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Will 'Idol' crown youngest winner ever?

Posted: Tuesday, May 22, 2007 6:42 PM by Gael Fashingbauer Cooper
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I've beaten the drum for Blake Lewis before, but after Tuesday's show, it's hard to imagine anyone but Jordin Sparks walking away with the next "American Idol" crown. Try to remember being 17, if that age is in your rearview mirror. Now try to imagine a talent or skill that you had in which you could go up again adults with more than a decade of experience. Imagine standing toe-to-toe with them, as well as with professionals in that field, week after week with millions watching you, grading your performance, your looks, even your nervousness.

I don't know too many 17-year-olds who could pull that off. Yet even when her fellow teen, Sanjaya Malakar, was making the news for his outlandish hairstyles  and the disproportionate amount of attention he received, Jordin just stood back and kept pace with pros like Melinda Doolittle.

Simon Cowell said it repeatedly in the final performance show: Blake, with his beatboxing, his creative takes on songs, and his engaging manner, was the best performer of this "American Idol" season. And although Melinda Doolittle had an awesome voice, Jordin's vocals soared and she also had a personality to match her last name. It's been said over and over that while the show is supposed to be a singing competition, popularity and personality and performance all come into play. Jordin, at her tender age, combines more of those three than any other singer who took the "Idol" stage this year -- and yes, that includes you, Sanjaya.

Should she become the youngest-ever "American Idol" on Wednesday night, it will be truly deserved.

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Comments

I have always liked Jordin. I really hope she wins. She has an amazing voice

Msrsha, Bradley,IL (Sent Tuesday, May 22, 2007 10:25 PM)

I'm just not invested in this year's show. There wasn't one AHA or WOW moment like in the past. I still remember Fantasia's Summertime, and Bo Bice's acapella performance. Those were WOW moments. I can't remember one WOW moment this year - It came close with Melinda's Nutbush performance, which was spectacular. But neither of these two Blake or Jordin blew me away. We shall see what type of career they have, but that winning song isn't a hit song.

Sally (Sent Tuesday, May 22, 2007 10:43 PM)

Jordin is boring, same old, same old, just doesn't have a distinct voice,what is she offering new?.....American Idol is not just a singing competition, if that is the case, call it American Singer. An idol has to be different, risky, creative,something new, refreshing,......Go Blake!

cathy (Sent Tuesday, May 22, 2007 11:38 PM)

It should have been Melinda and Jordin in the finals. I will have to say Jordin outsang Blake on this night. Jordin sparkled, especially in the last two songs.

Henry, Kansas City, Missouri (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:55 AM)

Jordin has that young sweetness,cuteness to her.She is very likeable without being trampy or going overboard,She has a fantastic voice and a wonderful personality. She was there to sincerly try to win the contest. There were a couple of young girls that were trying to win on things other than their voice. Hillary for example was not a great singer,she was thete for the short shorts and skirts.

Terri,Dearborn Michigan (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:56 AM)

The winning song sucked and was totally written for Jordin, not Blake. It was out of his comfort zone and definitely cost him the American Idol win. However I disagree that there were no WOW moments this season. "You Give Love a Bad Name" was, in my opinion, one of the best, most original performances on American Idol ever. I love Blake and I can't wait to see what he comes up with for a CD.

Shellie, UT (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:01 AM)

I think Blake is the best, still think Melinda should win, but now even if he doesn't win , I predict he will be more successful then Jordin in the future!

Dani, Kealakekua, HI (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:16 AM)

I think both Blake a Jordin did a great job. Jordin sang the last song really well, but I think the genre of the last song gave jordin a slight advantage.

Raymond, Carlson City, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:44 AM)

Everybody keeps commenting about Jordin's age. This is entirely beside the point. Simply put, she is the best new singer to come along in a generation. Even her breakdown at the end of the show had terrific style and sincerity. I am completly hooked.

