the buzz log

One thing thrilled fans and disgruntled critics might agree upon during this contentious "American Idol" go-round: Both should be glad when a winner is declared in two weeks.

Who decides the winner may depend on geography, a factor explored in an earlier post. In years past, the South had a stranglehold on the competition, and Alabama alone proudly declared itself the birthplace of winners Ruben Studdard and Taylor Hicks, plus finalist Bo Bice. The mighty South fell last year, however, to a girl from Arizona.

When the show started again this season, the South may have been hoping to rise again. Alabama placed second only to Oklahoma in January searches for "American Idol," followed by North Carolina, Georgia, and Missouri.

Repeating the patterns of 2007, however, southern passions waned as the months wore on. Over the past 30 days, the Yellowhammer State has dropped to number 9 among "Idol" searchers. Hawaii, in typical tropical fashion, sauntered in late to monitor the show (as it does year after year), but its fidelity has helped the Aloha State clinch first place among the "Idol" faithful.

Ultimately, however, the 2008 contest may be determined in the Heartland. Below is the list of top 10 states tracking "American Idol" online, and a map illustrating the show's Search base.

"Idol" Faithfuls, Past 30 Days

Hawaii Oregon Utah Oklahoma Missouri

Connecticut Wisconsin Indiana Alabama Ohio