A Matter of Character

While everyone is most likely anticipating the debut of Season 6 of "American Idol" this Tuesday night, I'm sure many, like me, are wondering if last year's season set any precedents as to whom the producers and judges are looking for, in addition to vocal talent and star quality, to vie for the coveted top spots once the competition is in full swing.

Of course I came to love Elliott not only for his sublime voice, but also his humble spirit against a back-story of struggle that captured my heart.

While an article appearing in yesterday's Washington Post centers on a national songwriting contest to determine the Idol winner's first single for the upcoming season, the show's exectutives drop some other hints on what viewers can expect.

Excerpt: Meanwhile, Hicks' win last year has attracted more of what executive producer Ken Warwick terms as "quirky" singers, and producers are also promising some great characters, too. Think Elliott Yamin, the good-natured soul singer whom judge Paula Abdul described as one "funky white boy."



I remember this exact moment (captured above), when Paula made her now-famous declaration (after Elliott knocked Gavin DeGraw's "I Don't Wanna Be" out of the ballpark) like it was yesterday. While I was certainly on his side by then, that night sealed the deal for me. His reaction to Paula (along with Simon's "...the dancing was hideous") was so real, heartwarming and endearing, I literally exclaimed out loud, "that's him, that's the 'American Idol'."

While there will perhaps, for me anyway, never be another character like Elliott Yamin on "American Idol", it will be interesting to see what lasting influence he has on that show as they move forward into their next season.

Time will tell.

Rg