Not everybody is into reality TV. Its understandable. Many of the shows are
just plain stupid. But for pure entertainment value, it is hard to argue that
American Idol is not the cream of the crop. This show doesnt seem to lose
steam, even after five seasons. If you think thats not accurate, you might like
to know that more people voted in the American Idol finals this past year than
in any presidential election, ever. Of course thats a sad commentary on our
political and social system, but nonetheless, those are the facts.
So why is American Idol so popular? Is it that good? Are the singers that
good? Is the concept itself so interesting and unique? Is there just nothing
else on worth watching Tuesday and Wednesday nights? Do we love to hate Simon?
Do we love to love Ryan? Or do we just love rooting for the underdog? While we
may not really know the answers to any of these questions, it would be
interesting to at least explore just what it is that makes American Idol such a
big hit with young and old alike.
Theres no doubt that there is a certain amount of suspense with American
Idol, wondering whos going to get booted off the show each week. And for those
who think that the losers are predictable, one only need to go back to the
episode where Chris, who every one thought was going to be the new American
Idol, got booted off the show. The look on his face when he got the news may
have been the photographic moment of the year. So there is definitely a bit of
uncertainty with this show.
What about the talent? Is any of it really that good? Is there anybody really
worth caring about? Well, probably one of the greatest singers of today came out
of this show. If you never had the pleasure to hear Clay Aiken sing, you have no
idea what youre missing. And he wasnt even the winner that year, the award
going to Rueben Stoddard in what was probably one of the most controversial Idol
votes in the whole history of the show itself. The ratings for that last show
were through the roof.
And yes, there is always rooting for the underdog. Did anyone really think
that a prematurely gray haired guy by the name of Taylor Hicks could have come
away with this years title? He may have not had the greatest voice of all the
contestants, but you couldnt ask for more of a showman. Yes, he was the dark
horse contestant and yet, he won it all.
And then there are Simon, Paula and Randy. You can call them the 3 Musketeers
or the 3 Stooges, but they are certainly entertaining. Yes, Simon is the one
everyone watches to see and hear and hes going to say next to insult somebody.
Heaven knows why we love that stuff. Thank goodness we have Ryan to keep the
three of them in line
