Last night a kid named Blake Lewis set American Idol on fire.

As usual, a band like Bon Jovi comes in…trains two kids on how to sing their songs, and the Idol contestants do their best.

But Bon Jovi sets a high standard…so one of two things has to occur:

1) The Idol contestant covers the song just like Bon Jovi (the safe choice, but unlikely to be better than Bon Jovi).

2) The Idol contestant thinks in a different plane, and innovates the song like it’s never been played before.

Blake Lewis followed #2.

The Idol contestant who followed Blake Lewis did #1 (I call him “the other guy”).

Now the other guy was good. Very good. But today, in competitive landscape, you have to stand out, capture attention, and innovate like never before.

Whether its on American Idol, or in American business.

The results for Blake Lewis?

a) Standing ovation

b) Randy called it the most original performance EVER on American Idol

c) Paula called it the “biggest leap of faith ever”

d) Even Simon Cowell’s mother was rocking to it during the performance

But Simon Cowell’s analysis was right on.

It was this: “half the people will probably love it and half the people will probably hate it. But it will keep you in the competition”

The performance by Blake Lewis was original beyond belief. It was true innovation, and worth watching.

But what can Fortune 500 CEO’s learn from Blake Lewis?

Motorola’s Ed Zander could learn a lot.

In order to stay in the game…keep your job…keep from losing 40% of shareholder’s money…you’ve got to innovate.

Innovate every week.

Consumers are demanding, but they will also spend money for something new and desirable.

Design and innovation (hint Apple) become a core competency and a weapon that can be used by you, or against you by your competitors.

No one remembers or cares about “the other guy!” He didn’t innovate. And ultimately those who don’t innovate, lose out to their competition.

Everyone wants innovation, but innovation has risk.

Simon put that risk at 50/50 and he’s likely right.

Do some research, prototype often, involve customers to some extent in creating…and you will reduce your risk measurably.

With risk comes reward, if innovation (and failure) is part of your culture.

Watch Blake innovate.

Watch stocks rise.

Mark Hughes is a professional speaker, consultant, and author of the book Buzzmarketing: Get People to Talk About Your Stuff (Penguin/Portfolio).

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