Joel Prescott, Wickenburg, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:56 AM)

Melinda was a great singer, but no personality, Phil was better than Blake and I do think Jordin deserves to win A.I....She is young but well deserving of this big win...She is what American needs for this competition...Clean,taleted, beautiful and a inspiration for all young and old alike..SAS

SAS (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:12 AM)

Melinda was excellent the whole way - she didn't get much early TV time and just blew everyone away the first five weeks - and then came the backlash that she was just too good and too much of a pro. Jordin was not that good early on at all. I want her to win now but I think Melinda was the best. I will havve to say I did like Jordin'ts Bon jovi take when everyone else was saying she sucked - i thought she rocked it. I would also have to say this - just as with every popular vote about everything everyone tries to make it sound like some universal trend has just occurred. it could be that Jordin peaked at the right time and Melinda didnt' have most teenagers texting. She will be fine. But i wanted he in the final instead of a guy who CAN'T SING.

Rock (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:44 AM)

picked this gal from the start. truly a beautiful voice to match what i believe is a sellable look. she will be a cross over artist as well and will sell millions in at least two categories. good luck jordin

jeff (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:38 AM)

Jordin is da bomb!!She surely deserves to win this,Lewis is good too but i'm all for Jordin.She's got a wonderful voice n performance at her young age.

joan adero,milan,italy (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:11 AM)

I am just so thrilled that Jordin made it this far. I have been placing my bets on her from the beginning. Never has anyone singer brought tears to my eyes as Jordin Sparks, this will be the one Idol cd that I will buy !!

Pam, Cadillac, Michigan (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:55 AM)

I've thought from the beginning that Jordin has what it takes -- love her voice, her presence, her occasional sassiness. Her last song, and the reprise of Broken Wing, were excellent. She connects with her audience, can be vulnerable, learns on the run, and still, somehow, seems 17 -- I love it! I hope she wins, so that Blake can be a super runner-up with a career that's a lot of fun before him. Jordin is great and will only get better over the years.

Melissa (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:06 AM)

Age has nothing to do with it. Jordin has been performing for a long time. Blake is the best singer and performer overall. He's got versatility and a great look and performance. Jordin can only sing...which won't do well on tour. Jordin can sell CD's, Blake can sell a tour and CD's

Terry, MD (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:10 AM)

Jordin is more than a good performer, she has qualities like Phil Stacey and Melinda Doolittle in that displays character within competition. I think she'd be a great role model and I would be thrilled to see her crowned the next American Idol, tonight.

Sarah S., Chattanooga, TN (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:46 AM)

Jordin should win being that she definitely has the best singing voice. However, I think in the next year we will see Blake put out the better album. Like Simon and you said he IS the best performer because he invests all of himself into every moment before and during each performance. When he releases his cover of Shot Through The Heart it will sell through the roof!

Rob L Marcus Hook PA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:14 AM)

When you read the small print at the end of the show and you will see that the producers have the right to make the final decision. After watching Tuesday night, I do not believe Blake had more votes than Melinda, I believe the producers stepped in and Melinda was removed so Jordan would't have any real competition. AOL is not a competition, it's a business and Jordan will fit more into todays business of hip hop music and meet the demands of the teenage/middle age music demands. AOL did not want to take a chance on another Tyler Hicks who is older looking and low on the music charts.

Ellis (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:20 AM)

Seriously? Melinda's Nutbush performance? That was a boring, uninspired, old fashinoned performance and probably the reason she did not make the final.

Dee, Miami (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:26 AM)

That song that won the contest was horrible. It saddens me to think that's the best songwriting in the whole country! Also it was obviously skewed toward a voice like Jordin's. Blake kind of reminded me of Justin Guarini having to sing "A Moment Like This" against Kelly Clarkson, except Justin was a better singer. Lucky for me, I'm a big Jordin fan, and she was fantastic. She deserves to win.

Laurah, Southampton, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:43 AM)

The problem with the show this season had nothing to do with the performers -- it was the production itself. Let's face it -- while Bon Jovi and J Lo were great choices as guest coaches, Barry Gibb was a disaster. His songs weren't that good in the 60s, and they were were now, and those teeth -- puhleez. And that original song last night -- neither performer sounded good with that. It was the show that stumbled, not the singers. If you want us back next year, guys, get it together.

Idol Fan, Miami FL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:48 AM)

I think Blake would be creatively miserable as the winner of American Idol. Jordin, however, would be happy as a clam - totally in her element. But it hasn't been as interesting to me since Melinda was prematurely eliminated.

