Discrimination is discrimination whether it’s based on ethnicity, sexual orientation, etc etc. I think it would be outrageously unfair to say Adam can’t do “X” because he’s gay. I think it’s just as outrageously unfair to say Anoop can’t do “X” because of his ethnicity.

He’s really quick on his feet, has empathy and comes across as immensely likeable.

Yes. Anoop has a big likability factor going on. He has done some acting before, hasn’t he? Maybe he can somehow combine the acting and singing.

I think Anoop could really make it big in broadcast media / news or entertainment hosting. He’s really quick on his feet, has empathy and comes across as immensely likeable.

I think he can be a star in Asia and in here. I know there are a lot of other people trying to make it but I think his ethnicity can help him out here.

I can see it working in Asia. Not so sure about the States, though.

Anoop! Dude, I totally think he can make it in pop/r&b only because there is no other Indian guy doing that right now, and that already helps him stand out. He just needs to find the right people that can market him and I think he can be a star in Asia and in here. I know there are a lot of other people trying to make it but I think his ethnicity can help him out here.

I hope you are right. I thought that it might make it even harder, but who knows?

Matt and Anoop fans are going to have to wait a long time I think. JMHO

Seems that I hear a lot of former Idols dismissed as failures when they’re really doing quite well compared to the many thousands of other talented people fighting for the spotlight out there.

Very, very true.

I don’t hold out a lot of hope for mainstream radio play for Matt or Anoop. But, I do think they’ll be able to make a living as musicians, even if it’s being a big fish in the small pond of their home states, or touring with other idols.

Exactly. And, after all, this is what most musicians in the world do, and there’s nothing wrong with it. You’re paying the rent with what you love to do, and that’s as much as one can expect, I think. I think having people get the national spotlight on Idol tends to build fans’ — and maybe Idols’ — expectations way beyond this, though. Seems that I hear a lot of former Idols dismissed as failures when they’re really doing quite well compared to the many thousands of other talented people fighting for the spotlight out there.

I never believed him when he sang r&b, but he is a really good balladeer.

I always preferred Anoop as a balladeer, too. I think Anoop has a pretty voice.

Funny that Anoop, Danny, and Matt are the three that tried that r&b sound, and they are such close friends. I enjoy reading about their antics on Twitter.

Anyway, about the Elliott comparison. I think maybe people just tend to favor and get caught up in the current set of idols. I don’t think Elliott was perfect, but when he is good, there is not much that can top his vocals. And although I think Anoop has a pretty voice, I think that Elliott is a better overall singer. Matt is definately not as good a singer as Elliott, but he does have the piano playing musicianship going for him. I think all three are talented, and I know everyone’s opinions will vary, but I think what threw me off was that some were saying that these two are MUCH more talented. Not for me, and Elliott wasn’t even my favorite Season 5.

Sad to say, Lucy, I agree with you. I don’t hold out a lot of hope for mainstream radio play for Matt or Anoop. But, I do think they’ll be able to make a living as musicians, even if it’s being a big fish in the small pond of their home states, or touring with other idols. I hope for more, but history of past idols doesn’t bode well for them. I’ve always been a little baffled by Anoop’s favored genre. I never believed him when he sang r&b, but he is a really good balladeer.

People are really saying Anoop and Matt are much more talented than Elliott? I did not know.

Well, I certainly don’t think so! But I’ve heard it said: Anoop — much prettier voice; Matt — much better overall musician.

I don’t buy either of those but obviously MMV on this one. I think Elliott’s voice is gorgeous and his musicianship is plainly evident in his vocals. But I’ve spoken with others who vehemently disagree!