IMHO "American Idol" Group 2: The more things change, the more they stay the same

I've gone on record in the past: I hate American Idol. A popularity contest dolled up as a talent competition that whitewashes, straightwashes and acid-washes a group of desperate belters into America's sweethearts, the Planet-Eating Karaoke Voltron is pretty much the antithesis of everything I find entertaining, legitimate and worthwhile.

So for me to give it even a side-arrow means that they're doing something right this season. Unfortunately, they're still doing a hell of a lot wrong as well.

This season the show has tucked a few bona fide wildcards and rule-breakers into the herd of heartstring-tugging walking stereotypes (Construction workers with soul! Single moms with a dream! All they're missing is a hooker with a heart of gold...): Glamtastic musical theater goth Adam Lambert and performance artist (of sorts) Norman (Nick?) Gentle.

Norman Gentle (aka Nick Mitchell)

I won't even get into the fact that both of these guys sent my gaydar into overdrive, because let's face it: even if either one of them IS gay, FOX would never let them say as much (our queries to the net have been met with deafening silence). No, the reason that these guys are a step in the right direction is because they're proudly different and not trying to sell America the same recycled Idol crap. Sure, it may be a crap of another kind (Norman, that was for you - although your shout-out to "Doogie!" in the front row was pretty classic), but it's at least different.

As for Lambert, the fact that the show is letting a Wicked chorus boy and lead singer of a gender-bending glam goth group strut his Maxwell Demon on stage is something in and of itself, as is Randy Jackson's insistence that this is what America is all about, and where it's headed. I think that's a cue that the younger generation is much more comfortable with fluid sexuality, men who aren't afraid to be effeminate, and general camp. 

Adam Lambert

Of course, not everyone is so enlightened, as Simon Cowell and Ryan Seacrest continue to demonstrate with their relentless gay-baiting. When Norman was being critiqued, Simon and Ryan of course used the fact that he comes off as a little gayish to accuse one another of being attracted to him. Guys, guys - you're both pretty. No fighting, okay?

So what do you guys think? Is this a step in the right direction for the show? Do Adam or Norman stand a chance tonight? (Adam: Absolutely. Norman: Mmmmmmnotsomuch.) And will the optimism and open-mindedness of three of the judges be enough to counter Simon's stubborn, cap-sleeved heteronorm?