Of Elliott Yamin, Crooked Teeth And Diabetes

• Thursday April 20, 2006 in: Dental Care Tag(s):

  This has got to be American Idol's best season ever. The reality talent show is lording it over the ratings, and, for a refreshing change, five out of the six remaining finalists have real talent, Elliott Yamin among them. Not a few of the musical icons who have guest-coached this season have commented that this guy from Richmond, VA was born to sing. As far as this writer is concerned, Elliott has one of the best singing voices among all male AI contestants, past and present.

  However, if you take into consideration the fact that AI voters put as much weight on looks as talent, then there's no way he's gonna win the competition. Let's face it, he's better heard than seen. And the crooked teeth he flashes every time he opens his mouth are definitely not helping.

  Now this is not to pick on Elliott's looks. This is just to make it clear that there's a reason why his teeth are that way.

  Elliott is suffering from Type 1 diabetes, a condition he was diagnosed with at the age of 17. This forces the now 27-year old singer to wear an insulin pump, which perhaps explains why you haven't seen, and will never see, Elliott run around the AI stage wearing tight-fitting tees, or perform with his shirt tucked in.

  More importantly, his medical condition explains why his choppers are crooked. There is a clear connection between diabetes and dental problems. With poor blood glucose control, diabetics are more likely to get gum infections, as well as problems with the bones holding the teeth in place.

  With his condition, he could brush three times a day, floss every chance he gets and gargle gallons of mouthwash and still be susceptible to dental problems. That is why saying that Elliott has poor oral hygiene, like thousands of idiots in online forums do, is unfair and downright annoying.

  Let's give the guy a break. Bashing Elliott for his looks, especially his teeth, is like heckling a one-legged man in the Olympic 100-meter dash. For crying out loud, the guy, on top of being diabetic, is 90% deaf in one ear, yet he's not the least bit tone-deaf like so many AI finalists with no hearing problems.

  Elliott might have little chance of becoming this year's American Idol. But being the genuinely talented guy that he is, he most surely has a singing career ahead of him, crooked teeth notwithstanding. Just look at Jewel. She's a lot easier on the eyes though.

I will still love Elliott
I will still love Elliott Yamin forever!!!
Eve at 3:44pm on Jun 19, 2007