What America is Projecting on its American Idols

There was a telling moment last night at the end of American Idol’s final showdown.  As Ryan Seacrest announced the lines were open for all of us eager voters, Adam Lambert smiled and pointed at Kris Allen who in return smiled and pointed at Adam.  It was a ‘you’re the man, no, you’re the man’ sort of moment. The last two standing have a lot riding on their shoulders.  And its a lot of stuff placed there by the viewing public.  This final duo has been compared to Elvis versus Pat Boone, Red America versus Blue, the coasts versus the middle of the country (California v. Arkansas), glam versus clean cut, on and on.  And of course, all the speculation about sexuality too. But while America projects its culture war on its two remaining idols it seems all they are trying to do is compete with their voices — the point of this contest in the first place.    Tonight it will be decided.  The last vote was a squeaker.  Surely it will come down to who is the best singer, right?    -Tom Johnson