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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 am SO bummed that 1) Blake gave Jordin the closing performance slot to be a gentleman but it proved to shoot him in the foot and 2) that song from the "songwriting" contest was bland, awful, and completely NON Blake. He didn't stand a chance even though he was the most unique singer among the group. I'm from Seattle so obviously I am partial, but I really wanted this to go to Blake. It's not that Jordin isn't great because she IS - but she is great in a way that a lot of singers are - and that is simply put, great at singing and not much else. She didn't have much showmanship - and frankly I thought her version of Christina's "Fighter" was BEYOND boring and not even close to where the original was at.

Christa, Seattle, WA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:52 PM)

I have watched all Idol finals thus far, and will not miss the final tonight. But geez, who really is the 2007 American Idol? Nothing against Jordin or Blake, but I do not think either is worthy of holding such title. Without a doubt, this is the worst two that have showed up in the finals. You cannot blame them (Jordin & Blake)for being where they are. They are in the runoff for the title because of the Judges who voted for them in the prelims (chance to get to Hollywood) and for us who voted them in for the finals. Maybe if we all looked back at this entire season, we would have stuck with Sanjaya all the way to the title. Is he (Sanjaya) really any worse off then these two will face in the future of the music / recording business?

Tony Bianco, Fort Worth, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 12:57 PM)

Jordin is amazing, and hands down will win. Blake is really really cool and modern but face it he really cant sing that well, he should join a band and beatbox and background sing, not win American Idol

Juliana T, Hopkinton MA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:05 PM)

You're right on Sally! Melinda should be on that stage tonight and crowned the ultimate winner!! Good luck Melinda ... I can't wait for your first cd!

Linda Patt, Boca Raton, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:17 PM)

Jordin is a fantastic young woman with a potentionally great career ahead if she wins. Blake has a music style that is not my own,but he is equally talented in his own rite.He will go far with hi type of music that attracts young adults.They should both be equally pround of accomplishing the task of getting to the final two.Good luck kids!

Diane Davis (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 1:50 PM)

Kelly Clarkson is still the best American Idol. She had it all in one neat package.

Debra (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:05 PM)

hello. i think blake should win because he can actually sell a record that would be contemporary and could actually be internationally recognized. His taste in music is awesome and he knows exactly who he is. Jordin on the other hand is amazing as an artist and as a teenager, but i think she sings songs that are too old for her.

housam silim, nairobi, kenya (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:22 PM)

I've watched American Idol every year and would say this year did not start off as good as the other years.But I think it will end as good.Jordon is 17 but what a voice and Blake is good at what he does but really how far can that take him and will it last.Jordon has the sound that will last forever like Sammie.Frank and Dean. She is just that good. If we get right American Idol will have the youngest winner in her.But Good Luck to Both.They are already both winners.

Donna Puckett Dallas,Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 2:33 PM)

As much as I have to root for Jordin, seeing Melinda leave last week made the whole thing sort of anti-climactic. I was hoping to see a finale with her and Jordin, because I think they both very much deserved to be there. Blake is great, he's definately got a voice that reminds me of a lot of the stuff on the radio; but Melinda or Jordin deserve the title more. The thing about Jordin is that she can only improve from here, I think she will find success whether she is crowned tonight or not.

Natalie, Phoenix AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:01 PM)

Marketably speaking - Jordin has it hands down. The way I see it, she can excel with her singing voice, be a 'fresh face' of some cosmetic company, be picked in some teen choice award category, begin an acting career and if she gets any chunkier, she could become a spokes person for Jenny Craig. (I mean that in the nicest way.) She has a lot of choices ahead of her. As for Blake - I can only hope some pop rocker/group, takes him under his/her wing and help him utilize his voice for singing. Why? Because that beat boxing he does, while clever, is not that marketable. You don't see that many rappers doing that these days. While I actually thought he could be the next Justin Timberlake, he will need to do more singing than beatboxing. Otherwise, you can only expect to see him as the guest beatboxer backing up Kanye West or Christina Aguillar.

cris (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:09 PM)

I don't think Jordin deserves to be this season's American Idol, not all of her performances in this season were good enough for her to win, I prefer Blake to Jordin, but still I think Melinda should of won this season with out a doubt, all of Melinda's performances were nothing but GREAT every single one of them, and in my opinion I think Blake would do a good American Idol.

