rvalens2 | 4:23 a.m. July 27, 2008
Let the hilarity begin!

Good luck to Eric Pe�a and Leio from Burley, Idaho.
samhill | 8:07 a.m. July 27, 2008
Scott says, "You have a better chance of being the next "American Idol" than you do of getting hit by lightning. But not that much better."

He then follows that with statistics indicating that your chance of being the next "AI" is THREE TIMES greater than getting hit by lightning.

Come on, Scott! Why so discouraging? Three times better is quite a lot!

Why not emphasize the positive spin?

Remember that scene in "Dumb and Dumber" where Dumb’s (or Dumber’s, I was never sure who was who) reaction to Mary's estimate that he had a “one in a million” chance to make it with her, was the delighted, “So, you’re saying I’ve got a chance!”

(sarcasm mode now off)
Gal50 | 8:15 a.m. July 27, 2008
Gosh, am I behind the times. I'm still listening to last year's music compliments of iTunes, instead of following the start of the new season.

Comments continue below
Anonymous | 8:12 a.m. July 27, 2008
If only the "callbacks" get to meet the judges, then how do so many bad auditions get to meet the judges on TV? Just wondering
dumb ol' me | 9:07 a.m. July 27, 2008
How many people get struck by lightning each year? More than one????
Cricket | 10:23 a.m. July 27, 2008
personally I don't think American Idol has been as good since Season 2. The talent pool just has not been as good. And the longevity of the winners has not lasted like that of runner up Clay Aiken. Will be interesting to see how Carrie Underwood continues and how Kelly does with country. The rest are all done by now.
molly | 10:56 a.m. July 27, 2008
I think AI2 was the best. too Clay Aiken still has the best voice in my opinion and the whole show was more entertaining and they didn't even have live bands and backup singers until the vey end. I liked Ruben too and even though he isn't as successful as Clay he still has a very good career and that is probably just want he wants. He seems very happy. I think it is great that they are stil friends.
Ravonda | 11:29 a.m. July 27, 2008
Season 5 produced a remarkable number of money makers. Mandisa is making Christian records, Bucky Covington has shown well in Country as has Kellie Pickler, Ace Young just released his first CD, Chris Daughtry has been amazing in the rock genre, Paris
Bennett released a CD, Elliott Yamin is recording as a R&B crooner, Kathryn McPhee is making movies,and Taylor Hicks (Season 5 winer)is doing Broadway.
American Idol changes people's lives!
Anonymous | 2:09 p.m. July 27, 2008
There are big numbers of 'pre selection', I think this process began last year. And that makes this show looks bad in my opinion.

However, I still think this show gives quite a few people a better lives. They might not become world superstar, but it definitely better than what they were doing before the show. Even just to land a post idol job as broadway artists, they still sure make a lot more money than we do. That's why people want to be on this show so much. Just to be in top 10 and go on the Summer Tour (like what they are doing now), that's a 6 figure salary for 2.5 months job. Many peoploe struggle to make that in a lifetime.
srifan | 2:17 p.m. July 27, 2008
American Idol---YAWN!!
Stopped watching a couple of seasons ago. They will never find anyone with the charisma and voice of Clay Aiken. He is one in a million!!! He said on that show that he wanted to make a difference and he has. Just go to the UNICEF site and read his blogs from his recent (dangerous) trip to Somalia.
Anonymous | 2:28 p.m. July 27, 2008
After a few weeks, you can tell who is gonna be the winner, the judges direct peoples opinions to the person they want to win by their comments.... It is a big sham.
Anonymous | 3:26 p.m. July 27, 2008
Thanks to Simon for agreeing that Clay has a great personality. lol I wouldn't say the same for Tayor Hicks although I do like him.

