Will There Be a Gay American Idol?

Several of the contestants on this season of American Idol have sparked a debate among the viewers over the singers' sexual orientation. Some people, it seems, even oppose the idea of having a gay American Idol. Much of this controversy stems from the recent information that one of the popular male participants, David Hernandez, used to work at a gay strip club. In my opinion, a contestant's past (unless it involves some heinous criminal act, should not affect how viewers vote. David should be judged on his singing ability, not whether or not he is gay. Also, does it make a difference if the contestant is "openly" gay? I am thinking at this point of Danny Noriega, who most viewers would identify with as being gay, although he has not officially "come out" on the show. This brings up the issue of stereotypes: people don't always act how society dictates that their sexual orientation should act.

Over the past seasons, we have seen potentially destructive information, videos, and photos arise out of the participants' pasts. To me, at least, these things have a minimal impact on how I perceive them on stage. I would rather watch their performances for myself and judge them on their singing ability rather than what they've done in the past. Plus, their being gay or straight doesn't affect me at all -- I'm not dating any of them! Although in the case of Michael John, I was greatly disappointed to learn that he was married.