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While I despise AI, I am fascinated by the business and fame side of it. The thing the losers have over the winners is that they are not bound to AI's contract when it's over, so they are able to choose projects that better suit them rather than whatever crap the AI powers-that-be make them do, giving them a better chance at success.

This is borne out by the fact that the successful winners, like Kelly Clarkson, only became successful after their AI commitments expired. Kelly's first album and movie, both mandated by AI, were flops. It was only when she was able to make an album that was not controlled by AI that she won all those Grammys.

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I wouldn't exactly call her first album a flop (the movie? very much so), but relative to the award-winning second album, I see your point.

Country music is big. This explains why Carrie Underwood has done quite well as well as some of the "losers" you speak of like Kellie Pickler and Josh Gracin.

Then there's the "shoulda won" candidates like Chris Daughtry and (even though I'm not his biggest fan) Clay Aiken. Heck if I wasn't such a Kelly fan, I'd lump Tamyra Gray there as well.

As Allen mentioned, it's all quite interesting.

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Remember that Nine Management (I think that's the name) has the first option on ALL AI contestants. They signed most of them last year except Elliot. Elliot was allowed to sign the record deal he wanted with the record company he wanted, so it will be interesting to see what happens with him.

I do agree that not winning has it's benefits but AI has learned from the past too. If Carrie had won the first year she would have been forced to be a pop singer and not country. I saw a special on Bo on CMT and it seemed that he basically had to record what they wanted him to record and he didn't get to use his band as his back up band. So not winning sometimes means poor management and lack of PR too.

It sounds like Taylor had a bit more say in things and maybe that was his age and experience paying off too. He actually turned down the first single they wanted him to sing and did the best with "Do I Make You Proud" which was the second one they gave him. He got more of his own material on his first album than any other AI winner. But his personality is what stood out for him and you can't get that through a cd. I would pay to see him in person but have no desire to buy a cd. So hopefully they will figure out how to capitalize on that.

What brings me back is the singing and I start watching seriously when they get to Hollywood. Each year we get a different type of personality and style and it's interesting to see how America reacts to that. It's great mindless entertainment.

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How does selling 1.5 million records not make you successful? Fantasia is already on her second album which is poised to do well.

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Have we forgotten Clay Aiken's success? Since season 2 he has gone at least triple platinum with his first album, Measure of a Man. He has 2 other cd's as well that have topped the charts and has gone on multiple tours each year since he placed second to Ruben Studdard in season 2.

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I agree - Clay and Fantasia did sell a lot of albums, but neither of them have had the cross-over success and critical acclaim of Kelly Clarkson. Actually when she won season 1, I was surprised she had made it that far. But my opinion of her changed after I heard her belting out "Since you been gone" on the radio. Carrie Underwood has not had the crossover success, but huge country success and she is everywhere you look. Fantasia has sold a lot of albums, but I wouldn't recognize one of her songs if it said "my name is fantasia" repeatedly. I actually watched her movie, just to figure out what she looked like and what she sang, because she was the winner that disappeared for all I could tell.

Clay sells millions of records, but as far as I can figure, he has never had a single song played on the radio and will never be taken seriously by critics, or anybody for that matter. I liked the idea of Clay winning, but I would never actually buy one of his bland barry manilow albums. The fact that he lost and every album he releases is nothing but covers, doesn't really say much for his talent.

Ruben is the least successful winner. Oh wait, no he he isn't that would go to the how the hell did he actually win Taylor Hick(s). Talk about boring, boring, boring. It's like saying Michael McDonald of 70s and 80s fame could have a career today. And hell, we was never what one would consider an "idol". Soul Patrol - blah! Of course, McPhee wasn't all that either.

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First I have to say I like Clay Aiken and Taylor Hicks. I don't think Taylor is the least successful. I think Rueben is. I think we need to give Taylor some time since he is the most recent winner. I don't like Carrie Underwood. I wouldn't know one of her songs if it hit me in the face. As I wouldn't know a single song of Fantasias either.
Yes some of the "losers" are doing very well. Josh was really good, I did like Bo but haven't heard to much about him other then he has had a few health problems. As for Chris he was good but for a while there it always sounded like he was screaming. Guess that's the whole rocker thing. Not my cup of tea. I don't see Kelly Pickler's show really making it but we will see. I will reserve anymore judgement on Taylor till I hear a second cd. However I do like his first one.

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Both Fantasia and Ruben's first albums went platinum. Ruben's second album, a gospel album did very well in the gospel arena. Justin Guarini from season one's album was great, but the problem was they market it wrong. He should have been doing N-SYNC, BACKSTREET BOYS type music because the young white girls liked him, but instead they created an older sounding R&B album for you which wasn't credible for the R&B audience, and out of touch with young white girls. So the album tanked. But if you listened to the album you will find it is actually really good.

