By tonight, America will have a new Idol. But who will it be? For the first time since the shows inception, the outcome isn’t entirely obvious. Since the Top 12, it has been anyone’s game, with classically trained Katharine McPhee and Mr. Soul Patrol, Taylor Hicks surprisingly taking the top 2 spots. The two couldn’t be more opposite with McPhee having nearly robotically perfect performances but an emotional disconnect and Hicks convulsing across the stage shouting lyrics at a microphone, possessed by what he’s singing. Both present unique challenges in their future careers with Hicks embracing a classic blend of funk and soul mixed with a little country that is virtually unknown in modern music, and despite seeing McPhee week after week it is very unclear where her place would be in pop. She has a voice more appropriate for Broadway than Billboard, and aside from her striking physical appearance has not branded herself. Each of the remaining two have question marks hanging over their heads, as it is anyone’s guess if either contestant really has what it takes to be a pop culture phenomenon. With votes exceeding 50 million last week, and viewers in a recent poll stating they feel their vote on AI means more than a vote in an election, this is a good opportunity to find out which is more important to America, style or substance? However, the real proof is in the pudding and if bets are placed on record sales, it would be wise to keep an eye on past contestants Chris Daughtry and Elliot Yamin.
AJ, KOAR
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