And I'm proud to be an American [Idol Addict]

American Idol is an addiction like no other. Most fans of the show know it is rigged, that half the people who make it on the show have no talent, and that Simon Cowell is a bitter old man, but we love it anyway.

My American Idol 2 experience is a story in itself. I am thinking of writing about it here at Epinions, but I'm not sure what category it would fit under. (If you can think of one, let me know)

Before I get into the actual review of the album, let's get something straight. Ruben Studdard is not the true winner of American Idol 2. That title goes to Clay Aiken. If Josh Gracin had not been unfairly kicked off when Kim Locke clearly had less votes, I believe the finale would've consisted of Josh and Clay, rather than Ruben.

And that's my rant for now.

American Idol 2: All-Time Classic American Love Songs
The album begins with the epitome of cheesiness. The group stands in a circle, holding hands and crooning What The World Needs Now. lol. I just do not like this song. I saw this performed live in late April when I attended two live tapings of the show, and I was impressed by Kim Caldwell's voice. I think the song in general is horrible and the fact that they played it up so much is ridiculous.

Ruben Studdard was far from my favorite on the show. As the finale grew nearer and it was apparent American Idol was pushing the viewers to love the "2nd coming of Luther Vandross" (or if you prefer, the Velvet Teddy Bear), many of us got more and more sick of Ruben. I do not enjoy Superstar very much at all, except for maybe the chorus. The song is too lulling and his voice is mediocre at best, although I know there are people who would disagree with that. Whatever. 205 must die. UGH!

Now for my fellow North Carolinian, Clay Aiken. Throughout the show, I was not particularly impressed by him. Like others, I thought he was more broadway than pop, and could never pull off winning this thing. His look is undoubtedly goofy and awkward, and yet he became the most popular guy on the show. Claymates, Clayniacs. *blinks* It boggles my mind. On the Wings of Love is an okay song, but they could've picked a better one for him to do here. Kinda boring.

Julia DeMato? She is Kelly Clarkson #2, only not as pretty or talented. She literally had no personality or stage presence, and did nothing for me and apparently for no one else either. However, I can honestly say she impressed me on this compilation album. She does At Last beautifully and literally sounds as if she stepped right out of that time era. It's great, one of the best songs on the album.

Where do I even begin? Joshua Gracin is where my American Idol 2 experience begins. He is...incredible. If I start talking about him, I'll never stop, but I'm going to try. He is my all-time favorite American Idol contestant. I know Josh now, just from being a fan. His voice is gorgeous, he has the whole package. I am in awe of him! I honestly feel he was the only true American Idol to grace that stage, being a Marine, father, and husband. He sounds beautiful on Three Times a Lady. It is without a doubt the best song on the entire album with the lulling melody and his gorgeous voice. I AM A JOSH GRACIN FANATIC. If you don't believe me, go to my website JoshGracin.com. :)

I thought Trenyce had the best female voice on this season of American Idol, and if I had it my way, Kim Locke would've been gone before her. On this album, Trenyce recorded Let's Stay Together with an updated flavor. I think it sounds great. The only problem with Trenyce is that her voice and style can be found in nearly any other female R&B artist out there today.

Rickey Smith is such a sweetie. He sat in front of me when I attended one of the shows and he is one of the friendliest, most energetic people you could ever meet. I can't say that I ever particularly loved his voice, but I think Back At One was a wise choice for his vocal style. It's already such a good song, and he put his all into recording it. I can't help but love this guy!

I was surprised to find that Kim Caldwell recorded Killing Me Softly. Being a 90s child, I am not familiar with the original recording of this song, but the Fugees' rendition of it. Regardless, listening to it I am very impressed by her. When I watched her on TV I thought very little of her. What I heard about her through my American Idol connections was not pleasant, but all behavioral/personality traits put aside, she is an exceptional talent and does this song justice.

Um. I hate Corey Clark. He sounds disgusting on Open Arms and is an absolute insult to Journey. I'm sorry, he disgusts me. Don't listen to this song. I think he made it as far as he did through familial connections to American Idol.

How dare Carmen Rasmusen butcher such a beautiful country song as How Do I Live (Without You)?! How dare American Idol give her this song to record?! Don't get me wrong, she seems sweet enough, but there's no denying her major lack of talent. Yuck. Sorry, I don't like her either.

Of all songs she could've done, Kim Locke chose Somewhere Over the Rainbow. What a surprise. Her unbelievably manly voice is somewhat disturbing to me, but I think she is talented nonetheless. Being a fan of Josh, I have some discontentment over this girl staying when she clearly should've left. I suppose that really isn't her fault, but I still have a problem with her. She seems really fake to me. Anyway, she sounds fine on this song but I prefer the original anyday.

I really, genuinely like Charles Grigsby. A lot of people thought he was boring, but I don't see why. He really should've made it farther in the show than he did. His voice is really smooth and rich, and unlike another R&B singer on this show, he can actually dance and move around rather than stand there and sweat buckets. He does a great job on Overjoyed and I find it very pleasant to listen to. I hope this is not the last we have seen of Charles Grigsby.

God Bless the USA (Proud to Be an American) has always been a favorite of mine. American Idol was smart in giving Josh Gracin the male lead to open up the track, because it fits so well and is so beautiful. I cried when they performed it live. I like that they didn't do anything to really change and/or update the song, because it is best in its original form. I was slightly angered when Ruben Studdard took Josh's lead when he couldn't be there, because to many of Gracin's fans, that part belongs to Josh and only Josh. Anyway, I think the song is done wonderfully and I enjoy listening to it. It's a great way to end this compilation album.

Overall Recommendation
This is not something you want to buy if you never watched American Idol 2. There are quite a few amateur talents on the album that deserve recognition and some who will move on to great musical careers. But please, if you're considering purchasing the album, save yourself and your ears and skip over Corey Clark and Carmen Rasmusen's tracks.

Note: forgive me if I sounded like a teenybopper while discussing Josh Gracin. I promise I'm not. ;)