The Farr Side: Impact of ‘AI’ difficult to ignore

When I saw Josh Gracin perform last weekend, one thing became clear. “American Idol” continues to have a major influence on pop culture.

I’m sure I’ve talked about it before, but seriously, the show has affected your life, even if you didn’t realize it. Can you remember the last time you listened to the radio and didn’t hear someone from “AI”?

Do this test. Turn your radio on for about an hour and see if you don’t hear Idol finalists like Gracin, Kelly Clarkson, Chris Daughtry, Elliott Yamin, Jordin Sparks, Carrie Underwood, Mandisa, Clay Aiken, or Kellie Pickler play at some point during that time. Listening to the farm report doesn’t count.

Sparks, Season 6 winner, has two big songs on the radio right now. Her songs “Tattoo” and “No Air,” a duet with hit R&B singer Chris Brown, are hot.

Daughtry didn’t win Season 5, but you wouldn’t know it by listening to the radio. His songs are in constant rotation, as are songs by Carrie Underwood. Both Daughtry and Underwood ruled the charts and airwaves in 2007. This year is shaping up to be the same.

The first and original “American Idol,” Kelly Clarkson is a staple on Top 40 radio. She set the standard for all other Idols and finalists to break through. It’s safe to say she showed how it all can happen.

Bo Bice, runner-up to Underwood on Season 4, packs a powerful punch, too. His strong vocals excelled on the theme song to the Will Ferrell comedy “Blades Of Glory.” The song was definitely overlooked for the Best Song Oscar. Speaking of Oscar, would “Dreamgirls” have been as good without Jennifer Hudson? We won’t know because Hudson took home an Academy Award for her role as “Effie.” Hudson saw her fate on Season 3 where she placed 7th.

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