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Sometimes it depends on the listening public. They are very fickle sometimes with these former American Idols that are now professiconal singers. But even if they won it or lost it, they need to get their faces out there! Perform live shows, record albums, diversify their entertainment profile and so forth. Don't think that being on TV will get you over or we'll WALK AWAY from you! Kelly Clarkson knew how she wanted her second album to sound with the rock feel. She didn't like the Mariah Carey-ish pop leanings of her debut. Carrie Underwood aggressively promoted her album by doing live concerts last year. Fantasia is well loved by listeners and her second album is doing well. Even if Ruben Studdard's The Return hasn't performed as well as Soulful, I love it! I've played it over and over. Clay Aiken is going to be fine despite some image problems--his 2006 album has sold respectably. Taylor Hicks put out a good first album. Chris Daughtry's band Daughtry has been killing the competition as of late with their debut! Even outselling Taylor Hicks! I think that Idol needs to let the annual winners be more of themselves and stop pushing this pop sound on their first album. It doesn't work! Cramming hit making producers and expecting a quick hit on their debut isn't going to cut it--let the singers be themselves and have their own personal vocal style. That why some reviewers didn't like their debuts.Taylor is probably one of the first that HATED his first single! He might not be singing it now. I like his album far more than Do I Make You Proud. That's why he wanted that soul/blues hybrid sound and his own control on his debut. And why would you call a second effort a "disappointment" just because it didn't sell as well? It's hard to top a successful debut and these artists still have loyal fan bases. As if you want it to sell 7 to 8 million or something and that's impossible!
And I was happy that Jennifer Hudson won a Golden Globe Award Monday night for Dreamgirls. All this, and she doesn't have her own full first album of new music out. If she went through that Idol machine, they would have flooded it with 15 different top producers on her debut and it would have tanked. She has too strong a soulful voice to go through that mess.
On the other hand, there were some other artists' albums that I liked, such as John Stevens', Kimberly Locke and Jasmine Trias' albums. They didn't win either, but they made albums that displayed their personal vocal styles.

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I was very proud of Jennifer Hudson on the award that she won. I hope that along with her talent in singing she also sticks with acting. Watch her closely she might one day become the best movie actress. Go HUDSON!!!!!!! PROUD OF YOU GIRL. IF SHE IF READING THIS I WOULD SAY TO HER FORCUS ON YOUR GOALS OF BECOMING SUCCESSFUL. DON'T LET IT ALL GO TO YOUR HEAD AND BE HUMBLE IN THE ENTERTAINMENT WORLD.

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Taylor Hicks has not yet released a single from his CD. No doubt his album (which is excellent, by the way,) will sell more once the single is released. I believe they've finally decided on "Just To Feel That Way" as the single. Taylor performed that song on the "Ellen" show yesterday. Hopefully he will be promoting it some more and radio stations will begin playing it. It's really too soon to judge Taylor as a success or failure, since his album has hardly been out and there's been no single yet.

I don't understand Daughtry's success. I think he mainly just screamed angrily into the microphone, gave what he thought were brooding looks into the camera, and was somewhat of a one-trick pony. I look forward to seeing what Elliott does, as he and Taylor are both (IMHO) more talented than Daughtry.

Kellie had a cute personality, and I think it was wise of her to accept a sitcom deal. She could have success in that sort of endeavor.

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It's funny how you failed to mention Jennifer Hudson
who may well be on the road to winning an Oscar and
the best femle singer that Anerican Idol has showcased
thus far..she has already won a golden globe award. that has got to be a first for an American Idol..So
simple simon can eat crow with some hot sauce..

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And Kimberley Locke 3rd from season 2 has had 2 #1 adult contemporary songs and will be in the new season of CELEBRITY FIT CLUB on VH1 in March and the new Jenny Craig spokesperson as well as having her second cd to be released this year

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As many fans as Clay Aiken has, there are always going to be those who diss him. They would all have to admit the man can sing though. I have every cd (including the holiday ones) and I will say I havent heard a better more polished voice to come out of Idol yet. All of them are doing great and I wish them nothing but success.

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Fantasia has a hardcore fan base whether you want to believe it or not. Her first album was platnum, by industry standards that makes her successful and in doing so it broke some billboard records. Her first album was nominated for FOUR grammies...no one else has had that kind of recognition straight out of the gates...not even Miss Kelly Clarkson. Several singles from Fantasia's album is in heavy rotation on radio stations all over the country.

Just because YOU don't follow Fantasia's career does not make her unsuccessful. I'm so sick of seeing critics say this without considering the entire picture. Next time do a little research (album sales don't tell the whole story) before you brand her in this light...cause in reality...she's doing just fine.

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How about the success of someone cut before the top 12 chosen - Josh Strickland of season two now stars on broadway in the lead role of "Tarzan"

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Jenifer Hudson is a GOD's send for all girl's her age.
I'm very proud of her win at the Golden Globes and I hope she goes very far in the business like get an Oscar and hopefully get a Grammy. She getting the accolades now and they are going to keep coming for her.I know about the Hollywood staple of being as fit as Beyounce,Jenifer Lopez,Britney Spears, Angelina Jolie,ect.. but there are alot of people who are like Jenifer Hudson and Monque,Queen Latifah,Ms.Franklin, Starr Jones,Ms.Winfrey(before the lost of weight) Ect..
These People showed that they have the gift and the talent that God has given them regardless of their weight. Hollywood and people in general should let people be and let all people get the chance to sing,act.. or whatever without being judged, it should be the talent instead of eyecandy all the time to stay in the business. All people should have that chance to enter the world of Show Business,Getting a Job, Find Love and just be accepted for who they are and the talent and the kindness they possess within.

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All I have to say is Jennifer Hudson.
Remember Alfred Hitchcock never won an Oscar for directing and seeing as he is considered to be the best movie director who ever lived, that says it all....

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To answer your question "Is it better to lose Idol?" YES!!

Winning American Idol is meaningless. So why should we bother getting vested anymore.

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How can the author of this be serious??? Its totally assinine to state that Taylor Hicks' CD has done 'poorly'....FOR PETES SAKE THE CDE CAME OUT LESS THAN A MONTH AGO!

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