Readers attack,
defend Scott Savol

One of the most controversial contestants on "American Idol" got the boot this week.

Some viewers felt that Scott Savol's ordinary guy looks and hardscrabble background was worth rooting for, but others were turned off by his attitude and past domestic violence arrest.

Others thought it wasn't fair to judge Savol, or any contestant, on anything other than his or her vocal performance, and there was a wide range of opinions on how well Savol did there.

Of course, an even more controversial topic this week was Corey Clark's claims against Paula Abdul on ABC's "Fallen Idol" special. Your thoughts on that issue are here.

Here are some of your thoughts on Savol and the other singers.

OUSTED CONTESTANT: SCOTT
“Scott should not have  been voted off.  It was also uncalled for the way Ryan Seacrest did it — it was just mean. Scott was the every day joe—he came from the masses.  His struggles - demeaning dad, struggles with weight and the rough start in his relationship  -- is something many many of us go thru. Truthfully I could care less who wins — they are all polished performers — Scott’s only singing education came from his church choir.  He will remain for me always the man of the hour and the true embodiment of what “American Idol” should be.”    --Shelby

“Savol has a nice voice, but he chose terrible songs. Both songs lacked strong hooks. Such songs require a person to have a charismatic voice. This is not the same as a great voice. Charismatic voices compel a person to listen (think Bruce [Springsteen] or Janis [Joplin]. Judged solely on his voice and performing abilities he fell short of the other four.”    --John

“I don’t think Scott Savol should be voted off because there are many people in the music industry that have a criminal past. Many rappers have them and I do not feel like it should affect his career at all.”    --Jessica

“Scott has a face only a mother could love...and it doesn’t appear as though she does. And the vocals? Mediocre at best. His endurance on the show was a true testament to the lengths the public will go to, to creat a farce. It’s like William Hung all over again, only with nothing redeeming.”    --Lisa

“[Scott] was nasty, cocky and arrrogant on Tuesday night! Very unprofessional!”    --Joanna

ANTHONY
“Anthony Federov should be the next to go, but then again I’m not sure how he even made it to Hollywood in the first place. He wears so much makeup, it makes me feel sick to my stomach.”  --Anonymous

“I’m afraid the next to go will be Anthony.  I really like him, seems so innocent and that’s refreshing, but the other three are all better performers.”    --Sue

BO
“My vote to win goes to Bo... I like his style, I like his voice.  And as for the past with drugs...so what, he kicked it.  Winning American Idol should not automatically classify a person as a role model... it should simply say this person can sing.”    --Liz

“Carrie is the ONLY idol—we certainly don’t want BO Caine as an American Idol! Maybe he should be a BO CAINE drug poster Boy!”    --Bob

CARRIE
“I am hoping that Carrie will win, but I would be fine with Bo.  Carrie is so wholesome and sweet and so pretty.  She would make a great American Idol.  She is very versatile.  Bo is a total rocker.”    --Anonymous

“I would like to see Carrie win because she displays such a downhome image and appears to love singing and puts her all into it, if not Carrie, Bo would do great.”  --Connie

VONZELL
“I would like to see Vonzell win but I think America will vote for Carrie.Vonzell picks great songs she has the look for what I think is the all American girl great smile she picks out the perfect outfits wear’s her hair different all the time she’s perfect!”    --Ann Marie

“It’s fun to watch the episodes in the beginning, but after that, it’s not worth watching.  Kelly Clarkston was not really good.  There was controversy with Clay and Ruben.  Fantasia was a single mother, and that rubbed people the wrong way.  This year they want a safe person.  I would be very surprised if Carrie didn’t win.  Personally I think Vonzell is the best, but evidently it’s not what you can do, but who you know...”    --Anonymous

QUOTE OF THE DAY
“I think Paula Abdul should be the next American Idol.  YOU GO GIRL!”    --Vicki

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