Jane, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:51 AM)

Last night's finale was fun to watch. Blake nailed his break-out song again with "You Give Love A Bad Name," but Jordin took a brand new song in the first set and ROCKED THE HOUSE. Blake's second song by Maroon 5 was good but not great (for this stage of the game). Jordin then took won of her break-out songs, "Broken Wing," and once again nailed it. Then there's the final song, "This Is My Now," that both sang...No contest...Jordin wiped the floor with Blake (to no fault of Blake's, that's not his genre). Jordin, Blake and Melinda are all set up for bright futures in their own right regardless of where the official "AI" title is attached. But, back to that "AI" title, move over Blake, Jordin reeled it in last night.

Brian, NC (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:56 AM)

I have not had time to watch American Idol. But a lot of people have. It is very popular. E-mail me some insightful information.

Eddie Bowles, Charleston, WV (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:57 AM)

I think there definitely was a WOW moment from Jordin. When she sang "Walk Alone" that is such an awesome song and for someone her age to belt it out as she did on one of the shows, I am sure a lot of people said WOW and had chills running up and down their

lee, nj (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:10 AM)

Truly this isn't the best idol. I believe the Sanjaya fiasco has soured it for me. I love American Idol, in fact no one is aloud to call at that time. I was an avid voter. This year I was not. I do believe Jordan Sparks, Blake and Melinda are the best, all different in there styles. They are all winners, but the next American Idol should be Jordan.

Karen Orosco, Lackawanna, NY (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:13 AM)

Jordin won hands down. She outperformed Blake who can only perform if he beep boxes (or however it is spelled)and he still does not outperform her. She has a tremendous voice and knows how to use it. She is awesome, especially the last song. As Simon said, "she wiped the floor with Blake on that last one". Go Jordin, and good luck. You are incredible. God be with you. I constantly voted all 4 hours last night; hopefully, it helped. I'm counting on her to win tonight!

Peggy Counts, Huntsville, AL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:24 AM)

Jordin all the way! What incredible poise she has and what a vocal range. I will be there to buy her first CD!

Wendy Gorham, Ft. Mohave, AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:38 AM)

Blake has no business in being in the final two or final four or five for that matter. That was proven last night! Jordin Sparks like Simon said, SWEPT THE FLOOR with Blake last night. The “American Idol” gets a Record deal and has to be able to sell those records. A “performer” with no singing voice can sell shows at NY or Vegas but cannot sell records or be heard in the radio, a couple of past Idol winners can attest to that fact (i.e. Taylor Hicks?). Jordin Sparks is not like “Idol Greatest” Carrie Underwood or even Kelly Clarkson, but she is only Seventeen and has the potential to be just as great in the years to come. America will get it Right tonight; Jordin Sparks is the 2007 American Idol!

Aurora, Co. (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:42 AM)

Blake is the American Idol!! Entertainment is the key.......and yes, Jordin has a great voice she is not entertaining...if you could win a ticket to see Jordin or Blake in concert would you want a good voice or someone that is both entertaining and a good singer? ENTERTAINING........thats Blake!!

Kathy Raleigh, MS (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 9:47 AM)

Blake's beatboxing makes for an interesting change in some dull music but you have to be able to sing a variety of songs and be able to show true emotions. That last song really showed how naked Blake is without his beatboxing. Can't always rely on a gimmick to get you through. Jordan truly is the singer. Melinda was and is better then either of them, but her ousting was based on popularity and entertainment rather then singing which is what this show is about. Blake should have gone, not her. Blake may have the former qualities but Jordan is the best SINGER of the two. Therefore, she deserves to win. And if she doesn't, the people voting have turned this show into a joke, again- remember Taylor- who?

Janet Sprague, Medway, ME (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:06 AM)

I can only hope that Doolittle gets some great breaks. She has a great voice.

Charlie Lefever, Pa. (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:17 AM)

I just don't care anymore. I was a huge idol fan the past few years but this season did not do it for me.

Sandi, Atlanta, GA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:17 AM)

I agree with Sally. Kept waiting for the "goosebump" moment and it never came. The winning song isn't for everybody, and it was unfair to judge based on two totally different vocals applied to the same song.

