Dear Lil,

It’s time to take a deep breath and exhale.  No more singing for the competition or to please the judges. Obviously, they have already decided on Adam and that's fine.

As Jennifer Hudson, Dautry, and of course, Clay Aiken and a host of other A.I. "also-rans" can attest, the underlying competition is for the recognition and a recording contract.   Sometimes it's actually better NOT to be the front runner to win. Then your only competition is yourself, Miss Lil!  Forget Simon and the rest of the contestants. You have amassed a fan base and made your own beautiful, unique mark. Go out there, close your eyes, and perform like Little Lil all by herself in the mirror; channel that little girl with a dream to bring an audience to its knees. Channel your favorite bodacious diva and blow the roof off!  One more thing...you don't have to start a song at the beginning. 1st season contestant Tamyra Gray was known for starting from the "powerpoint" - the chorus or the bridge. Try that. Much love! You really do have a phenomenal gift; thanks for giving it back.

We love you Lil! You may have some haters, but you sure have some big fans, as you can see in this thread!

We wish you the best of luck and can't wait to buy your album!

I woke up this morning singing "I'm every woman." And it has put me in a great mood.  So good - up, happy - connected, that I felt compelled to share it with you.

What a tough season you had, but you showed us who you are last night.  That's what a break-through looks like.  I'll be looking for more from you.

PS - I've watched idol for years, but I've never signed up to post things here before, and it took some effort to get this message to you, so you know it's heart-felt.  I'll be looking for your star to rise.  Good luck!

I, too, am sorry to see Lil leave Idol.  She was my favorite this year, and there is a lot of talent there.  I am optimistic that Lil will have a wonderful career ahead of her...she is very talented.  Good luck, Lil!

Apr 23, 2009 -- 1:54PM, Rogaines wrote:

Lil,

Congratulations!  You are a winner in my eyes and said as much to my husband when I first saw you in the auditions.   As stated previously, Adam has been chosen to win even without "America" voting.  Imagine that!.............

Simon I thought was very rude to you these last few weeks and his comments have a big influence on how America Votes....

Any way my sista, keep your chin up because you have alot to offer and your rewards are coming from God and your signing with someone who really appreciates your talent, style and personality.

Good luck with the new puppy and being back with your family.

Love and Hugs

Roz

A Fan from the 702 (I can't wait for your first CD to hit the charts:)

Just because Lil isn't AI doesn't mean the judges decide who is AI. I don't think Adam has been chosen to win without America voting. Adam just happens to get the most votes from America because he uses his singing skills to his advantage.

I have never watched AI in the past because there is no AI contestant who interested me enough to want to watch them perform. I'm watching AI because of Adam. Who I vote for on AI is not affected or determined by who or what the AI judges love or favor. For example, the only AI contestant that I like from the past AI shows even though I have never watched AI in the past is Kelly Clarkson. For instance, last season the judges liked David Cook. I am not crazy about David Cook because from what I saw on u2b, when I heard David Cook sing I feel like offering him lozenges because he sounds like he has a sore throat or about to get a cough. David Cook's music makes me feel like scratching my throat, so I clicked forward on all his songs.

Though I agree that Simon was rude to Lil. I think Simon and the rest of the judges got frustrated with Lil because she wasn't following the advice that the judges were giving her. She kept picking the wrong songs that don't showcase her powerful voice. Even before the judges said anything I could tell that the songs she picked she has a better voice than the songs she picked or artists who sang them. She basically chose songs which are too small for her voice or suffocated her vocal range. The judges left Lil Rounds confused. They basically broke Lil Round's confidence which in turn affected her performance and as a result she doesn't know what direction to go with her music or performances. With the help of the right vocal coach Lil Rounds will figure out who she is an artist before she starts making her albums.

I saw on u2b that the judges (excluding Kara) were also rude to Jennifer Hudson. Simon is a music executive at Sony records. I saw J-HUD's latest music video for the song "if this is love," in the credits the video says that J-HUD is a part of Sony records. Therefore I believe Lil Rounds will be fine.