Two years does not translate into long-term marketability. Who, if anyone, attends these pathetic Idol concerts? I'd rather attend the Huang guys concert - he is accompanied by hot chicks on-stage. Kelly does not cross over, she is marketable to the lilly majority demographic who will out-grow her in 2 years. Additionally, no one disputes the mass appeal of Top 40, my point is that I listen to both Fantasia and Clarkson on Top 40 (every day, aug nauseum).
P.S. I thought we were discussing Idol and the Lakers: who gives a damn about 50 cent?
50 cent is an example of a hip hop guy who enjoys crossover top 40 success. Crossover top 40 success is what the idol "image makers" are looking for. Therefore, using him as an example is relevant.
I really think we're essentially arguing the same argument. Overall, nationwide, the results show that all Idol contestants have had some modicum of success. Long term, the only one who has had any success has been Clarkson, and the jury is still out on barino and studdard. Whether or not WE hear either of them is irrelevant, as you're in michigan and i'm in kentucky and the regional tastes will vary. In today's Pop world, two years of success is a big deal, and is something to build on. It remains to be seen where any of the three will be in the next five years.