Carla, Denver, cO (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:23 PM)

i sure hope jordin wins> i am pulling for her!!

DEBBIE PERDUE (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:26 PM)

I have to say, I have always been an AI fan, watched every season, but this year I just don't care as much. It stopped meaning anything when someone like Sanjaya could stay in the competition for much longer than he should have because of places like Vote for the worst. And the pre-season hardly showed anyone besides the really weird and lousy singers. I am not that invested in it and haven't watched for a few weeks. Unless they do something to help correct the voting problems, I will probably not bother watching next year either.

Julie (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:27 PM)

jordin really sparked tonite with that non-hit winning song they chose. i heard there were much better songs that didnt get included by the idol team, which was a shame...oh, melinda should have won this season still~

brett, ca (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 3:33 PM)

I think that blake should win. because he is such a hottie WOW. And hes a really good beatboxer. He can really wow a crowd and i like that.....he really wowed me this season i am very glad that be made it to the show. Shake & Blake.. I think that is amazing how far hes gotten i really hope he wins this he has had my vote from the first time he sang.....Oh baby

Jordan, Port Orchard, WA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:19 PM)

Who cares, now that Melinda has been voted off? The American public sure surprised me with this one!

Janet Rodrigeuz, Toronto, Canada (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:26 PM)

jordin sparks all the way!!! an absolutely AMAZZZZZING voice - hands down--great job!

polly, wildomar, ca (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:31 PM)

sally you're right no wow factor in the show, but the execs got it covered.

s bryant (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:31 PM)

I think Blake should win because being a performer is what he shines at. He has a beautiful voice, and overall he personifies a star!

Zia Taylor, Albuquerque, NM (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:42 PM)

i will be really surprised if jordin did not win the title of american idol, and perhaps alot of people would not watch this show including me. look what happened when taylor hicks won, where is he now..compare to past idols...america wake up and realize that this is a singing competition, ok!

katrina hinton beverly hills, florida (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:43 PM)

I vote for Chris Daughtry. He is still the best.

Marlene Mish (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 4:46 PM)

I think Jordin will take all, she has a beautiful voice and if it truly about a singing competition she will win hands down.

BW - AZ (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:01 PM)

melinda should have won it cuz she was amazing. Now that it's down to Jordin and Blake, Jordin should definately win because Blake is not good in my book.

Sarah, Marion, Indiana (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:37 PM)

I think that Blake will take it overall. He's been unique since the very beginning. There hasn't been one person like Blake and what he's capable of doing in the past seasons. I think that Blake would sell more cd's then Jordin. I also feel that if you were to buy a concert ticket to one of them I say that Blake's concert would sell out and as for Jordin's she doesn't really fit in to one genre of music. I would go and see Blake in an instant. In the past seasons, we've been able to pin point what type of music the winner is going to be in. Such as: Carrie-Country, Kelly- you knew it'd be more hip hop. Although I do feel that Jordin would have a great career ahead of her as well, because she is a classy young girl with an amazing voice. I think that either way it goes, they'll both be fine as for a future ahead of them, but my vote goes to BLAKE LEWIS ALL THE WAY.... GOO BLAKE-YOU ROCK MAN.

Cambra Peterson, Salt Lake City, Utah (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 5:51 PM)

Jordan is so fresh and poised for 17 years old! I hope she wins it all! I definitely believe Blake had his moments but he's not my idea of an American Idol. Melinda had a chance to pull it off, but didn't. This year has been totally disappointing for me....nothing to rave about! I've watched from the beginning, have only missed 1 episode and hope that we get better talent next year! And pulleeeeze....no more Sanjayas!!

Louise Morrison, Jacksonville, Florida (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:27 PM)

Jordin's performance all through the finale has been consistent. She had the composure, great idol personality, exuded great confidence, and presented the audience with such charismatic, and sonorous voice. She unequivocally deserves to win.

