That's true. Carrie hasn't done as well on the pop side. But as for the country side, I believe 'Jesus Take the Wheel' tied for the second longest time at #1 on the country chart.

Anyway, this may turn into a Ruben/Clay finale. Wasn't the number of votes extremely close for that one?

Carrie is doing very well on country. She didn't tie for the second longest time at #1 on the country chart, but "Jesus, Take the Wheel" did tie for 2nd longest time at #1 by a female artist.

Yes I agree. It would have been so inspirational and emotional if he won. I cried tonight too because I didn't care for him initially but learning more about him and the last few weeks made me connect with him. He is such a nice guy and this reminded me alot of Vonzell last year who was the underdod that many fell in love with only Elliot was more of the emotional favorite.

I agree with your assessment of Vonzell and Elliott. They are both genuine and are great singers. I think both could have made the final two if they were pimped more in the beginning.

Mulder wrote: Fantasia didn't disappear in 2 months. She was on the R&B/Urban charts for about a year with 4 different songs from her debut cd. She didn't have much Top 40 success but she's hard at work on a new cd that is supposed to come out later in the year.

I agree with this. Fantasia isn't a mainstream/crossover "hit," but in the "R+B circle" she is very successful and respected. Fantasia has a TV-movie in the works about her troubled childhood that is going to air on Lifetime sometime this year.

The last I heard about Ruben, he released a Gospel album. I can't comment on it's success as I don't follow Gospel music He also started up the Ruben Studdard Music Foundation (or something like that) that helps kids. He's doing his thing but he isn't getting a lot of press :shrug:

As for Taylor vs. Katharine, I was dreading this final. I was hoping Elliott would make it through. I think (and hope) Taylor wins because I can't stand Katharine. I won't be buying any of these people's CDs.

I'd buy Elliot and Katharine's in a heartbeat.

Last year, there was like only 122 or 125 votes between Carrie and Bo ...

You sure about that? Maybe 122 or 125 thousand, but not that few. I actually heard that it was one of the bigger blowouts of the 4 idols (Fantasia/Diana being the other one).

I remember Simon Lythgoe saying Ruben/Clay is the closest vote they've ever had after Bo/Carrie finale.

Ruben/Clay I believe *was* the closest they've had.

But I'm positive about the Carrie/Bo thing. Although the source I think was Fox News, so, take it for what you will ... lol.

Not sure about Kelly/Justin or Fantasia/Diana though ...

Oh, to add, Vote for the Worst is endorsing Taylor and they have been since Kellie was voted out.

VFTW also takes the credit for Carrie winning AI4, which I sincerely doubt. They don't have THAT much influence.

If the gay online scandal did not come up, Clay would've released his 2nd (3rd if you count the Christmas album) album by now. A lot of stuff went down so Clay is laying low, and will make an album of just remakes (cop-out)

I love "The Real Thing" by Bo. Probably the best single from an Idol who is not Kelly. IMO.

Here is a list of The Americal Idol Contestants US Billboard Chartings from most successful to least...

Kelly Clarkson 8 Million Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Thankful #1) (Breakaway #3)

A Moment Like This - #4 (Hot AC), #27 (Top 40), #1 (Hot 100)

Low - #58 (Hot 100), #24 (Top 40)

Miss Independent #28 (Hot AC), #9 (Hot 100), #14 (Top 40)

Breakaway - #1 (Hot AC), #2 (Top 40), #6 (Hot 100)

My Grown Up Christmas List - #17 (Hot AC)

Since U Been Gone #2 (Hot 100), #8 (Top 40), #1 (Pop 100)

The Trouble With Love Is - #31 (Top 40)

Because Of You - #3 (Hot AC) #1 (Top 40), #7 (Hot 100), #2 (Pop 100)

Behind These Hazel Eyes - #13 (Hot AC), #1 (Top 40), #3 (Pop 100), #6 (Hot 100)

Walk Away - #22 (Hot AC), #6 (POp 100), #3 (Top 40), #12 (Hot 100)

Clay Aiken: 4.1 Million Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Measure of a Man #1) (Merry Christmas With Love #4)

