Blake's got rhythm, and local musicians' votes, for 'Idol'

Blake's a beat-boxing babe and he's going to win it all.

That's the prediction being made by musicians across Southern New Hampshire who plan to tune in for tonight's final episode of "American Idol."

Music teachers across the region agree that Jordin Sparks, 17, of Glendale, Ariz., deserves to win the top prize - a record deal - but believe voters will side with Blake Lewis, 25, of Bothell, Wash.

The two finalists both have star quality, according to Salem Elementary School music teacher Helen Minkle, who described Jordin as a "beautiful young woman" and Blake as "fresh," from his sense of style to his nontraditional take on popular songs.

But Minkle said even though Jordin's voice is better, Lewis' beat-boxing of the past three months captured the attention of the public, namely the young voters.

"I do think he could get the young girl teeny-bopper type vote, and win it," she said.

And her opinion is shared by Sanborn music director Joe Widman.

"He (will win) because he's original," he said. "And from what all my female students say, he is a babe and all the girls like him."

Although not a teenager, Minkle admits she has watched every episode of the season, and even casts a vote each week by calling an 800 number.

The show began six years ago and features 12 of America's young singers performing popular songs. While there are three celebrity judges who critique the contestants, it's television viewers who phone in their votes and send a singer home each week.

Jessie Adams, director of Londonderry's Rhythm of New Hampshire Show Chorus, said Jordin should win because she has a better stage presence and a better voice.

But Adams said Lewis has an equal shot of walking away from the competition tonight as the 2007 American Idol.

"He's OK," she said. "And I do think he is willing to step out on a ledge on an occasion, which might be what they want - to get away from those cookie-cutter images."

All the music teachers agreed "American Idol" doesn't represent the best young vocalists in the country, but it does provide entertainment.

"I love hearing people sing anywhere," Minkle said. "And not only is it entertaining, but I like to talk about it with the kids, too. It's allowed me to bring up a good point about when people criticize you, and when is it too much criticism."



The show's main judge, Simon Cowell, is notorious for being harsh on the contestants, and picked Melinda Doolittle to be the winner of this year's show.

If the show were based solely on musical ability, music teachers agree that Doolittle, who was kicked off the show last week, would be the winner of it all tonight.

"The problem is that we (the public) also consider personality and star quality, and I think that people felt Melinda was a little too shy or quiet to be the American Idol," Londonderry school teacher Danielle Lucas said.