Okay, first, let me make clear that I never watched the show before this season, and I have hardly been a religious viewer this year. But I have to confess that I now see the attraction of the show. Everyone who watches it has an opinion, and here I am, tossing my two cents into the vast and pointless sea of thought-pennies on the subject.

First, I think all the final four are extremely talented. I was sorry to see Chris Sligh go, and there's certainly no justice in the fact that Phil Stacey survived five weeks longer than Sligh. I also can't make sense of Stephanie Edwards being voted off so early. What's not to like?

But seriously, I can't imagine who will win this contest.

I have a feeling Melinda will the next one to get the axe, despite her incredible talent, because she simply lacks the charisma and stage presence of the others.

Lakisha has a certain sexiness and charm, but she and Melinda share a major flaw that is also, ironically, their greatest strength. They are both incredibly good at singing a type of song that is simply no longer in demand. I mean, everyone loves Aretha Franklin, but in 2007, is there much demand for another Aretha Franklin? I mean, think about it. If all four of these people had CDs out right now that pretty much reflected their performances so far, would you really buy Melinda's or Lakisha's? If your answer is yes, chances are that, like me, you are over the age of 40. If you answered yes and are below the age of 30, I suspect you are in the minority (or that you are not being entirely honest with yourself).

As for Blake, well, Blake has been a favorite of mine from day one, but I can't shake the feeling that Blake may actually be a dork who could fall easily into the Backstreet Boys/Boys2Men category of pop acts that appeal mostly to junior high school girls. I really don't know. It also seems possible that, once freed of the constraints of the whole American Idol format, he could become a seriously cool performer who will continue to be popular for years.

Simon always emphasizes that the show is a singing contest, but if that was really all it was, there's no doubt it would come down to a showdown between Lakisha and Melinda. But there's that four-letter word in the title of the show.

Can Melinda be an idol? No.

Can Lakisha be an idol? Maybe.

Can Blake? Maybe.

But Jordin. Jordin seems to be the one best suited to the job description "idol." She's a great singer, she's ridiculously young, and, let's face it, she's hot. Not hot in a Jennifer Lopez way, but definitely hot in an all-around way. Although she sometimes comes off as shallow and artificially chipper, keep in mind she's still in high school. She's certainly no moron of the Brittany Spears variety. I think she has "It".

No matter how it turns out, I would be surprised if all four are not making a living as singers (and not backup vocalists) this time next year.

--------------------------------------------------------------
Matt Thorn

Department of Comics Production

Kyoto Seika University