The Farr Side: Two decades on, 'American Idol' still delivers

I have been a fan of “American Idol” since the very beginning. I have not missed a single episode of the reality TV talent show despite numerous judging panels, voting formats and even a network change from FOX to ABC.

You could safely say I might be a super fan of the show. Even as the audience or viewership has changed or grown older, I’ve stuck with the show. It’s been a proven success in delivering quality music stars to the music and entertainment industry. Kelly Clarkson, Jennifer Hudson and Carrie Underwood have become icons. And, stars like Adam Lambert, Jordin Sparks, Katharine McPhee, Phillip Phillips, Gabby Barrett, Kellie Pickler, Clay Aiken, Constantine Maroulis, Josh Gracin, Scotty McCreery, Constantine Maroulis and Chris Daughtry all got their start performing before the judges and letting America vote.

No other reality TV talent show can boast such success, not even “The Voice.” Plus, “Idol” proved that you don’t have to win to win. Several finalists have gone on to major success — despite having not won. That is just awesome to me.

You would almost think that a show like this would have run its course by now, but you would be wrong. I’ve been excited about previous seasons before, but no other season of “American Idol” can come even close to the talent presented on Season 21.

Yes, you read that correctly. “American Idol” is in its 21st season!

I’ve been in awe of the show this Idol go around because the contestants have just been incredible. From their personal stories to the amazing performances, the growth potential of these hopefuls is astonishing to me. I can’t recall a season where I have felt so vested in the journey.

The famed "Hollywood Week” was one of the best ever. Everyone brought their A games and the idea that people would have to be eliminated became painful. More than a hundred came to Hollywood, but that meant some really great singers were going to be cut.

Soon, the Top 55 became the Top 26. It was sad to see some early-on favorites go home. The Top 20 finalists were all stellar in my book. But when it became the Top 12, it was apparent that things were going to get very real. I may have shed a few tears when some of my favorites didn’t make the cut.

The judges did a fantastic job of finding great singers this time around. Lionel Richie, Katy Perry and Luke Bryan have become three of my favorite people, Lionel in particular. He’s no Simon Cowell. But, in some ways he’s even better. I have much respect for the man and I love it when he praises the contestants by reminding them thatthey are all worthy of a career in music. He’s right. The show is just a platform and it’s up to these singers to utilize it to their fullest ability.

The Top 12 comprises the talents of We Ani, Warren Peay, Haven Madison, Tyson Venegas, Colin Stough, Marybeth Bird, Oliver Steele, Iam Tongi, Zachariah Smith and Megan Danielle, which America voted. Then it was up to Lionel, Katy and Luke to choose from a small group that just minutes before had to sing for their lives to stay in the competition. They chose to put Nutsa and Lucy Love into the coveted Top 12.

Some incredible singers saw their fate sealed by the time the Top 12 was revealed. It was heartbreaking, to say the least, but again Lionel reminded them of their worth and said they all have the possibility to make it in the music business.

The Top 12 contestants consist of country singers, indie talents, musicians, pop stars, soul singers and some pretty amazing singer/songwriters that the show has ever had.

More than half of them have already performed original songs they wrote on their own. I’m just so impressed.

Have you been watching Season 21 of “American Idol”? Who is your favorite? I like them all. One thing we can be sure of, though, is one of these 12 people will be our next “American Idol.”

— David T. Farr is a Journal correspondent. Email him at farrboy@hotmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Sturgis Journal: The Farr Side: Two decades on, 'American Idol' still delivers