Thoughts on Idol

So Carrie Underwood, a simple country girl from Oklahoma, is our new American Idol (not that I watch the show or anything). Judging from her singing abilities, I'd say America probably made the right choice. She was, after all, the stereotypical choice for the title (cute-faced, Southern belle with a strong voice, much like Kelly Clarkson), but I almost expected that the runner-up rocker, Bo Bice, may have been able to snare the position based on his uniqueness. I guess America thought it should play it safe once again and pick the person with simply the most vocal talent over stage presence.

But is winning American Idol really a good gauge of future success? Let's just put it this way: has anyone heard jack about Ruben Studdard or Fantasia whatsername lately? Didn't think so. At least that guy Clay Aiken got some recognition, and he was a runner-up.

Hmm...I hate to pull out the race card, but anyone remember this from last year?

British Rock star Elton John, a guest judge this month on the U.S. talent hunt TV series "American Idol," said on Tuesday that he found the voting by the national viewing audience "incredibly racist."

John, who heard the wannabe pop stars perform his songs during an appearance on the FOX TV show, added his voice to a chorus of dissent that followed last week's shock exit of black vocalist Jennifer Hudson, considered one of the top talents among those vying for a recording contract.

"The three people I was really impressed with, and they just happened to be black, young female singers, and they all seem to be landing in the bottom three," said John, commenting on the tally in which the lowest vote-getter is eliminated.

Now, I'm definitely not one of those ultra-PC people that will immediately point to racism whenever there is an injustice (or seemingly so) that is wrought. However, I still think it's interesting that neither Ruben or Fantasia ever seemed to get much time in the spotlight despite their "Idol" status. Does America still have a race issue? The debate rages on...