Oh you naive people. Don't you know by now that the public and all those phone calls have little to do with the outcome? The producers select everyone. Talent is a factor, but hey, let's face it, hundreds of people have talent, but are they marketable? That is the deciding factor. Are they marketable? Can the producers make money? I only watch Idol and yes there have been duds in the past, but you're still watching the show and sponsors are still buying air time. I repeat, SPONSORS ARE SILL BUYING AIR TIME. End of discussion.