Elliott thinks the beat will go on

I think Elliott has an AMAZING future ahead of him. To me, he was the only one who stood out from the rest of them. He has outstanding talent, and I think it's better he didn't win, because he can get way more popularity this way. I really hope out of all the Idol contestants, Elliott does the best. He deserves it more than anyone after all he's been through. I'm always going to be routing for him, and I really hope he makes it far!

I don't know if it's just lazy reporting, but a surprising number of media outlets don't mention how close the vote was. Out of 50 million votes, he was only 100,000 shy of being number 2 (despite the three way tie this week, Taylor's been something of a voting juggernaut, and will most likely win). It's not like he wasn't popular, just a few more votes didn't get through on one line, a few more got in on another.

But, close calls aside, the contestants that don't make it to the final two tend to fade from popular culture (and fortunately, even those who do make it to the final two. We don't miss you, Justin Guarini). That's just how it is. But most who get to the final 12 or 8 go on to showbiz careers (like Jennifer Hudson getting acting gigs, and she got the boot a lot earlier). So I think it's safe to say that Elliott won't be going back to being a drugstore clerk.

I doubt it will after reading this...

http://digg.com/music/Elliott_Yamin_Booted_From_American_Idol

My theory is that "legs & cleavage" may beat the more talented contestant.

Elliot had talent, but unfortunately it takes a lot more to get by on American Idol. I guess that's what happens in the age of the video star. Hopefully America will surprise me and Taylor Hicks will win, but my money is on the attractive, young one.