American Idol - My Guilty Pleasure

I'm going out on a limb for "American Idol" fans and choosing this year's American Idol. Ace Young (top) is my top pick, not because he's the best singer, but because he has the best package of singing, looks and stage charisma. America will eat this boy up.

Certainly, this is not a "talent only" competition because if it were, Season 3 would have seen the three divas battle it out and no shade Fantasia (did you just say Jennifer Hudson? I swore I just heard someone say her name), but Fantasia baby, you may not have won. Not hatin' because I think Fantasia certainly deserves the title for the type of show that American Idol is.

And let me get upset one more quick moment, and again evidence that its not a talent only competion because there are only 4 black girls and 1 black boy in the top 24. C'mon American Idol. You mean to tell me that in your search for the best in America, only 5 blacks made your top 24. Could it be that you are catering to the demographics of your audience? Could it be that if it were truly based on talent, your top 12 girls would have 8 black girls from the Baptist churches across America? Uh, maybe.

But with that said, American Idol is my guilty pleasure and has been for 4 of the 5 seasons. Season 1 - I was just warm on the show. And when I watched, I picked Kelly to win. Now she's a grammy winner for those of you who hate on the show.

This year, its an okay show with a few shining stars. Parris Bennett (Ann Nesby's grand-daughter and Fantasia - the sequel), Katharine McPhee (Mariah's little sister), and my personal favorite Taylor Hicks (Michael McDonald and Joe Cocker's love child) although not the Idol, he is just a treat to watch. And sexy Christopher Daughtry, he gets extra points for singing Bon Jovi's "Wanted Dead or Alive." - all mentioned should make it to the top ten.

Now, knowing how the producers of the show interupt America's voting with perfectly placed upsets strategically unfolded for reality television (did I hear someone say Jennifer Hudson again), my top picks may all get booted this week.