If you are a fan of "American Idol," you have likely been enthralled with the auditioning contestants throughout the years. Every new season brings fresh potential and talent into our living rooms as we anxiously anticipate each song performed, wondering who among the many will be one of the names we never forget. There are not just hundreds, but thousands of young hopefuls who show up in each city, aspiring to be the next American Idol, and yet we only see a select few actually audition. While the contestants always exemplify diversity and are indeed unique, it seems that those who make it in front of the judges tend to fall in to at least one of the following six categories:
1. Average Joe, Amazing Voice. This is the unassuming contestant; the boy or girl next door that is easily and often overlooked. He or she walks into the room dressed conservatively, with a pleasant smile, exchanges hellos with the judges and then BAM! Surprise, surprise, suddenly everyone is paying attention because this average lookin' Annie/Andy can really sing!
2. Gorgeously Gifted All Around. These are your modern-day Kens and Barbies. They have beautifully bouncy hair, blinding smiles along with a charming personality that lights up the room. If you haven't already fallen in love with them, you do when you hear their voice, which is equally stunning.
3. Pretty face . . . period. They offer all of the promise of those who are gorgeously gifted all around and seem so well put together that you just assume the best is yet to come. But wait, what is that sound coming from the mouth of this pretty young thing? Is there a sick cow in the room? Alas, all pretty packages are not what they seem.
4. Goofy Goober Good. "American Idol" loves to showcase unusual contestants, and they are indeed entertaining to observe. These are the folks that dance to their own beat in terms of clothing, style and personality. You often find yourself wondering, what is up with this one? And then they sing, and you recognize that this person who you thought was goofy, is really an artist, a musician, someone who indeed possesses a talent all their own.
5. Goofy Goober Bad. Much like the Goofy Goober Goods, these contestants initially cause you scratch your head in wonderment. However, unlike those previously mentioned, the head scratching continues, but with one hand, as you use your other hand to turn down the volume on your television. You cringe, the judges cringe, babies cry, glass shatters. Clearly these unfortunate souls have made it in front of the judges not because they can sing, but because they really, really can't.
6. A Story to Tell. What would "American Idol" be without the amazing life stories behind many of the contestants? These young men and women may have spent time living on the streets, in a tent, battled illness, or any number of life struggles. And they can sing, channeling their emotions through their voice. Bringing tears to our eyes, their stories cannot help but make them fan favorites.
