I think it is ultimately better for an artist’s career not to win on “American Idol.”
First of all, I do not condone popularity contests like “Idol” being equated to the years of struggling that real artists must endure just to “make it.”
There are thousands of good singers, even great singers, all over the country, but having a good voice doesn’t make you a good artist and often the former is not applicable to the latter (e.g. Connor Oberst or Bob Dylan).
In fact, the only struggle that most “Idol” contestants experience is waiting in line for hours to audition. That being said, it is far better for someone to make the show and be voted off than actually winning.
The most obvious benefit is the free exposure.
Millions of people watch “Idol,” especially during the first few weeks of auditions.
Josiah Leming, best known as the weepy, homeless 18-year-old who kicked the band off the stage during Hollywood week, is an excellent example. The songwriter’s career has exploded since getting sent home, landing a spot on the “Ellen DeGeneres Show,” “MTV News” and “Access Hollywood.” His MySpace friends grow daily by the thousands, and next month he will be in talks with several major record labels.
Leming is one of the most genuine talents that “Idol” has ever seen.
If he would have made the Top 24, Leming’s music would have been watered down, and every week he would have been forced into a convenient little box.
Giving him the boot was the best decision the judges have made since picking Kelly over Justin.
Leming is not the only ex-“Idol” success story.
Fifth season’s Chris Daughtry is now a Grammy-award winning artist and the lead singer of a record-breaking band. His self-titled debut sold more than one million copies in just five weeks.
Even William Hung found success for a few months with his karaoke rendition of “She Bangs.” Koch Entertainment offered him a $25,000 advance and record deal.
So don’t vote for your favorite Idol this season.
It may make him or her a better artist.
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