Almost everyone has an opinion of American Idol. The shoes success is unmatchable in the U.S., and has inspired a dozen others including Dancing with the Stars and Canadian Idol. Those who dislike the show often criticize it’s validity. Some argue that the results are planned ahead of time or tampered with, and that audience member’s votes don’t really count. Criticism also stems from the fact that only one of four of the celebrated “idols” is still regularly in the entertainment scene.
My problem with the show-although I must admit I am quite addicted-is the judges. I don’t see how their opinions are significant. Paula had one hit song when I was in diapers, Simon has industry experience but that does not guarantee musical success, and I don’t even know where Randy came from! Their responses to contestants often seem premeditated or repetitious. They are supposedly responsible for judging thousands of people’s singing abilities and I am not sure they are qualified.
USA Today has posed a solution to the problem of underqualified judges. They have appointed four “coaches” who are familiar with the music industry and have experience that ensures that their opinions about the A.I. contestants are valuable. These judges, if you will, provide critiques that actually pertain to musical talents and vocal components, unlike the judges on the show.
While I tend to agree with you on such matters, your category title explains the answer about the judges. It’s entertainment. And quota. The three are entertaining in their own right and they fill varying gender, race and ethnic quotas.
I used to say about “Survivor” that if they wanted it to be legit, they needed to put these people above the Arctic Circle against Polar bears and wild animals with no food, etc. But then the TV viewers would miss out on the half-naked contestants, so there goes the entertainment value.
Good item and good links.
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Comment by canadaeh — March 27, 2006 @ 3:07 am