The Evolution of American Idol - Crowning Singing Winners

Brooke White - Out but Not Down; Jason Castro, David Cook, David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado Have Something to Believe In

Following in the footsteps of previous American Idol winners Kelly Clarkson, Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino, Carrie Underwood, Taylor Hicks and Jordin Sparks will be Jason Castro overcoming David Cook in this season's American Idol finale. Even with a regretful performance of September Morn, according to Randy Jackson, Jason Castro made it to the American Idol sofa, maintaining his opportunity to be the next American Idol. Advancing to the final four, along with David Cook, David Archuleta and Syesha Mercado, Jason Castro solidified his path to the top of the pedestal. Even when he does not perform to the best of his singing ability, Jason Castro advances against some great singing competition.

Jason Castro's final five performance of September Morn will act as his stumbling block that will be a catalyst to focus his singing talent, propelling him to the position of the next American Idol winner. However, winning the hit television music show is not what it used to be. In the first few seasons of American Idol, a couple contestants usually moved on to pedestal level success. The first season saw winner Kelly Clarkson and runner-up Justin Guarini establish themselves, while season two runner-up Clay Aiken made more of a name for himself than winner Ruben Studdard. Following season four, runner-up Bo Bice found success, although not as much as winner Carrie Underwood. However, after eight seasons of the hit music television show, it is no longer about finding one or two musicians to perch atop a pedestal.

Granted, singing contestants on the show have always shared the wealth, to an extent. However, following the eighth season of American Idol, the top ten finalists will go on a musical tour. Former winner Carrie Underwood now has an American Idol stamp and the hit television show has become such a popular branding mechanism that non-winners receive endorsements, appear on commercials and television shows. After all, the musical show is the number one rated show in the United States, raking in $700,000 for a typical thirty second commercial.