Debate: Clay or Fantasia, the true American Idol?

[gometros]

On the heels of American Idol 3 completting its season and the raging debate on the AI thread that went on during the season, who do you think represents the ideal of American Idol better - Clay or Fantasia?

(Aside to Kelly Clarkson fans: not leaving her out, but Clay and Fantasia seem to have evoked the most emotional responses during the recent two seasons.)

Personally, I think Clay embodies more what an American Idol should represent, since he packages talent with a perseverence to succeed. Where Fantasia dropped out of school to care for an out-of-wedlock child, Clay went back to complete college, even while success was already in his grasp.

 

[grinningghost]

Clay

 

[minniepumpernickel]

Well, it's a singing contest, and America has chosen them as our idols. So I'll let America speak!

 

[Nancy]

Clay....but only because I like him and I never liked Fantasia's singing voice.

Also remember Clay didn't win...he was #2. Ruben won that year.

 

[gometros]

Originally posted by Nancy
Clay....but only because I like him and I never liked Fantasia's singing voice.

Also remember Clay didn't win...he was #2. Ruben won that year.

Exactly, which is why I didn't think I was selling Kelly short by leaving her out. I was more interested in comparing the two competitors that seem to have provoked the most discussion on these boards and have the most vocal following.

 

[CJK]

Clay - but I think it's all about preference. I personally don't care for Fantasia's voice. I'm sure there are people out there who don't like Clay. That's the great thing about music, there's something for everyone! Go Clay!

 

[treesinger]

Clay fits the mold better, but Fantasia wins on talent, if only by a little bit.

 

[avdeane]

I too say Clay because he has been the best singer, but also because of all he's done for others with the success he's had so far. He quickly took his popularity and used it to help others!!

In all fairness, Fantasia hasn't had the opportunity for that yet. But it doesn't seem to be who she is. Clay let us know what kind of person he was right from the beginning and that IMO is a big reason why he became so popular...not to mention his fabulous voice!! Oh and he is kinda cute too huh?

 

[Mishetta]

ITA with gometros. In today's society, I don't think Fantasia is one to portray an "idol" (someone you respect & look up too) due to her poor choices in the past. I think it's great that she seems like she's turning her life around but this is ONLY my opinion, I wouldn't consider Fantasia an "idol." I am not speaking of her God given singing talent, I'm speaking of her life in general. Her past shows that she has made many wrong choices. "Idol" ~ no. Talented ~ yes.

Clay definitely represents an American Idol best. I think he is quite talented too & he has both feet on the ground.

 

[jkovick]

Clay all the way!!

 

[spacemountain]

fantasia kind of annoys me

 

[scarlett873]

i'm in total agreeance with most of the responses...clay is most definitely more of an AI than fantasia. i'm not saying that fantasia isn't talented...she's got talent...but in my personal opinion, her voice and singing style is very similar to many many other artists out there. clay's got a sound all his own...his voice is absolutely incredible...he can bring down the house with just a few notes!! and he's proven that time and time again! he's got both feet planted firmly on the ground...he's very humble...he's used his success for good (starting his own foundation for autistic children)...completed college even after he'd become successful...with him, what you see is what you get! and that voice...magic...

fantasia has only just begun her "reign" as this year's AI. i don't know much about her past...and she hasn't had a chance to really show us what she's made of...i think she's talented, just not MY idea of an american idol...just MY opinion!!

 

[Pooh67_68]

Clay, never cared for Fantasia's singing.

 

[disneyjunkie]

Originally posted by Mishetta
ITA with gometros. In today's society, I don't think Fantasia is one to portray an "idol" (someone you respect & look up too) due to her poor choices in the past. I think it's great that she seems like she's turning her life around but this is ONLY my opinion, I wouldn't consider Fantasia an "idol." I am not speaking of her God given singing talent, I'm speaking of her life in general. Her past shows that she has made many wrong choices. "Idol" ~ no. Talented ~ yes.

Clay definitely represents an American Idol best. I think he is quite talented too & he has both feet on the ground.

She's a kid. We all make mistakes and/or bad choices. None of us are perfect.

I think they both can be viewed as "American Idols." They have lead very different lifes, but they still reached their goals.

Fantasia didn't complete high school, not a big deal to me, she can always go back and get her GED. Unwed mother, again not a big deal.

I'd hate to think we'd be viewed in a negative light because of choices we made as teens or young adults.

I happy to see that she was responsible enough to deal with her mistakes, learn from them, and move on.

 

[MHopkins2]

I couldn't care less about Fantasia's morals or lack thereof, I just like Clay's singing more (understatement of the month).

 

[disykat]

While I would definately say Clay for all the obvious reasons, I also think Fantasia also embodies many idol qualities. I am as conservative as they get and totally disagree with Fantasia's choices, however she shows that you take responsibility for your choices and continue to live life to your highest potential. America is all about second chances IMO - the land of opportunity for all. Fantasia kind of embodies that.

 

[BabyLove99]

Clay...I just don't like Fantasia or her singing.

 

[Robinrs]

Gee, was I supposed to be surprised at the answers here? I thought the "let's bash Fantasia" threads were OVER but I should've known better.

 

[scarlett873]

i wasn't "bashing" fantasia...she's just not my preference for an AI, that's all...

i've based my opinion on the talent of the two. her voice and the way that she sings is just not my cup of tea.

 

[ckr]

ITA, disykat. There are many "idols" that don't take responsibility for their actions. I have to respect ANY one that does in today's "Not MY Fault" society.

As for my favorite singer, Clay.

As for someone to look up to as a role model, depends on the situtation. A teenage mother being abused by her child's father could DEFINITELY be helped by looking up to Fantasia. She had the courage to change her life. Fantasia's experience might give just one teen mother the strength to do the same.

Actually though, I don't buy into the whole "Idol" thing. Our children's role models should be people they really know. Like parents, teachers, ministers. Public persona isn't always accurate. (Kobe Bryant...)