

And though Welch is a more convincing Artist than even the best "Idol" has to offer, make no mistake that her voice-first delivery is perfectly tailored for a generation who grew up judging singers as much as they listened to them. On "American Idol", contestants like Welch are invariably deemed "quirky" and doomed to runner-up status. Her unbridled talent is the type of thing producers of TV singing contests fantasize about.

Growing up, Welch was met with stern eyes when she was caught singing her favorite hymns with a bit too much verve.