Atty Okwy C. Maduforo, Dallas, Texas (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:34 PM)

The "winning" song was complete garbage! Fuller and Lythgoe should feel totaly humiliated and ashamed of themselves for letting vomity drivel like that get on the air! That said, BLAKE should win...he is far more interesting and original. Jordin is great, but has a "cookie cutter" quality. Either way, both will do fine.

Mykala, Tacoma WA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 6:48 PM)

I'm really hoping for Blake to win, but I know it's going to be Jordin. Jordin killed the first song, the second song was NOT EVEN CLOSE to the original, but, like every other AI final, whoever had the last song won... it's pathetic if you ask me. I agree that she is the most marketable, and she does have a better voice, but I haven't seen any personality AT ALL. Blake doesn't have the best voice, but has a lot more personality in his performances than Jordin ever did. I'm hoping he wins, and if he doesn't, I'll still only buy his CD. and Go Melinda!

Do, MA (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:01 PM)

Sadly, I think that Jordin will walk away with the title. I don't think that it was very far when they made them sing the same song. It was a song definetly suited for Jordin and not Blake. But, I am leaning towards preferring him NOT to win (even though he has been my favorite guy throughout the competition) so that he doesn't have to put out that ghastly, cheesy song. He is young, fresh, and original and I can't wait to hear him on the radio, idol or not. Go, Blake! Also, Jordin has been my favorite girl, so it's hard for me to be disapointted. I just think that Blake is the most original and a stand out talent.

Bethany, Asheville, North Carolina (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:05 PM)

Jordin was amazing adn will go far! But so was Katheine McGee from last year... with that said Blake is a better performer and I think He will pull an upset tonight! I would go see him and I'm in my 40's!

Rodney (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:05 PM)

I like jordin and im pulling for her to win tongiht but i have to agree with marlene Chris Daughtry is my true american idol.

Carla Hammondsport Ny (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:10 PM)

The show has lost the interest of the viewer, it's not about who is the best singer but who is the prettiest -- Blake should not have been one of the finalist -- Belinda Dolittle should have had that spot, but age and looks were not on her side. She is by far the BEST SINGER and PERFORMER!! Melinda will be signed and she will do well -- my hat off to her!! As for Jordan, youth is on her side and she will be molded and shaped into what the public wants, I hope she stays true to herself during her transition. The show needs to end on a high note and the time is now since the voting has been handled by Idol haters.

Mary Harris, Valrico Florida (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:51 PM)

Melinda knew she was not a finalist -- I hope she was promised a very nice contract!!

Mary, FL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 7:53 PM)

I hate to say that I always knew the results first from the internet before I watched delayed show from Star Worlds. But since I am a big fan of Jordin since the audition, I just have alsways watched the show twice here at 7 and 10.30 pm. Congrutaltion to Blake, Melinda, Lakisha and all other finalists. Competing with them all week after week has just made Jordin a real star.

aloysius gonzaga, Jakarta, Indonesia (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:13 PM)

Jordin! Jordin! Jordin! While I didn't care for her version of 'Fighter,' she blew the roof off the place with 'Broken Wing' and 'This Is My Now' (which is pure syrup!). She can only improve from her. Blake, on the other hand, can't. He doesn't have the best voice, forms his works really weird, and the beat boxing will only take him so far. He was not on pitch throughout most of 'You Give Love A Bad Name,' was ok in 'She Will Be Loved,' but blew chunks all over 'This Is My Now' (which we all know is not his style). I cast my vote several times last night for Jordin, although I would have voted for Melinda if she made it through.

CJ Pankey, Las Vegas, Nevada (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 8:29 PM)

Jordin, Jordin, Jordin,, i just do hope that ur gonna be the next american idol..im pulling for you..you deserve it!!!!

cecille aulo, saudi arabia (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:32 PM)

I am a Lakisha diehard fan through and through although I think Jordin has what it takes to win, hey, she did win! However, I think Blake will have a fine career ahead of himself if he plays all his cards right. But I want to buy an album from Lakisha, I just love her to pieces!