Simon can also thank Clay and Ruben for the show's popularity since the most watched Idol ever is still the results shows on AI 2
Anonymous | 4:15 p.m. July 27, 2008
Clay Aiken is not just a singer, he is an entertainer. His live shows are great and attract people from as far as my country - New Zealand.
His voice is wonderful and he is a real comic.
American Idol should be proud to have Clay Aiken
on their list of discoveries and thanks Simon for
your support and comments - Clay is indeed a great personality. His latest cd 'On My Way Here' shows American Idol have found a great talent.
Anonymous | 5:10 p.m. July 27, 2008
And let's not forget that Jordin Sparks was turned down at her very first, round one, 10-second stadium audition before winning a contest and getting a free trip to another audition city for a second (and ultimately successful) chance. David Archuleta was casually dismissed after his first audition, too, before producers flagged him down on his way out of the venue and give him his second chance. So there's no way to know how many potential stars aren't even given a shot to see Simon, Paula, and Randy...
anonymous | 5:23 p.m. July 27, 2008
When did having a personality and a great voice become a bad thing?
FROM ASIA | 7:37 p.m. July 27, 2008
The only one who fit to be AMERICAN IDOL is DAVID ARCHULETA.I have been followed A I from the beginning.David A the only one who makes my heart excited,his voice is so great and diffrent from the rest.He is cute and so humble.He certainly fit to the title AMERICAN IDOL.
Annonymous | 11:56 p.m. July 27, 2008
To me, the best seasons for Idol were 2, 5 and 7, with 2 being the only one with a nail biting finale that kept you in suspense til the very last minute. None of the others have had that same impact since then.
Season 5, overall had the most talented people come from it, now all doing well with their careers. However,I think this past season(7) will have even more successful careers come from it. I can't say from all the shows so far,who will have continued success but I think quite a few will.
Looking foward to the new crop of hopefuls this year.
Mobile, Alabama Here | 2:10 a.m. July 28, 2008
I agree that Clay has made a dramatic impact on AI; and he has and still does have an infectious personality and continues to share it with all he comes into contact with, even those so full of animosity toward him, and effortlessly I might add. Clay is a definite force to be reckoned with. Thank you AI for the stage that showcased Clay's talent. He is truly a "gift". Challenge to AI for season 8: Try allowing America to decide the next American idol with the "help" of the judges critiques, of course, but not persuasion. The power of persuasion is a dangerous thing. Oh, you don't get it. Try RUUUUUUUUUUUben Studdard every introduction. It seems if you have a definite favorite, crown the winner then. "It seems unfair for the others to keep going when there is no light at the end of the tunnel"
stephanie jones | 2:56 p.m. July 28, 2008
Clay was turned away on his first audition and didn't see the judges-he went on again in Atlanta and the rest is history-I wonder if the person who passed on Clay in the first try enjoys his career with MickeyDees-fries with that?
The Authority | 4:17 p.m. July 28, 2008
Please let American Idol die. I can't stand all the attention this stupid series gets. Pop is the musical equivalent to Michael Bay films � all style and flare, no substance.

Just like American Idol. No substance.
Kat | 5:08 p.m. July 28, 2008
I'm quite shocked that Simon used Clay as an example and not because I don't agree but because aren't they like royal enemies? It was great to see Clay's name in positive feedback. :)
Sharon Shannon | 1:03 a.m. July 29, 2008
Greetings:
American Idol came on the scene near the time as I lost my husband to cancer. Being a widow I didn't have as much social life, so AI was a hugh help in filling my evening hours. It gave me something to look forward to for several weeks after the Christmas Holidays. Of course, my favorite finalist is Clay Aiken. All Clay's Tours and especially his Christmas "Joyful Noise Tours" are so beautiful and uplifting. His recent CD "On My Way Here" he said he made for his fans. It is such a showcase for Clay's voice. This Southern gentleman is an absolute KEEPER. I have enjoyed the balance of the AI seasons, but not as much as AI2. For what it's worth, I'd just like to say, "It's show business out there people." Let's not find fault with the show, when there is no SURE reason for it. Everyone is there for the same purpose. Just enjoy ! Fooey on your attitudes.
Regards, Sharie
BJ in Phoenix | 12:55 a.m. July 30, 2008
Clay Aiken....Singer, Comedian, Great Personality and Humanitarian Personified. He said he wanted to make sure he "Made a Difference" and through his travels as an UNICEF Ambassador for Education and through his Foundation,who has programs and grants,
helping children with disabilities have access to a life of Inclusion with other children without disabilities, he certainly has become an "American
Idol" loved by thousands. He may not have won on the TV Idol Show, but has won the hearts of many because of the lives he has touched and the joy he brings to so many. Clay's music on his recent CD
"On My Way Here" is so Clay Aiken. Down to earth
as he has always been, with the same great voice he
displayed on Season 2. Yes I agree, Clay Aiken did change the Show American Idol. He gave it a real
personality it has not experienced since he last sang "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me."
Thanks for the compliment Simon regarding Clay. Nice to see a positive comment.
Good Luck on the new Season of American Idol.

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