Win or Lose... does it really matter?

[AbsentElement]

It's funny, most of us (myself included) are guilty of it. We get too focused on who will win the competition. But does it really even matter?

Son of Simon made a great point in another thread, using the example of Chris. In his case, it would actually be better for him not to win. If he wins, his options are restricted, he has to make a record with AI. If he doesn't win, he can explore other opportunities. Either way he will DEFINITELY make another record, and I'm sure it will be great.

Same goes with Taylor, Mandisa, and Katharine, Elliot and Paris too. They are all good enough to be successful in their careers, even without winning AI5.

Perhaps those that it matters most to are the underdogs and their fans (and by underdogs, I mean those with the less overall commerical talent... in my own opinion)... Ace, Kellie, Bucky, and Lisa. Without an AI5 win, they may not be so successful going forward in their music careers.

[Son of Simon]

Excellent post, and I like where your idea is going.

Like you say, I think it matters for some of the contestants whether they win or lose, and I'd like to add an additional reason why.

AI is a marketing giant. They take the winner of the contest and promote them big time. They use image consultants and marketing specialists to put someone out there who has raw talent and develop their superstar potential.

So with that in mind- here's where I see our top 10:

Chris: like I've said before, he doesn't need AI. He's solidified and there are bands knocking on his door today. AI would simply get in the way.

Bucky and Taylor could use AI's promotion capacity even though they too are fairly well solidifed.

Ace, Katharine and Kellie could have careers without AI, but AI wouldn't hurt their careers the way it stands to hinder Chris.

Lisa should be on Broadway if you ask me. Her mere presence on AI will boost ticket sales to anything she does- so she's already seen the benefit. She doesn't need to win.

Mandisa and Elliot could benefit the most from winning. Mandisa's got her identity, she's got the talent, but she could make tremendous use of AI's resources. Elliot needs an identity revamp, and all the promotion he can get.

I liken it to the first time Mariah Carey performed live on stage. It was awkward for her. Had she not made it on her own, AI would have been excellent for her too.

[DeputyDawg]

Two of the best posts I've seen. Son of Simon and AbsentElement ... are you Simon and Randy?

p.s. I confess, I'm Paula.

[froggiegurl]

i see u guys's points. either way chris and katharine are going to have record deals. some of the others probably will too.

[IdolMe]

You guys are right on the money. Chris has the potential to be even bigger than Kelly Clarkson.

Compare: Bo Bice was good and had/has a big fan base but appealed more to the older crowed where as Chris has a fan base both young and old... more so the younger concert going crowd.

Compare: Carrie Underwood is great but let's face it her audience is mostly country music with some American Idol fans sprinkled in. The rock music that Chris sings is something that most top 40 radio stations would play.

I think we are seeing the making of whom will become the most famous idol of all time.

[grania]

Son of Simon....you took the words out of my mouth. (only you expressed them better)

Mandisa and Elliot get the most from winning.

Kellie is a wonderful talent....I'd like to see her do a TV sitcom, like Suzanne Somers in Three's Comany, but with singing.

Taylor....I can't wait until he's playing the casinos and middle-size indoor venues. I'll go
see that show, often. He'll be as entertaining as is Eddie Money.