Patty, Canada (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:22 AM)

Jordin will go a long way with her talent(voice. That is permanent. Her maturing will only bring out her charming,sincere personality,and that will take her along way,like so many other young entertainers. Blake's style is fine for now, but just like most fads, will diminish,and as he proved with many different song types, he isn't comfortable doing much else. Good luck to JORDIN!!

Pat, Menomonee Falls, WI (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:26 AM)

I agree with Sally - the biggest "wow" of all the seasons was Fantasia's "Summertime" performance. I was blown away that Melinda was voted off. I guess maybe others thought like I did that she was a "shoe-in" so we didn't need to vote. But she will come out of this big. I love Blake's uniqueness but I think Jordin needs to win.

Kay - Sterling, VA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:32 AM)

I'll be happy with either outcome. Both finalists have tremendous strengths, but are completely different. Jordin has a powerhouse voice that comes to her naturally. And I'm not saying she doesn't put her heart and sould into it each week, but Blake is the first contestant I've ever seen to put so much effort into each of his performances to make them unique and really own it. And that gives him an edge as far as I'm concerned. I compare it to Madonna - she is not nearly as good as her peers in terms of vocal ability. But her style and performances made her the biggest female pop star of all time. I get sick of hearing that this is "a singing competition". That's not all it is - and they know it.

Amanda, Oklahoma City, OK (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:33 AM)

Blake is a one-trick pony (with the whole beatbox thing). Take that out and he has just a fairly nice (if a bit reedy) voice. Jordin, on the other hand) has a massive voice...with wonderful range and a beautiful tone. Her "I Who Have Nothing" was awesome. Hope she wins!

Lynne Arnold, Jackson, TN (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:41 AM)

While I think Jordin will likely win, I find Blake much more compelling as a person. I have the same issue with Jordin as I last year with Katherine McPhee giddy and vanilla, despite great vocals. To be a star, you need more than sweetness. I hope Blake proves us all he's the winner despite the votes, as Daughtry did.

Liz Smith, Washington, DC (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:46 AM)

Last night Jordin made me cry with her final performance of the night, she was great I think that she should be the next American Idol!!!

\tina Adams Zanesville Ohio (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:06 AM)

Jordin Sparks is the best thing to happen to American Idol. After opening up the format to older performers, those with professional experience seemed to dominate the competition. Sparks brings back the magic! Discovering a genuine talent only 17 years old, with the personality and musical range of a young Celine Dion, is the essence of the American Idol premise. An unknown with genuine talent rises to stardom-- move over Elvis, let the sparks fly!

Richard, Elk Grove, California (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:22 AM)

She's Awesome!!! I'm hoping that for nexy year I'll be able to carry on the legacy of young American Idol Stars. Jordin, you have given me so much hope! Thanks you so much and God Bless you! I hope and Pray you win!

Sami, Gary, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:26 AM)

Jordin has a fantastic voice and a stage presence all her own. She deserves the whole thing, as Randy said last night. Blake, who is very creative just doesn't have what it takes to win what is supposed to be a "singing" competition. I'm glad it's likely that the best singer will win this year. That wasn't the case last year which is unfortunate.

Tashina, Rogers, AR (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:29 AM)

Melinda was by far the best vocalist! Jordin has what it takes to be the "American Idol" she can sing anything and give it justice. I thought the last song was beautiful.Coodos to the writers!

Joan Orr (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:34 AM)

This year's American Idol has had the best of the best vocalists. Jordin has been one of the best since the beginning, and I believe she will win 2007 American Idol!

Shelley, St. Louis, MO (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:37 AM)

I think Blake is a cutie! His self-taught talent is behind his years as well! I don't think that power vocals are the "everything" they used to be, so really hope he wins.

Kelly, Fort Worth, TX (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:40 AM)

I really enjoy Jordin, but I'm still pulling for Blake. The end song was what might have done him in. Come on! it was Horrible for anyone to sing, but Blake didn't stand a chance. He's way to eddgy and modern for it. If Jordin wins, good for her, but I'll be waiting to see what type of music Blake puts out.

Rachel, Appleton WI (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:00 PM)

The author is mistaken about Jordin's "nervousness". She is a seasoned veteran with several years of competition under her belt, probably more competition than Blake. She is no novice. Check out her wiki.

Darlene, state of Maine (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:44 PM)

Who cares? For me Sanjaya is the winner.

Ray, LA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:46 PM)



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