When comparing Idols, do so style to style

One of my biggest downfalls while I was on "American Idol" was comparing myself to others.

I couldn't help it. Every time I'd hear Trenyce sing, I'd think, "Wow, if only I had her range!"

And every time I'd watch Kim Caldwell perform, I'd think, "Man! She really knows how to entertain an audience."

I had some experience before "American Idol," if performing karaoke at the county fair and on my high school stage counts as "experience."

I felt pretty natural on stage, and while initially I felt nervous before I performed, I could turn those butterflies into adrenaline. I thrived on competition; in fact, that's usually when I did my best.

But on "American Idol," the "competition" was taken to a whole new level. I think one reason I did well during the tryout phase was I still had the I-can-do-this-I've-won-local-singing-competitions-before attitude. I had no idea what kind of amazing talent was really out there.

Once I made the top 12, however, my eyes were opened in a huge way and I started doubting my abilities. I remember talking to my mom one day about the other contestants' voices — how good they were, how different my voice was from theirs.

After listening to my worries, she counseled, "You can't compare your voice to others. You have a country voice. Trenyce has a pop voice. Kim Caldwell has a husky, rock voice. To try to compare your voice to theirs would be like trying to compare Celine Dion to Shania Twain. You each have your own unique styles and talents."

That's exactly why "Idol" is so popular — there is something for everyone.

Why don't they have only pop singers on the show? Only rockers? Only country singers? Other shows have tried this format, and it doesn't go over as well. It limits the audience.

But any kind of voice can be heard on "American Idol." I've heard people say, "I'm voting for Brooke White because she reminds me of Carole King!" Or "I like David Cook because he reminds me of Daughtry."

David Archuleta appeals to the younger pop audience; Syesha Mercado to the pop/R&B audience; and Jason Castro the Jack Johnson/John Mayer fans. There have also been female country and southern rock singers this year (Kristy Lee Cook and Amanda Overmyer).

Comparing voice to voice isn't the show's focus. It's a style preference.

Each week the show challenges contestants to sing different genres of music. While Archuleta's strength may be in his power pop ballads, he's been able to showcase his country, Beatles and even Broadway styles. To keep the audience attentive, and the contestants challenged, each week is something new.

(Except for the two weeks of Beatles songs, but who can ever get enough of them?)