Anoop Desai was bafflingly passed over by America in week one of the Top 36 in favor of Oil Rig Guy Michael Sarver. The judges righted that wrong in the Wild Card round, though they made Noop Dog sweat it out in the process – Anoop was the thirteenth entrant into what was supposed to be a Top 12. Anoop is, simply put, a great singer. Even more, his slightly nerdy looks make the voice that comes out of him all the more surprising. He is fairly straight-laced, safe on the surface, but Anoop is more complex than that. He has infused his performances with an inexplicable sexuality, another thing you wouldn't expect from Anoop at first glance. He gains a lot of steam with his personality. He's eminently likable, seemingly humble and should only benefit from America getting to spend more time with him. Though American Idol has seen a number of singers like Anoop (pop/R&B singer with a good voice and solid performance skills), those type of singers tend to do well.
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 - Main Page
American Idol 8: The Official Top 13 Slideshow
Strengths:
Anoop has a great voice. It's a classic pop voice. Anoop is very likable, and has the breezy good-looks to become a teen idol. The judges like him, and will therefore give Anoop the benefit of the doubt when they can.
Weaknesses:
We've seen his type before. The initial shock of that voice coming out of someone who looks like Anoop (the slightly nerdy college a cappella singer) might fade after a few weeks. It's unclear how much stylistic range Anoop has either – if he's unable to branch out and ends up giving the same performance week after week, America will sour on him eventually.
Best-Case Scenario:
Anoop keeps improving and showing off a great voice and a comforting stage presence. He becomes a fawned over idol among the tween girls of America and shimmies his way into the Top 3 and a shot at winning it all.
Worst-Case Scenario:
Anoop turns out to be a one-trick pony who America grows tired of within a couple of weeks, while his fellow male competitors outshine him.
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 - Main Page
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Matt Giraud
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Megan Corkrey
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Anoop Desai
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Alexis Grace
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Michael Sarver
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Danny Gokey
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Jasmine Murray
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Allison Iraheta
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Kris Allen
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Adam Lambert
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Lil Rounds
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Scott MacIntyre
American Idol 8: Analyzing the Top 13 – Jorge Nunez
-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)