The rumors about a "curly-haired" boy have been circulating for weeks. According to the Idol judges, this curly-haired boy is "the one to beat" in this year's Idol competition. And Tuesday night in Birmingham, we met Chris Sligh, a Jack Osbourne doppelganger, with a full head of "Justin Guarini" curls.
Could he be the "chosen one" they speak of?
In Entertainment Weekly, Randy Jackson said this year's winner would be "someone with curly hair." Simon said that one guy who stood out from the crowd, "has what I call the likability factor. He's not what I would call the typical American Idol because he's different... but everyone liked him.'' In the New York Post, Paula Abdul described the judges' favorite guy as someone resembling magician Penn Jillette.
Chris Sligh is extremely likable, and funny, and has that fabled "curly hair." He does resemble Penn Jillette in this photo on his website. And Chris certainly doesn't fit Simon's idea of what a "typical" American Idol looks like.
[Start rant] Of course, Simon is starting to piss me off. He keeps yammering about this one and that one not looking like a "typical" Idol. So far, our Idols (besides Carrie Underwood) have had very diverse looks. The American public doesn't seem to want Britney Spears/Jessica Simpson clones. And I just wish that after five seasons, Simon would admit that you don't have to look like a generic-blond-anorexic-Hollywood-sex-symbol in order to win American Idol. And he should stop acting surprised that Americans actually like contestants that don't fit his narrow preconceived idea of what an Idol looks like.[End of rant]
As far as Chris Sligh being the curly-haired guy to win this thing, who really knows? Even if he is the judges' favorite, he still needs to impress the American public. I know from the buzz on the internet that some of you are already won over by Chris. What about the rest of you? Do you think Chris Sligh is Top 12 material? Could Chris Sligh be the next American Idol?
[Via Reality TV Magazine]
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
2-03-2007 @ 11:28AM
Preston said...
I think that Chris Sligh might make the top 12, but might not win American Idol. His curly hair makes him different. And I liked his singing of Seal's Kiss From A Rose. He sang it with dynamic vocal ability. But as for Simon Cowell, he needs to stop thinking that every person that wins American Idol should have that typical, perfect pop star/Hollywood look, because that's not going to happen. I don't think that Chris looks like Jack Osbourne, Justin Guarini or Penn Jillette. Far from it. Chris has his own look and appearance to me, very hip and fresh at the same time.
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2-03-2007 @ 2:13PM
Chris H said...
I saw Chris on a UK showing of American Idol. I was so impressed I noted his name (which I've never done before) and when I got home I searched the net to learn more and find a sample to show my wife. This guy is amazing. If we ever get an album of Chris Sligh, I'm buying it but to be honest, he'd be wasted; he needs a TV show to realise all his talents. What a witty and skilled man.
Will he take Idol? Sadly, I doubt it because of the nature of the beast that votes but I doubt he shall go quietly into the wilderness and with a voice like that... why should he.
I'm a fan.
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2-10-2007 @ 7:03AM
Lisa said...
I saw him and couldn't stop grinning! I also noted his name and looked him up on the net - obviously. Good luck to him, he seems like a real person with a fantastic voice. Can't wait to see more!!
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2-15-2007 @ 9:00AM
Terrie said...
Lets hope the American public can open their eyes and see past what Simon calls the American Idol "look" and embrace Chris and his talents and vote for him. He blew us away with his audition and did very well in Hollywood. It would be nice to see an idol with a great sense of humor and a true talent of singing. Beauty comes from with-in and Chris and his smile shows us that. My family has never watched Idol through an entire season but Chris has us eager to cheer him to the top! Good luck and you have our vote Chris! We look forward to seeing you!
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2-15-2007 @ 3:53PM
JP said...
He has a really interesting blog
http://frommymindtoyoureyes.blogspot.com/
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2-15-2007 @ 1:24PM
DOC said...
Yes, Chris is our favorite. He is different and also talanted. Chris is also from our area (SC),
so that may also add to our interest in him. Good luck to all and congratulation in making it this far!
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2-16-2007 @ 11:22AM
Rebecca said...
When I saw this guy audtion I thought "WOW! He has a great presence. I bet he will win!" He is great on camera and has amazing confidence with out being cocky. My vote is for him, I'll buy his cd also.
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2-15-2007 @ 1:47PM
Tia said...
I also agree with the above comments, out of this years top 24, I think he is the only true standout and my favorite -- although I like the backup singer girl too. Chris is fun, a great singer and would make a great next AI. Go Chris!
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2-15-2007 @ 2:25PM
Stephen said...
In my household, there has never been a clearly unanimous contestant like Chris Sligh. Last year, we were divided between Chris Daughtry and Katherine McPhee. Two years ago, grandma and our son were rooting for Bo, my wife wanted Carrie, and I was in the middle. But this year, it's unanimous. We're all pulling for Chris Sligh. There isn't a close second for us right now.
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2-16-2007 @ 12:02AM
ginny said...
When I heard the snippet that got him into the top 24, I thought to myself that he was Julliard good. When I heard him say "You're probably wondering why I called this meeting", he sounded so naturally witty that I found myself grinning from ear to ear. Then Simon said that he wasn't the best singer in the competition -- surely that was to fake him out! I'm a diehard Idol fan and have had my favorites (Bo, for example), but this guy's voice is positively haunting.
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2-16-2007 @ 1:36AM
Meggz said...
YAY CHRIS! Chris is from my town, Greenville, SC! We're all rooting for him here, not only because hes a hometown boy, but because he is absolutly amazing!!!! I believe he is the best male singer ever on Idol, except for Chris Daughtry last year. Two totally different singing types, but he is amazing! I love the Chris's. I will be voting every week for you Chris!!! GOOD LUCK!!!!!
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2-17-2007 @ 12:03AM
Hazel said...
Chris is going to be a big winner wether he is voted Idol or not. He's a rare bird. He has a charisma that hasn't been seen in a while besides being a great singer. I see future stardom for this funny and lovable talent. Personally I think runner up would be the best gift as he would have the offers and the freedom to pick and choose the best ones. He's an instant star in the making.
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2-19-2007 @ 11:22PM
Sandy said...
Go Chris! The Fro Patro has got your back!
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2-21-2007 @ 11:00PM
Doug said...
I've known Chris for over 10yrs now. We went to college together (PCC & BJU) and then to the same church for 4 yrs (NHCC). He is a great guy with a voice that can silence the crowd - I've seen him do it. God has blessed him with a great voice and a kickin personality. I already have 2 of his Christian CDs and will be looking for some of his secular ones when they hit. Yeah, I'm fan. Everyone here in SC is cheering you on Chris. Keep it real bro and stay humble. Oh, and keep the heat up on shallow Simon. You are already a winner in our eyes.
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2-21-2007 @ 4:55PM
Mama D said...
I rarely watch the entire season of AI - I usually just wait until the last few weeks. However, thanks to Chris, I am watching every episode that he will be performing. I had already fell in love with the freshness of his performance and looks before my daughter told me that he was a local boy. That just makes it more exciting - but I would have been a Chris fan even if he had been from Outer Mongolia. And Meggz, I totally agree that the "Chris's" are the best. I am a total "Daughtry" fan.
Chris, Mama D from Piedmont, SC has your back!
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3-07-2007 @ 3:26AM
Tammie K. said...
While I dont usually feel passionate about contests, I must say that I was AMAZED by Chris Sligh and found myself hoping, wishing and praying he wins. He brought tears to my eyes when he sang "The love of a woman" and my co-workers all love him too! We tried to call the idol line to place our vote for him, but couldn't get through. Keep up the good work Chris because you deserve to win!!
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