Is American Idol really about singing?

So if you have been hooked by the oh-so-popular show, you are probably as stunned as I am not only that Antonella Barba lasted as long as she did, but that Sanjaya made the top 12. It really does beg the question that Simon is often asking, "Is this really a singing competition?"

Well, yes, and no. It is a popularity contest, and part of what makes you popular is a good voice. But that is not everything. CLearly, looks plays a role, especially for the girls. How else do you explain Antonella making it into the top 20? Personlaity also plays a role, as defined by Sanjaya, who certainly lacks the powerful voice (although it's not bad, just weak) but is seen as such a sweetheart that he pulls in votes.

But would it be better run as a radio contest? I think we would be more likely to choose the ultimate singer, but so much of artist's success is media driven, not just talent driven. And the Media loves pretty, personable people. I find it amusing that it is now so often Simon who is bothered by the way the voting is going, when it was he who in the choosing process told people that they "looked," or "didn't look," like an American Idol. An idol is someone admired, and beauty is something that most of us admire. We are not unthinking though - not every idol has been a true "looker."