Who Is The Biggest Recording Artist Who Couldn't Win American Idol?

Some of my friends and I were having a spirited discussion over a few libations last week as to who is the biggest recording star that couldn’t win American Idol. Along with that topic we also talked about which major recording artist would win it.

Here were some that we’d all agreed on:

Madonna could make it to Hollywood but could not win. Shakira would win.

Bob Dylan wouldn’t make it to Hollywood. Elvis would win.

Brittney Spears would make it to Hollywood but could not win. K.D. Lang would win.

Michael Jackson would make it to Hollywood but unless he sang only Michael Jackson songs, he couldn’t win it. Bono would win.

All of the above are wildly successful and they all exhibit vocal talent. From mediocre to phenomenal. What they all have is their own vocal identity that the judges keep stressing to the Idol talent. ‘We need you to find your sound, not to copy someone else’s we tend to hear from Simon, Paula, and Randy and all of the above share that attribute. To be on Idol and to get the exposure is the opportunity. There is no success without opportunity. Can you say J HUD?

Climbing off my soap box, I’d like to know who you think are among the biggest recording artists that could not win Idol? Who do you think would walk through?