American Idol

After 9 seasons, countless songs butchered by amateur contestants, some brilliant moments, somehow I am still sucked into watching American Idol on TV. However, this was the last season of AI with Simon Cowell. It won’t be the same without him next year, and judging by the contestant’s quality this year, I’m not sure if I will still follow it next year….

Taking a trip down memory lane, here is my review of the winners and runner ups of American Idol so far :

Season 1 : Kelly Clarkson vs Justin Guarini

I only started watching Idol from Season 2 onwards, but judging from how they are doing now, there’s absolutely no doubt who’s the winner here.

Season 2 : Ruben Studdard vs Clay Aiken

Back at those days, we were idolizing them like crazy, as if they were two of the greatest singers in the world. Looking back now, I realize how naïve I was back then. Sure, they were good, but they are not great. Where the hell is Ruben now? I still think that Clay is a better singer, but he’s just too broadway for mainstream pop.






Season 3 : Fantasia Barrino vs Diana Degarmo

It was the ladies’ year, and it was the year where Jennifer Hudson was supposed to win. But she was the first victim of people not voting because they think she would be save. So, in the end, Fantasia and Diana Degarmo (wtF??) went into the finals. We even got Jasmine Trias on top 3 (more wtF??).

Both ladies went into Broadway and doing OK there. Fantasia is definitely more unique compared to Diana.

Season 4 : Carrie Underwood vs Bo Bice

Right from the beginning (auditions / Hollywood week), I was hooked and knew who would win the season. No doubt about it. Grammy awards speaks for itself. Bo who? :P

It would be more interesting if Chris Daughtry got into the finals.






Season 5 : Taylor Hicks vs Katharine McPhee

How the hell did that old dude got into the finals, it still baffles me up to this day. Both finalist are just so-so, nothing special…. I remember that I watched this season just to see what Katharine would be wearing each week. Was not really interested in her singing :P

Season 6 : Jordin Sparks vs Blake Lewis

This is a classic case of singing vs entertaining. Jordin was clearly the better singer, but Blake was a very entertaining performer. Close fight, but nothing spectacular.

Season 7 : David Cook vs David Archuleta

The only season where I felt that the finalists are equally good, each with their own strengths. Didn’t really matter who won, because both are doing equally good now.

Season 8 : Kris Allen vs Adam Lambert

Here’s where we found out that most of the people who vote for AI are teenage girls and probably housewives who fantasize about getting it on with handsome boys. How else can you explain Kris Allen winning the season? I guess America is just not ready for Adam Lambert yet. But then again, look at their career now…..

Season 9 : Lee Dewyze vs Crystal Bowersox

The same thing happened again this year with Lee winning the title over Crystal, who is clearly the better singer and entertainer. Well, we’ll just see one year after….