didn't deserve to win, and I don't believe he's only 29.
34163
no, not really.  If they are truly great, then they will be successful with or without American Idol.  If they are terrible singers but win the TV show anyway, then they probably won't have a very successful career.
678600
I think so. Heck, if they can do something on American Idol to make those people (rock) or pop stars, then why not?\n\n;)
656866
I personally have been a fan of Taylor Hicks since way back.He hasnt changed who he is,and Katherine(no offense to any katherine fans) is using her looks too much.Shes went from sweet and nice to kind of,sleezy.I mean,i liked her at first she was very talented and she still is.Her actions just proves she is changing it up too much,just to sway votes and win.Taylor himself hasnt changed.His auditions each week are consistant and are getting better.He isnt like any previous idol winner or contestant and i believe he deserves to win.We shall see who wins,good luck to them both!
586746
If Chris Daughtry won American Idol he wouldn't have gotten deals because he would have had one already....So as Chris said on the news....Things happen for a reason...he was better off by not winning it.   BUT HE IS THE REAL WINNER!!!
380483
I don't think it is, but there was a thing on one of those 24/7 news channels about it. Something about last year when Jasmine (from Hawaii) was on there longer than she should have been. People were complaining that the time frame on voting for Hawaii was more than the 2 hours. And then they went on about speed dialing and things like that are considered cheating. \n\nBut I have thought, that maybe, the producers could have told the judges to say certain things to them to manipulate the judgment of the viewers. B/c They think, we might be thinking, "These are professionals, and if they didn't like it, then I shouldn't." Does that make since? But who knows? I don't care? They just sign another contract to do the show for 2 more seasons.... so there... to ALL THOSE AMERICAN IDOL HATERS! CHEW ON THAT!
565939
Duhhhhh.... Is American Idol THAT important to you that you think there is a "conspiracy"??\n\nWell... Lets do some numbers, shall we?\n\nBesides Kelly Clarkson (who is no longer under contract with Simon Cowell) how many OTHER winners are still making sellable records and/or hits???\n\nRueben?\nFantasia?\numm.... ummm..... I am sure there were other "winners"...\n\nNow, lets see how the "losers" are doing...\n\nClay Aiken? \nBo Bice?\nCarrie Underwood?\nJosh Gracin?\nFrenchie Davis?\nWilliam Hung?\nKimberly Locke?\nRJ Helton?\nMarque Lynche?\nVanessa Olivarez?\nTrenyce?\nKira Scott?\n\nALL of the above listed "losers" have a MUCH better chance, as they are NOT wrangled into a year long contract that can kill their career. ((See Rueben vs. Clay for example.))\n\nAre you nuts?\n\nGet a life.
629642
I'm an Elliott fan, but I am shocked that Chris got voted off.  \nHis fans got too comfortable and didn't vote.  They and He thought he had it in the bag.\n\nWe Elliott fans have no such arrogance.
473738
Sorry this is the only information I could find with any bit about who counts votes and it's really nothing! I can't believe I can't find anymore than this. I've searched everywhere. If you find out, let me know.\n \n"Fox released a statement: "The producers and network have gone to great lengths to ensure the integrity of the voting process on American Idol. America votes, an independent company calculates the tally, and the show reports those results.""
613574
My guess is that the American Idol voting system was largely to blame.  Somebody calling for Chris couldn't do so if they line was busy.  This is probably the biggest flaw in the voting system and has probably been responsible on more than one occassion for the elimination of good singers.  Apparently if you're on Idol, you not only have to be a good singer, you have to hope that your fans can actually have a chance to vote :S.
524127
Taylor Hicks will be the next "American Idol." Taylor has already shown that he is successful. I think that Katherine should have been voted off last week instead of Elliot. Katherine has a lovely voice, but she sings like too many others singers.  Taylors voice is unique and different. If you are not a member of the "Soul Patrol" just watch the American Idol tonight. You will see why he has so many in the "Soul Patrol."