Arts & Entertainment

Searching for an idol: America is in control

Jaime Guillory
The Daily Cougar

Allowing Americans to vote for the next American Idol based on talent as opposed to looks could be, in the words of judge Simon Cowell, "Absolutely dreadful."

Mauro Alvarez/The Daily Cougar

Kimberly Caldwell of Katy was in the first group of eight contestants that performed on Tuesday night. Eight million Americans voted and millions more have tuned in since the first auditions aired. 

On Wednesday night sending Caldwell back to Texas was a sign from America that they are not looking for another Britney Spears or Madonna. They want someone with real talent. 

The contestants are being narrowed down and whether or not they survive is dependent upon many factors. Song selection, image, and talent are just a few.

Who has the winning combination of looks and talent on this seasonis American Idol? Many contestants have the full package, but others that donit, have talent that far outweigh their image. 

"Kimberly Caldwell should have gotten in," kinesiology junior Jeremy Smith said. "She was the best, she was pretty and she had a good voice. I really thought she would be the American Idol." 

Will voters let contestant Frenchie Davis from Washington, D.C., down whose goal is "to be the first full-figured sex symbol" of the industry? Will Ruben Studdard from Birmingham, Ala., be looked over because he does not fit the physical description of a pop star? J.D. Adams from Burbank, Calif., was told by Cowell he had the look, but is he as gifted as Rickey Smith from Keene, Texas, whose voice received a lot of praise from the judges but was shunned for looking older? 

The judges -- Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Cowell -- agree that there is stiff competition and very good talent this season. However, who will make it to number one is left up to Americans. Charles Grigsby and Julia DeMato were the first two to make it to the final completion Wednesday night. 

Last season image was a hot debate when Simon told finalist Nikki McKibbin that she wasnit original enough. Viewers were heard disputing Nikki McKibbinis long stay on the first season as they called in to 104.1 KRBE with updates from the show. 

Thus far, Cowell must be right because she hasnit slipped through the cracks into the music business.

The audience noticed Kelly Clarksonis potential voice and image, and she signed a million-dollar contract at the end of the showis competition. Clarkson received the most votes on the show and outsold the Beatles with her first two singles, "A Moment Like This" and "Before Your Love" in 2002.

The next group of eight will perform on Tuesday, including Studdard, Jennifer Fuentes from Homestead, Fla. and Clay Aiken of Raleigh, NC.

American Idol airs at 7 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

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