Five Best/Worst Possible 'American Idol' Alumni Mentors

The critics have spoken, and most seem to agree that last season's runner-up Adam Lambert did a great job as the celebrity mentor to the Top 9 on this past week's 'American Idol.' We even think he'd make a great judge. But why was Lambert the first 'Idol' alum to be invited back in the capacity of mentor?
'American Idol' has created enough legitimate recording stars by now that they could have easily pulled in one of their own to mentor the latest crop of wannabes before now. In their ninth season now, early contenders like Kelly Clarkson and Clay Aiken have years of experience as pros.

And they have something that most celebrity mentors don't, the thing that Adam Lambert was able to bring. They know exactly what these contestants are going through. Coming through 'American Idol' has to be an experience unlike any other, and who better to help new hopefuls navigate the muddy waters than those who've come through it already. But not all former contestants would make great mentors.

FIVE WORST ALUMNI MENTORS

Jason Castro - I loved Castro's style and his mellow stage presence. He brought a sound to season seven that was wholly unique to the show, and helped make that season one of the most musically diverse and richest in quality. Unfortunately, for all his quiet charm, Castro was a disaster in interviews and anytime he had to talk. Nervous and stammering, Castro might have good ideas for the contestants, but he'd never be able to express them.


Mikalah Gordon - Never short on opinions, Gordon has a respectable singing voice buried within that nasally whine of hers. She's loud and obnoxious, and entertaining as all get-out to watch, but I don't know if she could get deep enough into what's going on with the contestants to offer any sage advice. She's almost more style than substance. She could give advice on how to express yourself, but perhaps not so much on vocal stylings.

Kellie Pickler - Pickler's actually talented when it comes to vocal stylings, but far more limited when it comes to usage of the English language. Much fun was made of her small town upbringing, and lack of culture and sophistication, but even more we seem to be learning that she's sweet as all get out, but pushing that ditzy blonde stereotype to its extreme.

Sanjaya Malakar - The only thing Sanjaya might be able to offer is how to make it deeper into 'American Idol' than your voice would seem to warrant. Teflon before Tim Urban, Malakar smiled and giggled and seemed to have no idea why anybody liked what he was doing. He didn't put as much thought into his performances as he did his hairstyles, so unless we want stage presence over talent and skill, he doesn't have much to offer.

Taylor Hicks - Style and substance both (though some might disagree), Hicks is so comfortable with who he is as an artist, that he never really had to take the time to consider what he was going to do on the stage. He simply went with his gut, which isn't much in the way of advice for contestants who aren't so sure of themselves. He'd certainly be happy and supportive, but telling them to go with their gut isn't that constructive.


FIVE BEST ALUMNI MENTORS

Chris Daughtry - Long considered an early favorite to win season five, Daughtry went out in fourth place. He managed to bypass the strict 'Idol' control over his first release, and formed Daughtry, putting out an album of rock music he could believe in. As reward, he's the most successful season five alum. Confident in who he is as a singer, and knowing how to take risks on the stage, Daughtry can express the importance of seeing beyond the show into the career you want to have.

Carrie Underwood - Especially in the earlier seasons, the judges seemed to be determined to find a pop star, regardless of a contestant's musical preferences. Underwood came on with a definite country slant, and stuck to her guns. She's turned that into superstar success in the country music industry, and could help encourage contestants to find who they are as a singer, and be consistent.

Clay Aiken - In the closest finale in 'American Idol' history, Aiken stood as the most transformed singer. From awkward geek to suave crooner, Aiken could talk to the contestants about reaching outside of their comfort zone and gaining confidence in themselves. By pushing themselves vocally and in every other way, they can find those rare "moments" that make 'American Idol' so spectacular to watch.

Jennifer Hudson - Not only did she get shockingly eliminated early, but Hudson had to endure criticism about her full figure while on 'Idol.' That she was able to forge ahead through the criticism and naysayers to land an Oscar-winning role on 'Dreamgirls' is a testament to her tenacity and drive. No matter the obstacles, Hudson can encourage contestants to pick themselves up and forge ahead, believing that they are deserving of everything they ever wanted.

Kelly Clarkson - The first 'Idol' winner is still one of the most down-to-earth. Clarkson remains the small-town waitress 'American Idol' discovered in 2002, which means she can still appreciate everything she's accomplished. She had to fight for her first breakthrough post-'Idol,' so she knows a thing or two about tenacity as well. Since then, her career has had ups and downs, but through it all she's maintained that powerful voice. Clarkson knows that it's the voice, and she knows how to wring every bit of "awesome" out of almost any song.

Who would you like to see come back to the show that made them and mentor the contestants?