American Idol voters are sharing what they look for when it comes to choosing the ultimate winner. Of course, they want someone who has talent and stage presence but are they looking for more? Keep reading for all of the details of what is needed in a finalist.
American Idol Voters Weigh In On What They’re Looking For
The season finale of American Idol is about to air, and not everyone is happy with how this season went. Some do not care for the final three, while others are thrilled with the outcome. As for the coaches, it has been a slow warmup with Carrie Underwood taking over for Katy Perry. It seems that not all viewers want her to come back, yet there are those who are willing to give her more time to improve. As all of this is happening, and the season is closing, the fans are starting to discuss what they are looking for in a winner.
One Idol fan asked this question of other viewers:
- I was wondering how many past idol winners had significant others and children. Do you guys think the average idol voters choose someone they can relate to better? For example: young, single and no kids.
This is a very valid question, as the audience may pick those that mirror them or that they could see themselves being friends with. Moreover, they may look at those who are available, and not tied down to keep a fantasy alive.
Breanna Nix is married with a son, while Jamal Roberts has a partner and kids. Lastly, John Foster has a girlfriend. Kelly Clarkson was young, as was Carrie Underwood, and they seemed very fresh to the world. Adam Lambert, who was the runner up, was edgy and glam, very androgynous, which added to his appeal. So, what do viewers want when it comes to their winner? Many just care about the vocals over their backstories because that is what they will be listening to on the radio and in concert.
The Singing Takes Over
In the end, the singing is the real star of American Idol. The wholesome lives are beautiful to see, but they do not define which way someone votes. That is not as much of a factor because they will not be the ones who sing on the albums or perform at shows with them. At least, that is unlikely to happen at the very beginning:
- I love a good backstory, but I don’t like when they constantly show the family/ SO, I’m voting for the best singer, not the cutest most wholesome family .
- This was several years ago, but the data showed that Idol’s typical voters were older women (50+) who are from the South. The voters being older don’t seem to correlate with age of the winner, but it likely does for where contestants are from.
It was also noted that the audition cutoff age is twenty-nine, so anyone on the show is fairly young. Another pointed out that Kris Allen was the only winner who was married at the time of his win. Age does not factor, and neither does personal life. It appears talent is the winner.
Do you think that the voice is more important than age or family status? Let us know and watch the American Idol finale on Sunday, May 18th on ABC.
Amanda has been a professional freelance writer for over a decade, holding both a BA and an MA. Her passions include animals, iced coffee, gnomes, summer, music, and ‘Vanderpump Rules’.
