American Idol Carrie Underwood represents classic American beauty. Looks count big time, especially at nationwide talent searches.

“What makes American Idol much more than a talent show is seeing a Kelly Clarkson go from frumpy to this suave performer,” says Robert Thompson, professor of popular culture at Syracuse University.

To help the American Idol wannabes release their fashion potential, “American Idol" employs a team of styling gurus – wardrobe consultants, hair stylists and makeup artists - to work with the finalists.

“No matter how much you agree or disagree with the sentiment, you do judge a book by the cover,” says Miles Siggins, “American Idol" fashion stylist. Siggins says that once the field has been whittled to twelve, he gets about $400 a week to spend outfitting each contestant.

No wonder blonde country girl Carrie Underwood, 21, of Checotah, Oklahoma, looks like the right person to become a new “American Idol". When the votes are counted, many in the know believe Carrie Underwood’s polished girl-next-door image also will have played a role.

“It’s been a big learning curve for Carrie,” Siggins said about Carrie Underwood. “In the beginning, she was very country. She grew up on a farm, and she’s had no exposure to fashion. Where she’s from, the local supermarket doesn’t even sell Elle or Vogue.”

"You obviously need to have a competent voice and then some," says Robert Thompson. "You have to have high ratings in other areas, including the looks."

Friends and family describe Underwood as a polite, quiet, small-town girl who is dedicated to music. Underwood's mother, Carole, said she hoped her daughter's success wouldn't change her.

Talika Santhanan, sources: TheState.com, CarrieUnderwood.com, agencies. Photo: Fox Network. 

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