Is America ready for a large Idol?

I'm not a big follower of this show - but, i do follow the news clips. I missed the entire first season, but have caught the last couple episodes of the past 3 seasons. Actually, I think it was last year I watched the first couple of episodes as well and saw some of the auditions (including William Hung - or was that two seasons ago?). So, have decided to watch the auditions this season - let's face it - it may be the only time I get to hear anyone with a worst voice than my own.

As the show started and they were showing clips of the contestants waiting in line for DAYS just to get an audition and most were saying "i've been wanting this since I was 14....or 16... or forever", it made me think - can a large woman become an American Idol thru this show?

If you look at the past few seasons of the show:

Season 1: Kelly Clarkson won – very cute and someone that the producers could work with to get the look (and as shown from this pic - they were right)

Season 2: Ruben Studdard – large, but very soulful and personality plus

Season 3: Fantasia Barrino – just striking and has the look.

Season 4: Carrie Underwood – the girl next door that could be the next Faith Hill (except, Faith Hill hasn’t gone anywhere)

So, we have 3 women and 1 man. All the women were very pretty and had the right body type image. Then there is Ruben who is very large, but had a soulfulness about him. His voice, his body, his demeanor demanded respect. And respect he was given. However, Clay Aiken was runner up to Ruben and whom do you hear more about? Saying that, I do think Clay is more known due to his musical choices, but boy, America loved him too!

Now, getting back to my original thought. Is America ready for a large woman to be an idol? Obviously, being large isn't a problem - Ruben won. But, is that in the same vein that men in their 50's & 60's are distinguished, therefore, get leading roles in movies where their love interest is less than half their age? How often are women in their 50's & 60's the lead in a movie? It has happened, but, percentage wise i'd say less than 10%.

Will be interesting to see if this season picks the same ole same ole - or something unique.