Will a Woman Win 'American Idol'? Why Pia Really Went Home

The surprising elimination of Pia Toscano, who appeared to be the total "American Idol" package from day one, is supporting talk that woman can no longer win the show.

It’s true that the last three winners have been men and of the past three seasons, Crystal Bowersox is the only woman to wail her way into the final two.

Is it a matter of judges being too mild on the men, or an issue of hoards of young girls texting for their Idol crush? Voting is a clear (duh) factor as to why someone stays on the show, which makes us wonder if the gender issue is simply coincidence, or if some other factor is swaying votes.

Other analysis points to a geographical bias. Six of the nine winners have come from the American South. The only exceptions are Jordan Sparks from Arizona, David Cook from Missouri (which can be called the “Upland South"), and Lee DeWyze from Illinois.

While Southern character may not be the only factor that appeals to the larger music consumer, there is something going on here. Music historians might point out that the beginning of American music was a combination of the blues and country.

Pia Toscano, from Howard Beach, New York, is exceptionally talented and professional. For this, she stood apart from most of the contestants. To her disadvantage, she also stood apart for lacking any elements of a folksie-twang, blues-based improv skills or an added instrumental talent – which are just a few of the often unrecognized elements that make American Idol artists rock.

What do you think? Did Pia deserve the boot, and will a woman ever win Idol, again? Share your thoughts!