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Once a year, millions of Americans gather in front of their televisions to learn who will be the next American Idol. By the end of the first season, more than 22 million viewers sat down to watch Kelly Clarkson being crowned the first American Idol. As season 5 came to an end, 36 million viewers were on hand to watch Taylor Hicks be crowned the season 5 winner. Some commentators believe that FOX Idol ratings are high because people like watching train wrecks. In the same way that traffic jams are caused by drivers “rubber necking” to see a traffic accident, many people believe that American Idol’s charm is the fact that viewers can see hopeful performers get sliced and diced by Simon Cowell and the other American Idol judges, Paula Abdul and Randy Jackson. However, if that were the case, FOX Idol ratings would be strong out of the gate and then slowly taper off until the final performances are done. However, it does not work that way. With the lone exception of season 4, more viewers have tuned in for the season finales than the season premieres. So, the phenomenal success of American Idol cannot be attributed to harsh criticisms offered by the judges. American Idol has something more. Simon once told a contestant, "If this were a paid concert, this is the point I'd leave." If people were watching American Idol to hear Cowell’s famous sarcasm, then the fun would be over once the final twelve were selected. The most common reasons given for the success of FOX Idol cover a range starting from the American Dream and ending with the fun of listening to good (and bad) singing. Let’s take a look at several of them. The American Dream: millions of people want to be rich and famous. When they look on their TV screens and see people passing Idol audition and following their dreams of success in the music industry, they are energized to cheer for the contestants. Viewer participation: Simon, Paula and Randy are not left in charge of the hen house. Instead, FOX Idol allows their viewers to participate in the selection process. The contest: there are only two other programs on television that beat the American Idol finale in the ratings every year. Those programs are the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards. All three programs have been designed to identify the best-of-the-best. The talent: people enjoy watching talented performers. After Idol Audition stages and once the contest narrows to the final twelve contestants, viewers get the chance to see a live concert performed by talented artists, in every episode. The music and the personal drama: people love the music. While individual viewers may not always appreciate songs previously sung by Barbara Streisand or Barry Manilow, they know that the next performer might be singing a song they really love to hear. Moreover, viewers are taken into the lives of the contestants. This enables the viewer to form personal attachments with the individual performers and to root for the people they would like to win the show. Short season: American Idol runs half as long as the typical television series. Many people believe that since the show runs only half a season that it leaves viewers wanting more and anticipating the new season with greater desire. Many people suggest that one should have thick skin to participate in a program of this type, to pass through Idol audition ordeals and then bear star judge stingy commentaries. For some contestants, the thick skin is definitely a necessity, especially when you find yourself on the receiving end of a Cowell quip like, "What do you think we are looking for – a two-year-old who can't sing?" Randy Jackson was quoted, “The judges are continually surprised at how people who should know they can’t sing show up for Idol Audition thinking they have a chance.” The audience is often surprised too. But, the audiences loved William Hung. He did not know how to sing and he knew it, but he enjoyed singing even if he did not have the talent. Hung was the only exception to the golden rule about talent. Hung got a recording deal and his CD sold 295,000 copies, outselling a dozen of the other Idol contestants who have gotten recording deals. Many critics suggest that a contestant in American Idol should bring confidence to the competition if they want to win. But, the truth is that American Idol is as much about the making of a star as it is about locating the talent. Standing in front of an audience of 36 million viewers and three brash judges does take some self-confidence, but confidence will not make an untalented contestant a better performer. The judges help the talented find their way through the process, and those with talent learn how to be the star that America wants to hear on the radio.
Article Source: http://www.ApprovedArticles.com
Once Idol Audition emotions are overcome, contestants in the FOX Idol competition have to meet with confidence the viewers’ and judges’ expectations. Those who can cope with these expectations are assisted in the discovery of their talent.
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