No, I don't think they should come into play. But then I don't think they should come into play in the Olympics either, but NBC has made it a high art -- or low camp, depending on your point of view.
Do they adversely affect those that don't have one, but are just average joes trying to get a break? Or do you think hearing them over and over could actually work against them?
I think it depends on the contestant. I think this is what counts most, and in this order. The winner doesn't have to have all these qualities, but most of them. You say well, what about Ruben? He had six of these things going for him. What about Fantasia? Also six.
Looks (especially for women)
Body (especially for women)
Charisma/personality
Good performance skills
Being different/Ability to stand out from the crowd
Few, if any, negative judges' comments
Interesting backstory
Vocal talent
Once again I have to emphasize I'm a cynic.
I agree with you. I can't say about Reuben, but with Fantasia, she had a couple of good songs and Summertime was her best, but all the others after a while you realize that all she is doing is creaming and screeching. I started out liking her, but by the end I felt that Diana was the better vocalist and performer and that she was robbed.
Big difference, of course, is that the sob stories have no bearing on the outcome of events that are primarily completely objective (save figure skating). The sob stories on AI are designed to get people to vote which affects outcome.
Once again I have to emphasize I'm a cynic.
Someone once said that a cunic is a disappointed idealist. I know that is definately my case...