Others have taken a similar approach: Disney characters, Statues of Liberty, the token drag queen ... well, you've seen the show.

Keep in mind that over the past few years, "American Idol" has also tried to give us — the viewers — a good first impression of the contestants.

Remember Kellie Pickler from Season 5 — she was talented, funny and enduringly naive. But the icing on the cake was her dramatic family life, what with her father in and out of jail, no mother, living with her grandfather in a small town. Hers was a true rags-to-riches story that made everyone in America fall in love with her.

And this year has been no exception. Angela Martin, a 26-year-old from Chicago, told a heartbreaking story about her daughter with Rett syndrome, a neurological disorder that is profoundly disabling. Angela has a sweet personality and a powerful voice. But because she opened a small door to her personal life, she, at that moment, became a character on the show — a person with a unique story that we can cling to.

Only time will tell if Angela will become the next Kellie Pickler.

If you're one of the 30-million-plus "American Idol" fanatics who is glued to your TV or TiVo every Tuesday and Wednesday night, watch how the contestants creatively leave a lasting impression on the judges and stand out from the crowd.

After all, no one wants to be just another number.

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Utah recording artist and actress Carmen Rasmusen came in sixth place during the second season of "American Idol." She wrote about her experiences in her book, "Staying in Tune." Her first full album is "Nothin' Like the Summer," featuring the single of the same name.