As I said to you in IM, Clay is a better singer, technically. It's not subjective, it can be measured. Perhaps my ears are sensitive to off notes, cuz I did hear them. Often. As for being out of breath while he's singing - dude - I don't care if he's 350 lbs - if he's out of breath singing, that doesn't make him a good candidate for American Idol cuz he won't last more than 3 songs on stage, let alone 90-120 solid minutes! He'll need an oxygen tank up there. Why make excuses for him being out of breath all the time? That's not an opinion, that's a fact. And, that fact makes him a weaker singer.

Style. Yeah, you're right. They obviously have very different styles. But what was this contest looking for? An R&B singer or a Pop idol? And style and range have nothing to do with each other at all. There are R&B singers with incredible vocal range. Ruben isn't one of them.

And yes, America loves Rubben. He's an adorable 350-lb teddy bear. How can you not love that? Clay is a pencil thin geek, with probably quesitonable sexual preference - but none of that matters to me. What *I* was looking for in this competition was for the Best potential Pop idol. Not just the voice (tho that is most important), but the whole package. Clay's transformation to dork to teen idol, to me, show's that he has what it takes. As LDV has said, he's much better suited for television talk shows and all that. To me, I think Clay has the most markatable package, overall.

America has made their pick. A freakin' close one, too. So I respect that, and can live with it. (I'm really not as upset as you may think)

Now, for the last time, I will again say that I like Ruben. He's gonna be successful. I'm just saying, a couple years from now, America will know that Clay should've won, because he'll be more successful in his career.

As for betting on it - I'll bet you. Let me think about for what, or how much, or whatever.

And you're not done yet...