I love to watch the metamorphosis of Idol contestants throughout the season. As your chances for winning increase, your "look" begins to conform to the AI producers' idea of what a "singing idol" should reflect. It's great marketing--whether you have talent or not. (Think Taylor Hicks, not David Cook. Cook is very talented, but probably needs a regular group behind him much like Chris Daughtry. I just don't view him as a complete solo act.)