For the past several seasons, no matter how the contestants actually performed on the finale, “American Idol” voters have selected some derivative of a “white guy with guitar” as their winner.
With Josh Krajcik in the finals of “The X Factor” season one, it seemed like that streak could continue onto another “Idol”-esque talent show.
And though fellow finalist Chris Rene broke through with his hip-hop original “Young Homie,” he, too, had sung along with the guitar, including on one of his best performances of the season–another original number.
For those sick of seeing America vote in favor of such a prototype, “The X Factor” finally provided some hope that a different kind of performer can still win. Melanie Amaro, a non-white female with a “Diva” performance style, ended up winning “The X Factor” on the heels of a critically-acclaimed reprise of “Listen,” the same song she used to steal hearts in her initial audition.
Following Wednesday’s show, it was hard to argue that Amaro had “won” the performance aspect of the finals, but that was not necessarily a guarantee she would get the votes. After all, Lauren Alaina outperformed Scotty McCreery and lost on “American Idol” this year. Crystal Bowersox outperformed Lee DeWyze and lost on “American Idol” last year.
Chris Rene, who many pegged as a favorite due to his backstory and immensely popular original songs, ended up placing third, thrusting Josh Krajcik into the runner-up spot.