Here’s the thing about Norman Gentle, the showboating, sparkly shirt-wearing, short-pantsed “American Idol” contestant who has somewhat inexplicably continued to survive cut after cut: He is either the most annoying contestant in the show’s illustrious eight-year history, or the most brilliant. It’s not exactly clear which just yet.

See, Norman isn’t even real. He’s the brainchild of Nick Mitchell, a 27-year-old something-or-other (entertainer?) from Brookfield, Connecticut, which makes his success all the more impressive. It’s difficult to think of a fictional character that’s made it further on “Idol” than Norman has (well, maybe Jason Castro). And it’s hard to think of a contestant who’s appeared to care less about actually winning “Idol” than Mitchell. At least, one who has made it to Hollywood Week.

What’s infuriating about him (and also what’s ingenious about him) is that Mitchell can actually sing, as evidenced by the version of “Amazing Grace” he pulled out of thin air during the New York auditions. He just chooses not to whenever he pulls on the Norman Gentle headband.

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