Issue date: 5/8/07 Section: Features

Media Credit: photo courtesy americanidol.com Does Jordin Sparks have what it takes to be the next American Idol? [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: photo courtesy americanidol.com Or will Melinda Dolittle be crowned the next AI? [Click to enlarge]

American Idol is now at its top four. I must say that I am happy with the choices, since most of the least talented contestants have finally been voted off. We had to endure Sanjaya Malakar for more weeks than our ears could handle, and there were many others whose name we can no longer recall.

Last week, Phil Stacey and Chris Richardson were voted off. I think Stacey had the best voice of all the male contestants in the top 10, but I knew he lacked the charisma to make it to the top three. I was glad to see Richardson go. Honestly, we only need one Justin Timberlake, and Richardson completely emulated Timberlake's style and whiny voice.

American Idol isn't only a singing contest, it is a performance contest. The winner should not only be a great singer, he or she should also be a great performer, someone with a personality and a great voice. The winner must have the whole package. This is my take on American Idol's top four.

Blake Lewis: He has his own flare and style, even a little off-the-wall at times. His performances are entertaining and he has a way of putting his own little twist to the songs he chooses to sing. At 25, his voice isn't the best, but his personality and hip style appeals to younger viewers. I think Lewis has what it takes to obtain a record contract and a brief career as a performer; however, I don't think he has what it takes to win American Idol. His vocal skills are just not strong enough. Maybe he makes up for his lack of singing ability with his beat boxing and synthesizing. But all that aside, I think Lewis will make it to the top three.

Jordin Sparks: She may be just 17 years old, but she has a set of pipes as strong as any seasoned singer. Sparks is my absolute favorite of this group. Not only can she sing, but she has this cute, innocent charm to her. I remember watching the episode with her audition and getting an instant message from my friend Benn saying, "Watch, she is going to be the winner." He was right. She has the voice, the look, her own naive style and charisma. Critics say that Sparks can be a bit "pitchy" at times, but she is still young and only has room to grow and improve. That's part of the American Idol fun, watching the performers get better over time. My vote is set on Jordin Sparks to be crowned the next American Idol. Not only that, but I see her having a long and successful career as a singer.

LaKisha Jones: Yes, she has an amazing voice, but that isn't enough to take this 27 year-old to the end. She is overconfident and hasn't always taken the advice from the professional singers. Also, I haven't always liked her song choices. I think she aims too high. Instead of focusing on songs that can actually compliment her voice, she picks songs that are not always in her voice range, which makes her practically scream her songs. I think her days are numbered and she will probably be the next to go. I don't doubt she can have a successful career as a singer, I just doubt she has enough to win the American Idol title.

Melinda Doolittle: Wow, can she sing. Her performances are flawless and her voice is exceptional. But even though she can belt it like none other, I don't think she should win. I'll admit, I had my vote set on Doolittle in the beginning, but she started to bore me over time. She doesn't really have a personality, which I think is important for the American Idol winner. I think I've grown tired of her. She is 29 and experienced as a back-up singer. She has been in the music business for awhile and I think it gives her an unfair advantage over the other contestants. I hope Doolittle makes it to the top two, I just don't think she should be the winner. Either way, I can see her career going far and her making it as a singer for many years. She is that good.

Linda Le can be reached at features@statehornet.com

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