Why Bo Bice is your next American Idol

Before I dive into the true purpose of this article, I'm going to give you a few seconds to release those giggles from your system over the fact that I actually follow American Idol. (brief pause) Ok, are we ready to continue? Good. Now I've never been one to place too much weight in so-called conspiracy theories, particularly when it's nonsense such as Princess Di faked her death to retreat happily into isolation or more currently, the Tom Cruise-Katie Holmes relationship (come on, you can just see they're in love…smirk). However, when it comes to the nation's favorite reality TV show, I have to admit that I'm a little skeptical of the results thus far. Now, for the record, let me just say that I have nothing against Bo Bice as a musical talent. Truth be known, I've been pulling for the guy ever since America made its commitment to relieve Constantine of his contestanal duties (even though I'm fairly certain that contestanal is not a real word). But, the fact that he is one show short of being the AI05 (that's American Idol 2005 for the acronym impaired), does suggest that perhaps his gender and race alone make him the natural choice in a society that makes every effort to avoid discriminatory actions, particularly in the media. Let me explain. The circle of Idol winners has followed an obvious (well, obvious to me, at least) pattern since the show began four years ago. Year One: Kelly Clarkson, Caucasian female. Year Two: Ruben Studdard, African-American, Male. Year Three: Fantasia Barrino, African-American, Female. Year Four: Bo Bice?…you fill in the remaining details. Everything's fair. Everyone's happy. And, more importantly, the show can easily refute any discriminatory claims that may pop-up, simply by referring those naysayers to its own past. While I'm sure that Bo Bice fans are probably cursing me for even thinking the unthinkable, some of you may also agree that I do have a point. And that point is, television is about making money. The way networks make money is by getting people to watch their shows. And, even the slightest hint of a topic so controversial as discrimination can affect the future of the show. Even one as big as American Idol (just ask Paula Abdul). So, when you sit down to take in the Idol finale on May 25, you have a choice. You can go on believing that the final tally is a direct result of you and every other Idol faithful that is willing to drop a small fee into the phone company's pocket in an effort to make your voice heard. Or, like me, you can take it with a grain of salt, and enjoy the moment for the sheer entertainment value alone. And, while you're at it, drop a few bucks on Bo in the latest Vegas line. I hear he's getting 2 to 1 odds.