American Idol is our generation’s version of Star Search. The show is structured to be a talent show, but eventually became a popularity contest. While the show is designed to be rooted in current music, some of the shows themes like 70-80’s nights are downright awkward to say the least. Artists usually sing in the genre they are comfortable in, and rarely do they break into new ones. So, it’s just a little odd they would penalize contestants for singling poorly in genres they wouldn’t be selling music in anyway.
Now that the final three have been sent home for a much needed break, what determines who wins will depend on the presentation of the semi finals. If the semi finals play towards the strengths of the individuals, then Melinda would be the obvious winner. If they themed the semi finals to showcase more of their ability to adapt then Melinda would also win, but by a smaller margin to Jordin. If the scenario is who comes as the most original, then Blake would be the obvious winner.
For Melinda to win an originality contest she would have to either beat box or somehow adapt she style into vocal trance. Either of which would be refreshing and surprising (at least to this author).
Jordin shows a great talent in singing songs the way they were meant to be sung, but in terms of originality or technical perfection as Blake and Melinda show respectively, it’s not surprising she’s in for an uphill battle. Jordin definitely won’t leave the competition empty handed. While only being 17 she managed to sing her way to the top 3 in a national competition, which is an accomplishment of some magnitude.
The odds are Blake and Jordin will be in the bottom two, and depending on the way the producers structure the semi finals and finals, the outcome is going to be a complete toss-up. Without a doubt, the Idol Tour will be an event not to miss.
