Not all finalists become the next American Idol, and not all succeed at singing careers. What comes after American Idol for contestants like Antonella Barba?
Since the very first season, America has embraced its Idols. Only one may win the huge singing competition, but does that make all the rest losers? The top ten finalists go on a nationwide American Idol tour where they receive the star treatment, and some of those who didn’t win the contest have enjoyed extremely lucrative recording careers.
But what about those contestants who aren’t really known for their singing talents? Former castoffs like Clay Aiken, Jennifer Hudson, and Chris Daughtry have all enjoyed larger-than-life careers. Somehow, it doesn’t seem as likely that a contestant like Antonella Barba will shine among former Idols like these. So what comes next, after American Idol?
Other Idols have faded into obscurity, though the reality hit is known for opening doors for young Hollywood hopefuls. Barba, who spent her stint on American Idol 6 shrouded in scandal (all of it stemming from photos of a scantily-clad Barba on the Internet, and other photos that are allegedly of a Barba lookalike) was never known for her singing on the show. Judges’ comments were critical, but television personalities were much harsher. Even fans were unkind, and Barba went forward in the competition with the strong support of Vote for the Worst.
What will happen to Antonella Barba, and other American Idol contestants who aren’t as admired for their pipes? In a recent interview with USA Today, Barba said she will be staying in Los Angeles despite her Idol elimination. The young college student from Point Pleasant, New Jersey will pursue an acting and modeling career. During her time on American Idol 6, Barba was praised most often for her looks.
Considering her singing, this is perhaps the best route for her to take. Other American Idols have found success on the stage, whether on Broadway or the big screen. Jennifer Hudson, whose star is certainly rising even though she was eliminated with a seventh-place Idol finish, even won the Oscar for her role in Dreamgirls. Barba has the looks, if not the voice, to pull off movie success of her own.
Though rumors reported that Hugh Heffner would be more than willing to accept Barba in an issue of Playboy, Barba has stated that she has not been approached by the magazine and will not pose in it at any rate. Barba has been approached by Girls Gone Wild creator Joe Francis, but there is no word yet on whether she will accept his offer.
American idol is supposed to be about the singing, but fans know the show is often chock-full of so much more. The top television show in the country, American Idol can spawn more than singing sensations. The eliminated contestants who succeed are the ones that pursue it the hardest – and right now, it seems Antonella Barba is totally capable of success.
