The curse of the front-runner

'AMERICAN IDOL' | David Archuleta's 'the one to beat,' but history prefers the underdog

David Archuleta, the 17-year-old Mormon "American Idol" contestant, has a face made for the cover of teen magazines and a pure, pop voice that cements his status as teenage crush material. It's a combination that has led to Archuleta being crowned the front-runner, both by judges on the show and in the media.

Pity him.

In the six seasons "Idol" has been on the air, the performer deemed by either the judges and/or the press as the front-runner has only gone on to win the singing competition once: Carrie Underwood in 2005.

Justin Guarini knows all too well that it doesn't always pay to be the front-runner. From the very beginning of the show's inaugural season, Guarini was favored to win. Week after week, his performance skills and vocal prowess earned him praise from the judges and seemingly secured his place in the winner's circle. But when all was said and done, Guarini lost out to Kelly Clarkson.

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Nope Archuleta should come in third or fourth. Behind David Cook, Jason Castro, and of course this year's winner, the most wonderful, talented, original, Broooooke White!!!!!!!!!