Don't let 'American Idol' fool you
Demitrius Watts
Issue date: 3/18/09 Section: Opinion
"American Idol" is one of our most successful reality television shows. Averaging around 20 million viewers an episode, it seems unstoppable.
The show has brought into our lives such "artists" as Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Dave Cook and David Archuletta. However, it has also brought us the likes of Justin Guarini and Corey Clark.
Among the biggest problems with "American Idol" are the judges. Randy Jackson, who isn't even the real Randy Jackson; Paula Abdul, who has released three studio albums but, honestly, isn't known for her voice and, since being on the show, has seen her sanity called into question; Simon Cowell, a supposedly big record producer - that no one had heard of before this show - who seems to enjoy being mean to contestants while rubbing his chest (yew!); and newly added judge Kara DioGuardi - who?
Though there have been some successes among "American Idol" alum - think Grammy-winners Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson (who is also a Golden Globe and Academy Award winner) - no one has parlayed "Idol" visibility into more fame than Ryan Seacrest, the host.
He has gone on to host a major syndicated radio program and a television talk show, establish a production company, co-anchor "E! News" and share the spotlight on Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show.
Still, for all those who have become successful (if that's what you call it), you have those "idols" who have gone on to be nothing more than celebrities. Remember William Hung and Sanjaya?
The show has brought into our lives such "artists" as Fantasia, Ruben Studdard, Clay Aiken, Dave Cook and David Archuletta. However, it has also brought us the likes of Justin Guarini and Corey Clark.
Among the biggest problems with "American Idol" are the judges. Randy Jackson, who isn't even the real Randy Jackson; Paula Abdul, who has released three studio albums but, honestly, isn't known for her voice and, since being on the show, has seen her sanity called into question; Simon Cowell, a supposedly big record producer - that no one had heard of before this show - who seems to enjoy being mean to contestants while rubbing his chest (yew!); and newly added judge Kara DioGuardi - who?
Though there have been some successes among "American Idol" alum - think Grammy-winners Carrie Underwood, Kelly Clarkson and Jennifer Hudson (who is also a Golden Globe and Academy Award winner) - no one has parlayed "Idol" visibility into more fame than Ryan Seacrest, the host.
He has gone on to host a major syndicated radio program and a television talk show, establish a production company, co-anchor "E! News" and share the spotlight on Dick Clark's New Year's Eve show.
Still, for all those who have become successful (if that's what you call it), you have those "idols" who have gone on to be nothing more than celebrities. Remember William Hung and Sanjaya?
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