For the last few years the only redeeming quality of the show American Idol has been the entertainment value of the opening episodes that highlight the audition process.
Who will ever forget William Hung?
For that matter, I am sure that Renaldo Lapuz will be remembered for some time with his song the other night. As much as I hate to admit this fact to all of you, I have found myself singing (well, that’s what I call it anyway) the song a little myself – “I am your brother, your best friend forever.”
I’m going to triple-dog dare you to listen to the song and see if you can refrain from singing it yourself for days afterward.
Why has American Idol run its course?
Even though there have been unforgettable performances such as Renaldo Lapuz or William Hung, more and more of the auditions that they are televising are clearly people just looking for their 15 minutes of fame.
Consider the following interview with Alexis Cohen – jump ahead to about the 3:00 minute mark – where she admits that her outburst was mostly an acting job.
Now it is quite possible she is acting right now to try and save some face for the way that she behaved, but I believe that she was acting during the audition solely to try and have her segment aired on the show. Not only has she been successful by being a part of the American Idol episode but now she is leveraging that into interviews on news programs and possibly more.
With more contestants clearly trying to game the audition process just to get on the early episodes, the show has lost the entertainment value of seeing people that truly believe that they can sing – or at least believe the people close to them that tell them they can sing.
It is time for American Idol to come to an end.
American Idol Has Run Its Course
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{ 14 comments… read them below or add one }
u r right when u say that some guys simply come in to get to the first few shows to have their 15 minutes of fame. but also some really good singers dont make it just coz they r not that glamorous. also simon cowell is too uncouth and is the last person i wud like to see.
You are absolutely right. This has gone on too long and the quality of the contestants is not what it used to be. The program is a big bore now. I do not watch it for more than a few minutes to see if anything worthwhile happens and so far have not seen any. Perhaps they should do this once every alternate year.
Over the years the quality has only gone down. The show looks dated and bring now. Didn’t watch the last season either.
I agree, the American Idol contestants are not as good as in the first seasons, they act out to get the media attention that they can’t get for the quality of their singing.
I agree with you. Although I’m residing in the UK, we have Pop Idol (the same show format), we also get American Idol. The format is old, its had its day.
The audition process is funny,… or WAS funny about three years ago.
These franchises try to milk as much cash from these ideas as possible. Big Brother is another prime example.
“I am your brother, your best friend forever!!!!”
It’s stuck, haha!
I don’t think American Idol should end until it has lost its entertainment value, which it hasn’t for me.
My daughter is crazy about this one and she would most likely watch every show for years to come so they at least have one huge fan as far as my family is concerned 🙂
Alan Johnson
the best part is when simon rips on all the people and they start to cry. thats really the only reason you could catch me watching it. as far as whether it should come to an end or not, i really dun care.
oh good lord *shakes my head* there is a comment on this one I am just not sure what yet. Give me a day or two to get the words out of my head first. LOL.
Well, against my better judgement, I took you up on the “triple dare”. You’re right … and now my brain is infected too. Was worth it though … very entertaining clip.
I think it’s about time. Not that there isn’t at least a small amount of value from some of the shows of this type, I think the entire reality TV segment has gotten to be a bit too much.
These shows have become somewhat boring now. The novelty has worn off i think. From time to time there is a singer that is interesting to watch – either for good or bad, but in the main it is repetitive and old news!
I have to be honest, I tried out for AI this last year and made it past 3 rounds before going before the actual judges. Most people don`t even make it that far. 90% of the people you see on TV are there to make fun of. I am a professioanl singer, that`s what I`ve been doing for the last 7 and 1/2 years. Big crowds of people pay to hear me sing! And, the judges had nothing bad to say… just that they decided to pass. I`ve known several other people with the same story. It`s a reality TV show. They are looking to find so many whites, blacks, fat people, goofy, pretty, etc. It`s all about the ratings. Forget talent. The show will live on, but those of us who watch should know it`s set up.
i too have strong feeling that the show is not entertaining anymore , very interesting article , loved reading it , thx