Someone who appeals to a massive, homogenous demographic. Not "quirky" performers like Casey or Paul. Frankly, I much prefer quirky over generic. The music I listen to is more indie (as in independent from major label generic control) than mainstream. I think the perfect AI winner will be someone that appeals to the most people possible, in order to sell the most music. Don't get me wrong, I really like some of the winners (Kelly Clarkson the most) but for the most part just don't listen to them.

I do think the American Idol should sing current music (or make old stuff current) - country/pop/rock/folk/jazz are all okay IMO. I think they need to have performance skills, be likable.

This year is tough because all of the contestants are good singers and so varied in their genre/style. Seems everyone has a different favorite.

As far as Casey's health issues... that is Azzalea talking. She believes that the producers (and not the votes) is what decides who goes home.

Ok, I'm not watching AI this season. What are Casey's health issues?

For this tv show, I think the AI needs to have a certain charm and stage presence. Talent of course is needed, but it's the additional appeal that is necessary to win. What that appeal is varies and can't really be defined in words. But you know, there some performers (just like with actors) that suck you in and make you want to watch them and some that don't even if they are more beuatiful, more talented and more main stream. It's a kind of charism that few possess.

My interpretation of it means that they must have the total package consisting of (beside a phenomenal voice) likeability, charisma, good looks, stage presence, not sounding the same with every song, career drive. It's a shame vanity seems to always come into play which is why I really like that new show "The Voice".

I don't think looks have ever been an issue with Idol (except maybe in the beginning seasons from the judges). Ruben Studdard was quite overweight and I don't think Fantasia was very good looking. Quite a few of the top 10's had bad teeth (I noticed last night Crystal had hers fixed), some others were overweight or just not what I would call attractive.

Carla, Casey has ulcerative colitis and has needed a couple blood transfusions while on Idol.

thanks, lydia, I think I heard that but I couldn't recall what was wrong with him.

To famers (actually "farmers" - fingers slipped - again) "AI" means "artificial insemination".

And when I was a kid, lo, those many years ago, an "idol" was a false (or should we say, "incomplete, not fully realized or understood") god.

In the current situation ... could one suggest that a major characteristic of an acceptable "idol" might be somewhat akin to glitzy veneer?

ole joyful

AFAIC to even suggest that a singer on a popularity contest should be termed an "idol" is a pretty pompous and self-serving position, albeit not surprising given that the show is to not be a singing contest but a popularity contest whether decided by the voters or by the producers is of no consequence.

i÷dol (ahyd-l) -noun
1. an image or other material object representing a deity to which religious worship is addressed.
2. Bible .
a. an image of a deity other than god.
b. the deity itself.
3. any person or thing regarded with blind admiration, adoration, or devotion: Madame Curie had been her childhood idol.

Seems to me the show suggests, if not proves that there's a lot more people who feign religion than are actually "religious", given the number of people who watch the show. Otherwise there must be a lot of hypocrites.

I think it'd be better to look for role models. People who support themselves and their families, looks out for their neighbors, is honest with people, participates in crime prevention, doesn't need to put on airs or keep up with the Jones' and spend money they don't have and can't afford on things they neither need nor want. People who will get active in elections, and vote and instead of whining that there's nothing they can do, get out and do something about it. Someone who'll say good morning to someone to help lift their spirits but doesn't look for ways to be offended by any little thing. I could go on but won't. There's a lot of ways people can and should be role models but so few do.

Take a listen to this, I just love this!

Here is a link that might be useful: Radical face-welcome home

I don't understand why a so-called celeb, can become addicted to druga and alcohol and not do anything about it and flaunt it for all to see, think they are above the law and can do whatever they want, thumb their noses at sosiety norms, but as long as they sing, act or playball well, people still idolize them. I hold to the saying, for those who much is given...much is expected.