Becoming the Next American Idol

This year marks the seventh season of the American Idol phenomenon and it’s been said that the contestants are better and more competitive than ever. But, just what does it take to become the next American Idol? You wouldn’t think it would be difficult to get up and do what you love most in front of millions of people every week, but the contestants say they’ve never worked so hard in their lives. Performances must be perfect every week. Just one off-night has been known to cause a contestant to be voted off.

Tens of thousands of people audition for the show each year, but only the best 24 are put through by the judges. After that, it’s up to the American viewers to vote for their favorite performers. The contestants with the most votes each week get to remain, while the person with the least amount of votes is sent home. The judges, Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul and Simon Cowell, each give the contestants feedback on their performances and some of the criticism is hard to take. Simon especially has made comments like, “That was horrible! Literally atrocious! It was a mess! Stupid!” Yet, they have to take it all in and try to do better the next time, if they don’t go home.

The top 12 Idol contestants for 2008 are Amanda Overmyer, 23, Brooke White, 24, Carly Smithson, 24, Chikezie, 22, David Archuleta, 17, David Cook, 25 David Hernandez, 24 Jason Castro, 20, Kristy Lee Cook, 24, Michael Johns, 29, Ramiele Malubay, 20, and Syesha Mercado, 21. The last two finalists who remain will compete for the American Idol title and a major recording contract.