From the time of the top 24, I've felt that this season's American Idol finalists weren't what they were last year. I mean last year, Kellie Pickler, Chris Daughtry, Katharine McPhee, and even Elliott Yamin (Ack!) none of which won the finale, came out with record deals and a great career underway. Last season I was on the edge of my seat from the 6th finalist on not really sure who would win because the competition was so fierce and matched so perfectly. By the end, I was clueless as to who would win, and to be honest I didn't really care. Taylor and Katharine are both talented and they both deserved it, although I do think Chris should have made it at least one more round (as opposed to Elliott).
I've not been as impressed with this year's finalists. I think for the most part they've all been talented (with the exception of Sanjaya). But did Melinda Doolittle's fantastic musical talent really represent America? This time around, its been a toss up for me as to who gets voted off each week--they all seemed mediocre compared to last season's finalists, and I can't forsee as many non-winners getting record deals. I've been impressed with Blake's daring style, surprised that with such a unique calling card he's made it to the finale. He's talented, he's cute, he's got a nice ballad-like voice when he's singing songs he hates. Jordin is amazingly talented at only 17, I can't imagine how terrific she'll sound in a few years, assuming of course she doesn't turn into a brittney or a christina. It was a terrific finale. But as Simon said last night, Blake was the entertainer and Jordin was the vocalist. Hands down, Jordin ruled the show.
There's my prediction, for what it's worth.
