Megan Joy had it coming.  The single mom from Utah with the voice of a 1930's jazz singer wasn't meant for American Idol.  I do admire the show for allowing her entrance into the Top 13, at least.  Think about your favorites musical artists.  Think about the lead singers in your favorite bands.  Would they do well on American Idol?  Some of them would, but I suspect most wouldn't.  Despite all the superfluous nonsense that American Idol comes with every season, in the end, as the judges are prone to remind us, it is a singing competition.  And, based on pure singing ability, Megan Joy was completely out of her league.  After hearing her in the Top 36, this wasn't much of a surprise.  The judges alluded to Megan having troubles during Hollywood Week which, given what we know now, also isn't terribly surprising.  But, and this is where Idol deserves credit, they saw something in Megan.  She was different, she was unique, and they took a flier on that untapped talent.  They hoped she would improve and become something that Idol hadn't ever seen.  Ultimately, it didn't work out (and some call it an utter disaster), but at least it was worth a try. 

Kara DioGuardi called Megan Joy a “package artist” a few times early this season, and I think the moniker still holds up.  Her voice is far better suited for the studio than a live broadcast (as are her “dance” moves), and she's incredibly raw.  American Idol was Megan's first on-stage experience, which is rare for even the most inexperienced of American Idol talent.  With proper seasoning (like, for instance, the Idol Tour) who's to say that Megan couldn't greatly improve on her sub-par performing ability?  But, where she'll be successful (if she is, which is incredibly rare for a ninth place finisher on Idol) it'll come from the work she does in the studio.  Even if you don't like the Amy Winehouse-Duffy-Nelly Furtados of the world, there's no denying their popularity.  If Megan can hone into that niche, with her looks and quirkiness, there's definitely a viable commercial artist in there somewhere. 

Here's my problem: I get bored easily.  I only started watching American Idol in season five, and I've already grown tired of certain singing archetypes.  The Black Diva, The Teen Pop Star, The Too-Slick R&B Voice.  These things hold little interest for me, which is why Megan, despite her clear lack of live singing ability, interested me.  I can't disagree with anyone who called her a train wreck, or thought she was terrible, or plain ol' hated her guts. Anyone who is pissed off that Megan got a free pass for a couple of weeks, while Alexis Grace was booted after only one poor performance has a reasonable qualm.  Those are worthy opinions, but it all really depends on what you want to get out of American Idol.  Do you want to see the best singer win?  Do you want to America to vote based solely on talent?  Or, does uniqueness play a part?  How about untapped potential?  How about pure entertainment value? 

Most American Idol finalists who finish below the top five fade into oblivion.  There's a better than average chance that the same will happen to Megan Joy.  I hope that doesn't happen, however.  I usually could care less about the future careers of American Idols.  Jasmine Murray, Jorge Nunez, Michael Sarver – I am completely indifferent about where they go from here.  Megan could be something interesting, however, something a little different than the typical products of American Idol.  A few years from now, if Megan becomes successful in the music world, it'd be fun to say, “Hey, remember when Megan Joy sucked?”

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-Oscar Dahl, BuddyTV Senior Writer
(Image Courtesy of FOX)