Posted on February 22, 2007 by Glen Johnson

Hundreds of plus-size fashion stores and more Ultimate Plus-Size Shopping List!

Its that time of the year that everybody in the country goes crazy over American Idol. While watching the news this morning and seeing one of the contestants I starting thinking, “Is American Idol starting to recognize larger individuals finally?” After I finished laughing to myself I started to think more about it and realize what full figured men and women have done on the show and since.

Frenchie Davis – Rejected from American Idol amid a scandal that she posed for an adult website has gone on to great success in the Broadway play Rent. I added her to my MySpace friends list after a scrape she had last talk show host Wendy Williams. American Idol helped launch her career and at the current rate it will be a long and very successful one.

Kimberly Locke – Another reject from the show shortly after Frenchie Davis that has made her mark since leaving the show as a artist with two successful albums as well as being the spokesperson for Seven7 jeans from Lane Bryant.

Mandisa Hundley – Rejected from the show after comments that she made of her religious beliefs regarding homosexuality. She has gone on to write a book Idol Eyes (with Angela Elwell Hunt) which will be published in June 2007. Her debut album is set for release in May 2007.

Ruben Studdard – American Idol winner that was a victim of bad management, but still was able to take his “velvet teddy bear” image and shape it into two successful albums. Recently he has become a vegetarian and has lost a lot of weight, but will still be remembered as the winner on the show.

Jennifer Hudson – Probably the most successful of the American Idol alumni with an Academy Award nomination for the movie Dreamgirls. Other things of note that she can add to her resume include being on the upcoming cover of Vogue and a forthcoming album.

Lakisha Jones – She hasn’t made her mark yet beyond the show. One of the current 24 contestants that had American Idol judge Simon Cowell saying ” I almost want to say that the other 23 contestants should book there flights home now.” I will be keeping a very watchful eys on this young lady.

Chris Sligh – One of the rare big men on the show. A down home individual that has a background in the music industry and says that he is chubby if you couldn’t tell.

Sundance Head – A young man with an odd name from Texas. Grew up with a music background that is a song writer, singer and can play several instrument. “The labels won’t pick the fat guy”. With an attitude like that he is sure to go far no matter what the results of his time on American Idol.

Don’t get me wrong I don’t expect American Idol or the American people for that matter to be waving banners, hugging and kissing on the fat folks in the entertainment world. With the continued success both on the show and beyond I feel that there will be more mainstream acceptance not only of talent but of size.