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Your e-mails: 'American Idol'

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Taylor Hicks sings during the final episode of "American Idol" on Wednesday night.

(CNN) -- Taylor Hicks beat out Katharine McPhee on Wednesday night to win the fifth season of "American Idol." CNN.com asked readers whether "Idol" voters made the right call. Here is a selection of reader e-mails, some of which have been edited:

Absolutely. I picked him from the first time I saw him. He is so confident and natural. He feels everything he sings. Very warm personality. I love him. Can't wait for the CD.
Anne-Marie Bradshaw, Brampton, Canada

No, Taylor can't sing half as well as Katharine. He is spastic. Even when he was singing last night, he was off key and pitchy. He has better showmanship, that's the only reason he won.
K. Connor, New Bern, North Carolina

Yup, Taylor Hicks has by far a superior voice. America got it right when they made him the next American Idol. His energy on stage was even superior to Dionne Warkwick when they did the duet. He's a star for sure.
Joanne Gardiner, Hayward, California

I have watched all five seasons, and to me, this was the worst as far as America getting it all wrong. Taylor or Kat never should have won American Idol or even been in final three. Taylor, as so may have stated, is an entertainer, not a singer or even a good singer. I truly believe that Taylor was voted the American Idol because of his personality and because he is funny when he dances and sings. But America must have forgotten that this was not "The Funniest Person in the World" show, nor was this "The Top Model" show. People were voting on looks, entertainment, and personality. You forgot that this was all about singing! Too many potential American Idol's who could out-sing Taylor and/or Kat any day, time or place were dismissed, and should be standing where Taylor stood last night. There is no way Taylor or Kat can out-sing Paris, Mandesa, or Elliot for that matter. American Idol is no longer a fun show to watch, because it has turned into a "Who you like! the best" show and not "Who can sing the best."
Candy Morton, Arlington, Texas

I believe his following is mainly from negative voters. He appeals to the older set and is destined for a cruise ship! Who would pay money to go and see him in concert-yuck. The real idol was Christopher.
David, Memphis, Tennessee

My wife and I liked Taylor form the start. His appeal is to the common people. Hard work, some bumps and bruises, but still doing what he enjoys.
John Drott, Apple Valley, Minnesota

Without a doubt! Let's face it - he did not have a mom as a vocal coach - he pursued his dream working hard playing in bars. America loves an underdog. America simply loves Taylor! He is real and sincere!
Debra Wilson, Marina del Rey, California

I was hoping for Katherine. I think her personality, poise, and singing voice were far above Taylor's. He may know how to wow an audience, by his dancing, but it takes a lot more than that. I was disappointed, but expected the outcome.
Bonnie Mason, Hamilton, Canada

Kat has what could develop into a good voice. She doesn't have control of it yet (forgetting lyrics/running out of air to hit notes.) Taylor had the whole package. It's not just the face, but the whole package. Kat is just not mature enough overall to be at the top yet. Should have been Eliot and Taylor anyway.
Karen Rancourt, Pittsfield, Maine

Yes, America got it right. Furthermore, I think the crowning of Taylor Hicks as American Idol signals a new era of top 40 music that will bring pop back to its Elvis, Stevie Wonder, and Elton John glory days.
Dusty, Charlotte, North Carolina

No, America didn't get it right! Taylor sings off key and he is very pitchy on all of his songs. He doesn't do key changes either. Katharine should have won but Taylor had a little more media attention and he been singing in Las Vegas and around for a while, that's the only reason he won.
Karen, Union, Kentucky

Personally, I wanted Kat to win. She was one of my favorites from the very beginning. She has a much stronger voice than Taylor. When Taylor tries to hit the high notes, he tends to scream the words. That's not singing. Taylor does seem to be very likable, but my vote was for Kat. She is just beautiful!
Candy Fuson, Sullivan, Indiana

Yes, the public got it right!! From the first audition, I knew Taylor would, at the very least, be in the top twelve. I just had a feeling he would win. Other than the fact that he has an outstanding voice, I liked Taylor because he never tried to be something that he wasn't. He was always just himself. He sings from the heart. His style and attitude are a refreshing change from contestants in years past for American Idol. I've never purchased anything from any of the previous years contestants. I will be purchasing Taylor's first CD. I just hope they let him choose the songs. Congratulations Taylor!! You deserve it.
Tony, Saint Helens, Oregon

I feel that the judges successfully swayed the vote Taylor's way because they wanted a male to be this year's American Idol. They have made that clear throughout the entire season. Katharine, Mandisa, and Paris all three are more talented than Taylor, but even though the judges couldn't vote, they certainly swayed the audience toward Chris and Taylor. Katherine has the voice, versatility, stage presence, and looks to take her far. If America was truly voting on talent, Kat should have won.
Debra Lee, Hot Springs, Arkansas

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