Song recognition DOES count. People don't go out and buy CD's that they don't recognize the songs on. Not unless they have a lot of money to throw away.
You have to get your fane base behind you. If you can't wow them, then better do it another way.
I've said it before, Elliot has a nice voice, but the songs are just too boring. That is my opinion and I am entitled to it. We all have our own tastes in music.
We all vote for what we like.
You aren't voting for who is the most talented then. All you are voting for is who sang a song you liked which is not the point of the contest. You can certainly pick whomever you want and for whatever reason but don't try and say that Kevin is still here because of his talent or fan loyalty. I firmly believe that people are voting for him as a screw you to American Idol.