Allison Iraheta is the American Idol who never was

Although I have had thoughts of abandoning this season's Idol over my utter frustration of a majority of the selected 'singers' in this year's competition, what remained was a hope that a legitimate, undiscovered singing talent will ultimately win the crown at the behest of the nation. There were a few I thought stood a chance, namely Matt Giraud, whose remarkably soulful voice is superior in a recording studio track, and Allison Iraheta, a 17-year-old red-haired, Salvadoran-American teenage wunderkind who notably sang with a distinctly raspy rock voice.

I grew to root for the latter throughout the competition, since I have an instant affinity toward female rock voices (Hayley Williams, Cassadee Pope, P!nk) and felt the show was long overdue for a legitimately female rocker to complement last year's Idol David Cook. Heck, the original Idol Kelly Clarkson declared her favorite as Allison, as well, whom she has been favorably compared with. It did, however, seem like an incredibly uphill battle for Allison as she seemed to do nearly everything right as a singer and performer, but never got the full support and recognition from the judges that she truly deserved. It was a disservice of sorts when it was clear that the judges had a vendeta against her. On Tuesday night, the day before she was eliminated from contention, her amazing performance of Janis Joplin's "Cry Baby" during rock week, of all weeks, was leaps and bounds ahead of remaining finalist Danny Gokey and yet, the judges denied her the credit she deserved, tainting their glowing reviews with subtle negative critiques which consequently impacted America's vote, as the nation decided to keep Danny, the mediocre blue-eyed soul singer, rather than a talent with tons of untapped potential.

Allison was a refreshing change for most Idol teenagers. She actually displayed a genuinely fun (read: goofy/quirky), optimistic personality who never saw winning as life or death. She was the kind of girl to run at the mouth, but never to the point of being obscene (a spitfire of sorts). Allison was a bit raw, but so are most 17-year olds. She was never a prim & proper girl like Jordin Sparks, although I admit to hoping Allison's fate would parallel Jordin's. I was also hoping for an Adam Lambert/Allison Iraheta finale, a would-be battle between the season's rock vocalists, which would match the excitement of last year's "David Vs. David" match-up, but she was denied the chance to be this year's David Archuleta.

I should also note that of the four remaining finalists, Allison never given a favorable producer edit, which upsets me because it creates an unfair disadvantage for these contestants who have little, to no no exposure to the viewing public, which is necessary to create a fan base. (Kris is the other one. TPTB have envisoned a Danny/Adam finale). Luckily, Allison's amazing vocals were rewarded by the nation, even though she was predestined to not be the Idol. And her fourth place finish is a testament to it.

On the bright side, Allison will not be constrained by the notorious Idol contract and will have more control over the direction of her career. And perhaps it is best that she mature and grow into her adult voice, experience more of life, get a makeover, and come back even more powerful as the acclaimed artist most fans and critics envision her to eventually be. It is given that she will receive a record deal and a matter of time before she reaches the success of Chris Daughtry and becomes the most successful participant of the season. Sorry, Adam! (Although I would gladly welcome it, as a historic pop culture moment, but I digress ;).

As a viewer, I did find myself emotionally invested in rooting for Allison (as I did with Ricky Braddy and Joanna Pacitti), and was rather heartbroken, and then I realized how ridiculous it was to get so involved in a trivial thing like a reality show. The entire season really was an insult to my intelligence and a test of most of the country's (lack of) musical taste. But then again, I subconsciously wanted her to do well, just so I can hear her on the radio and play her music. Is that asking too much?