[Spook86]

I wasn't around when Frankie wowed the bobby soxers in the late 40s, but I can recognize an American original.

Hate to say this, but there is nothing particularly innovative or original about the singing of Clay Aiken or Reuben Studdard. Make no mistake--both are very talented vocalists, and they'll enjoy a lot of success as recording artists. But establishing yourself as a true idol means breaking the mold, not conforming to it. By that definition, Sinatra was an idol; so were Elvis, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Williams, Sr., Duke Ellington, and Bill Monroe, to name a few.

The real challenge for Aiken and Studdard, IMO, is to break out of the pop star stereotype and find material that challenges them, and their audience. It's a risky--and sometimes unprofitable--gamble, and it be interesting to see if any of them takes that dare.....

[Luis Gonzalez]

Aiken's problem is that he is NOT pop start material by today's standard, not since the advent of MTV anyway. He doesn't look the part, coining what is being called "Geek Chic" and managing to still place as a finalist in what is basically a popularity contest is a tremendous achievement.

"...Sinatra was an idol; so were Elvis, Billie Holliday, Ella Fitzgerald, Hank Williams, Sr., Duke Ellington, and Bill Monroe..."

Notice how far back you had to reach to find people who fit your own definition of a "true idol"? That's because a performer does not have to be a good singer to be a singing idol today. Aiken is a throwback to the days when singers were judged by their voice, not by how they looked on video, and his instrument is beyond reproach. I see him as an original.

Good luck to him.