America loves its singers, from Louis Armstrong to Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley to Barbra Streisand.
That affection is one reason American Idol registers so strongly with millions of viewers. Fans want a say in picking a singer who carries on the legacy of Bing Crosby and Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett and Patsy Cline.
The show's detractors may not know that Sinatra and Gladys Knight received a boost from such a show, The Original Amateur Hour. But those detractors are causing mischief by conducting a campaign for Sanjaya Malakar (pictured), one of the show's weaker singers.
A weak singer winning seems just so .
.. unfair.
Here are a few thoughts about the contest and Sanjaya:
1. I don't hate him. He seems like a sweet guy.
But he is on a show where his talent is judged. He does have to face that music. Saying critical things about someone doesn't mean you hate them.
2. He can't compare to the other performers. He doesn't have the power of Phil Stacey and LaKisha Jones, the style of Melinda Doolittle, the presence of Chris Richardson or the inventiveness of Blake Lewis.
He doesn't have the maturity of Jordin Sparks, who like Sanjaya, is also 17. People keep saying Sanjaya will find himself in the recording studio. Well, maybe.
But we have to judge him on his performances before the audience.
3. American Idol is more than a singing contest.
True. We have to see how the singers present themselves, move around the stage and work the crowd. But it is primarily a singing contest.
Never forget that.
4. If Sanjaya wins, that will ruin American Idol.
The show would take a hit, I'm sure. I don't think it would be the end, though, because America loves singers.
5.
Sanjaya is undeniably a showman. He has made the most of his tentative sweetness. He has done that by changing his hairstyles.
But you can't let your hair do the singing for you.
How do I think it will play out? Melinda is my favorite.
I think she is the best singer. I don't, however, think she will win. (Let's talk about fairness.
)
The contest will come down to Blake vs. Jordin (with Blake the probable winner). Both are worthy.
And both have more stage presence than Sanjaya, who plays to the camera.
How far can Sanjaya go? I think Phil and Chris are probably the next singers ejected.
Then either LaKisha or Sanjaya.
If Sanjaya gets that far, it will be a testament to his determination. His run so far has been amazing.
But in terms of singing, his run should end soon.
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