Music Commentary

The 'Idol' Idols

Which artists should the remaining finalists emulate? Michael Slezak names good and bad influences on Katharine, Elliott, and others
| Apr 24, 2006
''Idol'' finalists: Which artists should they emulate? | 16715__elliott_l
John Legend: Scott Suchman/WireImage.com; Elliott Yamin: Fox; Justin Timberlake: Cookie Rosenberg/Retna

All About

American Idol

Elliott Yamin

ROLE MODEL John Legend

BAD INFLUENCE Justin Timberlake

PROFESSIONAL PLAYBOOK No doubt about it, Elliott's a convincing blue-eyed soulster — as long as he never tries to imitate a certain former boy-bander's hip-hop intonations and hip-grinding choreography. (Note to self: We don't need to see that!) Instead, Elliott should look to inspiration from Legend, a rising neo-soul star who doesn't get carried away with the vibrato — and who serves as proof positive that when you've got great songs brought to life by a powerful instrument, no gimmicks are necessary.