Sonspot

Now that American Idol has eroded down to the final seven I feel it's time for me to pick a horse. Anthony Fedorov is a dark horse indeed if for no other reason than Simon considers him a personal whipping boy. But there are other reasons that make Mr. Fedorov a very long shot to win, ranging from his milquetoast persona to his nearly absent charisma.

However, the kid's got a great story and I love great stories. He's an immigrant from eastern Europe who required a Trach. as a child due to respiratory difficulties. His parents were told that he would never be able to even speak, much less sing. But sing he does, albeit music that reminds me of elevators and grade school dances.

In the end, I'm a sucker for underdogs with great tales of triumph over daunting obstacles. After all, isn't that the whole idea of the American dream and, in a microcosm, this silly show?