Houston Chronicle doesn't like season 6 (with odds projections)

[mynamewastaken]

American Idol's sixth season has been its worst

By ANDREW DANSBY
Copyright 2007 Houston Chronicle

You might not know it from listening to American Idol's raving judges or the weekly voting tallies, but this season is the show's worst since 2004. For proof, check out its Final Four — Melinda Doolittle, Blake Lewis, Jordin Sparks and LaKisha Jones, the most boring quartet since Fantasia Barrino stomped all over Diana DeGarmo, Jasmine Trias and LaToya London.

That's not even taking into account the grueling Idol Gives Back (from whom did it take?) or the parade of awful mentors making promotional appearances (J-Lo, Gwen Stefani, Jon Bon Jovi).

As with any great TV show, Idol is reliant on strong characters, and this year's frontline cast looks and sounds more like extras.

But this is the final four we were dealt, and there's always next season. So here are some thoughts on who might win Idol's sixth (and worst) season, though none of these four is poised for stardom like former champs Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson and former also-ran Chris Daughtry.

Melinda Doolittle

* In her favor: A gigantic but very skilled voice. She shows more control and restraint than singers (we won't name names) currently making millions.
* Not in her favor: There's still a little of the modest, "who me?" thing, which has been annoying for weeks.
* What makes her (not) interesting: She's a backup singer!
* Our odds: Even. Jordin or Blake could pull an upset, but Melinda has been the one to beat since the show's first round. Maybe earlier.

Jordin Sparks

* In her favor: Good voice, sometimes. It should be said that looks can matter, and she's the prettiest of the final four.
* Not in her favor: Melinda, who has more control over her voice.
* What makes her (not) interesting: She's 17!
* Our odds: 3-2. It all depends on her songs. She's not as crafty as Blake, not as consistent as Melinda and not as capable of rafter rattling as LaKisha. But when she's on, which is often, she's good enough to win.

Blake Lewis

* In his favor: As the judges have told us time and again, he's different. (So was Scott Savol.)
* Not in his favor: his Elmo-esque "ballad face." His overused dance spin. He likes (and covers) middling bands.
* What makes him (not) interesting: He beatboxes!
* Our odds: 2-1. He has an arsenal of smoke and mirrors to distract people from a mediocre voice. He's easily the worst singer of the four, but it might not matter.

LaKisha Jones

* In her favor: When she gets into her gospel-tinged upper register, she can belt it out.
* Not in her favor: Melinda and Jordin, both of whom have been consistently better.
* What makes her interesting: She has a kid!
* Our odds: 10-1. This could be 100-1 too. Barring death or laryngitis striking one of the other three, she'll go home this week.

American Idol's performance show airs at 7 p.m. May 8. Barry Gibb, who actually does know how to create a pop song, is this week's mentor. One of the final four will be eliminated on Wednesday's show, at 8 p.m. Idol airs on Fox/Channel 26.

andrew.dansby@chron.com

[hogua]

A 24.5% Vig??? WTF??