Marie says 'Idol' ought to be judged on talent

You could argue that David Archuleta and Brooke White are the most famous Mormon singing duo since Donny and Marie Osmond.

Not that Archuleta and White are a duo. But they did both make it to the top five of the biggest show on television, "American Idol." And they are both members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

(They might both be in the top four, or one of them might have been eliminated Wednesday night. Deadlines for this column came before "American Idol" aired.)

The Mormon connection certainly catches the attention of other Mormons, but Marie Osmond herself said the religious coincidence shouldn't be anything more than a side note.

"The thing is, I hope that people judge them according to their talent," she said in response to a question from the Deseret News earlier this week. "I mean, you don't hear other people saying, 'One of the finalists is a Catholic,' or 'One of them is a Presbyterian' or 'One of them is Jewish.'

"I think it should be on talent. They're great kids."

The Osmonds did a conference call with critics to promote their upcoming special "America's Favorite Mom," which airs — appropriately enough — on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 11) on NBC.

As a matter of fact, the Osmonds — who have a busy schedule of concerts around the globe (with the entire family) and as a duo (in Las Vegas) — make it clear they're not trying to be overtly religious when they perform.

"We love our beliefs, but we don't try to go out and change the world," Marie said. "We just are what we are. And I think that's what's important with these kids."

Which doesn't mean they're not pulling for Archuleta and White to do well.

"I think they've got a good shot," Donny said. "I think David is an amazing talent. I think the whole country's in love with him. I've had a chance to talk to David and he's just the most humble kid in the world."

Not that Donny is predicting that either Archuleta or White will win.

"It's anybody's game at this point," he said. "This is the stage of 'American Idol' where it gets really exciting."

For the first time since the fall of 2006, nobody with Utah ties will be holding that tacky mirror-ball trophy when "Dancing With the Stars" declares a winning couple later this month.

Julianne Hough , of course, danced her way to the top of the show in both May 2007 (with Apolo Anton Ohno) and November 2007 (with Helio Castroneves). She never stood a chance this spring, however, because she drew Adam Carolla as her partner.

She does, however, deserve a a big round of applause for making him look as good as she did.