Laine Hardy is your new American Idol! Hardy, seemingly a judges favorite all season long, has some mighty big shoes to fill. Or should I say heels. Carrie Underwood and Kelly Clarkson have each chalked up a huge list of hit songs and made millions. Then there's Adam Lambert who was a runner-up to Kris Allen in 2009 but now after a small handful of radio hits is the front man for the legendary rock band Queen. Do I see a similar future for Hardy? Well he has looks and talent but it's too soon to tell if he has what it takes to survive the mean machine that is the music business. I wonder what Taylor Hicks, Nick Fradiani and Candice Glover (winners of seasons 5,14,and 12 respectively) are up to these days. This is not to say those three or Lee DeWyze, Jordan Sparks, David Cook or a bunch of others have failed. They just have not reached the heights Carrie and Kelly have. For now Laine Hardy is on top of the world and if TV singing competition history is any indication, will outshine the winner of The Voice no matter what this victory brings.
-Matt Appleby - 101.3 WNCO