Watched it unfold last night, along with millions of other viewers!

Had better things to do, but oh well.

Thought Rueben was pretty consistent throughout the competition, but believe Clay had a better voice! And he took the panels' criticism each week and constructively honed his skills.

Nevertheless, Rueben was voted the best probably because he was likeable and seemed to have a broader appeal. Personally, I think he would fare well professionally as a studio artist, not a concert crooner.

What upset me though was listening to opinions about the outcome on a local R&B station. African-Americans where complaining that Rueben had an "average" voice and that there are African-American folks everywhere, especially on "Star Search" that could sing circles around the "American Idol" contestants, including Rueben.

Now, why I don't doubt some of those claims, if Clay had won the competition, those same people would have whined about how the judging was rigged because Rueben was better, and this is the second time an African-American singer was snubbed on "American Idol"!

Just goes to show that you can't please anybody!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

Ruben and Clay aside, did anybody witness Kelly Clarkson's unfortunate performance of her new single at the beginning of last night's show? It was painfully clear that despite winning last year's competition, and a plethora of recent album sales, her voice has not developed along with her celebrity. She really mangled the song quite badly.

I mean no disrespect to her or any of her fans, I was just surprised that she was so out of voice.

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Zach
1992 300CE

I noticed Kelly's performance as well. Disappointing to say the least.

"True" idols are that for a reason. While you can understand an amateur having voice problems singing their hearts out several times an episode (not to mention the rehearsals in between), no one would tolerate a pro having those issues.

Consider those grueling tour dates, and they have to be "on their game" for each one!

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2009 ML350 (106K) - Family vehicle
2001 CLK430 Cabriolet (80K) - Wife's car
2005 BMW 645CI (138K) - My daily driver
2016 Mustang (32K) - Daughter's car

I agree wholeheartedly. It was clear, at least in my mind, that by the end of last night's show Ruben was physically suffering and his voice had been worn completely ragged. It will be difficult for him to get used to perfoming so intensely night after night while on tour - but that's the difference between professionals and amateurs.

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Zach
1992 300CE

Ok so let me get this straight a few listeners on one LOCAL R&B station say they have heard better and this immediately turns into African Americans thinking Ruben can't sing. hmmmmmmm

Can you turn on the radio and tell what I am thinking now? Give me a break! There are two growing groups of whiners in the USA, those that whine above racism and those that whine about the ones that whine about racism! Both groups need to cease and desist.

Its just radio chatter not "War of the Worlds" if you get my drift

Oh and I have heard better but that doesn't take away from what Ruben or Clay accomplished.

I thought both Clay and Ruben are exceptionally talented singers, and the very close result bears witness to that. And I agree with the result completely.

I can also tell you that Ruben has a beautiful voice with perfect pitch and tone. I was a tenor in elementary, junior high, high school and church choir, and I can tell you that Ruben sings in tune. He reminds me of Luther Vandross, with a little bit of Barry White for good measure.

I also enjoy Clay's singing, too. He kinda reminds me of B.J. Thomas. However, I don't think his voice is well suited for popular music. I agree with Simon in that he would be a brilliant choice for a Las Vegas or Broadway musical.

I also concur that Kelly Clarkson sounded "absolutely dreadful", as Simon would surely say. I can only guess that she's been over using her voice and needs a good rest.

In the words of James Worthy, "Ruben moves me", and I will purchase the first single or CD that he releases.

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Paul S.

2001 E430, Bourdeaux Red, Oyster interior.
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