Anastasia Fischer, Eunice, Louisiana (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:36 PM)

I think it should have been blake lewis instead of jordan sparks who should have won American Idol tonight.

Susan, Glendale, Arizona (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:40 PM)

What a terrible 2 hour long show of sub-par singers!

r8er55 (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:51 PM)

What a lousy two hour show!

Roger GJ CO (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 10:53 PM)

Well they finally got it right!!!!!!!!!Jordin,way to go,she is going to be another big artist,,Great, great, voice,,,

Dianna Hanna,Zephyrhills,FL (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:04 PM)

I'm happy for Jordin, but I wanted Blake to win. Jordin is a good singer, but Blake brought something different to the table, I think American Idol needs that instead of just cranking out Kelly Clarkson type singers. I'm just hoping that Blake comes out with a CD!

Katrina, New York, New York (Sent Wednesday, May 23, 2007 11:53 PM)

Jordin Sparks for the win!!!

Dizizjake, Burbank, Ca (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 12:09 AM)

I love the show but Melinda should have won as she was the most consitant of all.

Michelle, Cape town, South Africa (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 1:00 AM)

Jordin sings in a vocally correct manner so she will be singing and starring for many, many decades. She will gain in stage presence and more variety as she gains in maturity. She has lasting power, as has Melinda. They will both become BIG recording stars. Blake is cute and his style will be fun for a while but I predict in 5 years it will no longer be fresh so he'll have to come up with a new gimmick. All of the finalists most likely will get recording contracts...and some will make it big and some fade away into oblivian. Those who think Taylor Hicks is going away are w a y off. He has the ability to sing many styles and his harmonica skills add a fantastic dimension. I have picked all of the Idol winners so far in each season. I think that comes from over 5 decades of teaching voice and performance skills. I fear for the "yellers" who won't have a voice in 10 years. Dear Kelly Clarkson better get herself a good coach or she won't have any thing healthy left on her vocal folds....She's really a fine entertainer but she'll wear out the vocal instrument without intervention. Great job to all finalists and BRAVA to Jordin! Also Brava to Melinda. She'll be big time too and sing for decades as well.

KarenRae (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 2:43 AM)

Melinda's song choice,IMHO, did her in. 'NutBush City Limit' did her no favors but 'I'm a Woman' sealed her fate. It is a smarmy song that conjures up images of a desperate middle age woman(not Melinda) on the prowl, hoping to get lucky, ovulating her last egg!

Chris L (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 10:38 AM)

Jordin was awesome this season. I thought it would be her and Melinda for sure, real shocker. Unfortunately I didn't get to watch the final week ( i had to work :( ) but I did hear the news. Not a shocker that Jordin beat out Blake. I was reading some of the comments, I thought it was funny that someone called Hayley "Hillary." All she was remembered for literally was her short skirt, not even her name. Yeah sad to say I share her hometown but oh well. Jordin looks like she'll have a great career ahead of her.

Melissa, El Paso, TX (Sent Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:08 AM)

I have a 17 year old daughter and I know that she admires Jordin alot and will buy her albums in a heartbeat. There are so many negative artists out there partying out of control, going to jail, etc. and I am so glad that my daughter has a strong role model like Jordin to look up to. Congrats to Jordin!

Pam, Gilbert, Arizona (Sent Monday, May 28, 2007 11:42 AM)

All of the top 10 contestants are wonderful. The top 10 will have the opportunity to make a cd. I thought for sure that it would have been melinda and jordan in the finals. But blake has a very unique style. They are all going to have the opportunity to work with record companies, so they are all winners to me...tanya

tanya c beverly hills california (Sent Monday, May 28, 2007 9:30 PM)

I was devasted when Melinda was voted off. I also thought it would be a Melinda\Jordin finale with Melinda winning. Whilst Blake was entertaining with his beat box which he did very well, his singing was nasally and pitchy. They keep saying it is suppose to be a singing competition, is being young and pretty and being marketable (looks wise) part of singing. This was the first AI I have watched and probably the last.

Laxmi, New Zealand (Sent Saturday, June 02, 2007 5:59 AM)



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