This Is the Night - #1 (Hot 100), #13 (Hot AC)

I Will Carry You - #25 (Hot AC)

Invisible - #8 (Hot AC), #25 (Top 40), #37 (Hot 100)

Silver Bells - #16 (AC)

Mary, Did You Know - #35 (AC)

O Holy Night - #37 (AC)

Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas - #32 (AC)

Winter Wonderland - #13 (AC)

The First Noel - #9 (AC)

Carrie Underwood 3.1 Million Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Some Hearts #2)

Bilboard Top Country Album Charts (Some Hearts #1)

Independence Day- #84 (Pop 100)

Inside Your Heaven - #1 (Hot 100) #12 (Hot AC), #51 (Country Singles), #1 (Pop 100)

Jesus, Take The Wheel - #1 (Country Signles), #36 (Pop 100), #20 (Hot 100), #23 (AC)

Some Hearts - #13 (Hot AC), #22 (Top 40) #28 (AC)

Before He Cheats #55 (Country Singles)

Don't Forget To Remember Me #16 (Country Singles *Still Climbing)

Ruben Studdard: 2.2 Million Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (I Need An Angel #20) (Soulful #1)

Flying Without Wings - #2 (Hot 100)

Sorry 2004 - #2 (R&B/Hip-Hop Singles) #9 (Hot 100)

What If - #47 (R&B/Hip-Hop Singles)

I Need An Angel #32 (Hot AC)

Fantasia: 1.8 Million Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Free Yourself #8)

Ain't Gon' Beg You - #37 (R&B/Hip-Hop Singles)

Baby Mama - #16 (R&B/Hip-Hop Singles), #60 (Hot 100)

Free Yourself - #3 (R&B/Hip-Hop Singles), #41 (Hot 100)

Josh Gracin: 680,000 Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Self Titled #11)

I Want To Live - #45 (Hot 100) #4 (Country Singles)

Nothin' To Lose - #39 (Hot 100) #1 (Country Singles), #74 (Pop 100)

Stay With Me - #5 (Country Singles) #66 (Pop 100), #47 (Hot 100)

Bo Bice: 620,000 Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (The Real Thing #4)

The Real Thing - #22 (AC), #21 (Top 40), #35 (Pop 100), #58 (Hot 100)

Kimberly Locke: 220,000

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (One Love #16)

8th World Wonder - #1 (Dance Singles) #6 (Hot AC) #48 (Hot 100), #19 (Top 40)

Wrong - #39 (Top 40)

I Could - #8 (Hot AC)

Diana DeGarmo: 175,000 Sold

Billboard Top 200 Album Charts: (Blue Skies #52)

Dreams - #14 (Hot 100)

I think it's pretty hilarious considering everyone said Fantasia would be the most successful one ever.

Hi, I'm a huge AI fan. Huge Chris Daughtry fan and so sad he isn't in the finals as he should be. My perfect two would be Chris and Elliott. Kat is the girl now and I hope she wins big. Last year was fabulous. I loved Bo most of course since rock if my style, but Carrie has done a great job so I'm not complaining. Especially since Bo is doing great as I hope Chris does, too.

Is anyone planning on going to any of the AI summer concerts this year? I've went the last 2 years when they've come to Green Bay, but this year they aren't coming here.....guess they're too big for a smaller venue. Bummer!

Is anyone planning on going to any of the AI summer concerts this year? I've went the last 2 years when they've come to Green Bay, but this year they aren't coming here.....guess they're too big for a smaller venue. Bummer!

Same thing happened to me! I've gone the last 2 years. 1 year was in my own town and the other was in a town close by and the tour isn't coming to either town this year. I'm pissed, because I don't think I can go this year then.

about Fantasia.

But to her credit, she does have a TV movie coming out to Lifetime, for what that's worth.

Carrie has four Country Music Award nominations, which is, in my opinon, fan-freaking-tastic for someone who won American Idol only a year ago.

And frankly, since everyone is thinking Taylor will win, I'm going to continue saying the surprise of the season will come when Katharine McPhee wins