2008 Woodie Awards
Bill of Rights
A Case Against American Idol
Bill Rhein
Issue date: 2/19/08 Section: Entertainment
Despite being one of the most popular shows on television, I find "American Idol" to be flawed and self-righteous. At first, it may have been a good idea, but I grow tiresome of this program on FOX Network. For several reasons pertaining to the show itself and its negative influence on others shows as well as society, "American Idol" is a drain on the nation.
First, the show is the same every year. Since its inception, copying the British show "Pop Idol," the program has consistently been the same. The formula is to get thousands of people in major cities across the nation and take a picture to give the illusion that FOX gives that many people the chance to compete.
It would take months for all to sing in front of the infamous three judges, which means the show prescreens most contestants. The only ones who make it to the judges are the decent singers and of course, the bad. The show only gives the chance to these poor singers so that the rest of the nation can laugh at them, which is a pitiful way to boost one's ego.
As the show progresses, the judges 'cut the fat' as each week another singer is eliminated. The contestants face the wrath of the judges, who are stereotypical to a tee. There is the yuppie who never says anything bad, one who cannot stop saying 'dawg', and the last who is a miserable human being putting on the act that he is incapable of being pleasant. Finally, the judges say that each year the contestants are better despite the fact that only two relatively famous stars have come from the show, according to albums sold.
"American Idol" is a repetitive process forced upon the nation each year to bring a new music 'sensation.' However, the show is responsible for more cultural problems in this country than musical talent.
Singers on the show only survive if they put on proverbial blinders and sing only pop songs. This leads to people being uncreative and listening to only one type of music. In my opinion, rap and pop music are responsible for relaxed morals, including increases in promiscuity and drug use among young people. It is time for "American Idol" to take the blame for what is has done.
First, the show is the same every year. Since its inception, copying the British show "Pop Idol," the program has consistently been the same. The formula is to get thousands of people in major cities across the nation and take a picture to give the illusion that FOX gives that many people the chance to compete.
It would take months for all to sing in front of the infamous three judges, which means the show prescreens most contestants. The only ones who make it to the judges are the decent singers and of course, the bad. The show only gives the chance to these poor singers so that the rest of the nation can laugh at them, which is a pitiful way to boost one's ego.
As the show progresses, the judges 'cut the fat' as each week another singer is eliminated. The contestants face the wrath of the judges, who are stereotypical to a tee. There is the yuppie who never says anything bad, one who cannot stop saying 'dawg', and the last who is a miserable human being putting on the act that he is incapable of being pleasant. Finally, the judges say that each year the contestants are better despite the fact that only two relatively famous stars have come from the show, according to albums sold.
"American Idol" is a repetitive process forced upon the nation each year to bring a new music 'sensation.' However, the show is responsible for more cultural problems in this country than musical talent.
Singers on the show only survive if they put on proverbial blinders and sing only pop songs. This leads to people being uncreative and listening to only one type of music. In my opinion, rap and pop music are responsible for relaxed morals, including increases in promiscuity and drug use among young people. It is time for "American Idol" to take the blame for what is has done.
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