Why is American Idol so popular?

Okay, I'll just admit it up front.  I watch American Idol.  No, I don't just watch.  I Tivo.  I vote for my favorites, I participate in a friendly pool among friends.  I'm kind of into the show.  By the looks of it, I'm not alone.  According to the most recent Nielsen ratings, American Idol's two shows took the top two spots last week.  I'm pretty sure that's a weekly occurrence.  Even third place was House, which benefits tremendously from it's AI lead in.  By the way, this post is off topic (am I supposed to announce that at the beginning?)

So, what's the draw?

I started watching in Season One, when its popularity was just beginning to take off.  I had heard about this show with a snippy British guy who is really brutal to the contestants.  Didn't sound like much fun to me.  I turned it on one day and said, "hey, some of them can actually sing."  Remember Christina Christian and Tamyra Gray?  And slowly.  Or maybe not so slowly, it sucks you in.

But this season it has sucked in more viewers than any previous season.  It basically obliterated the Winter Olympics, ABC's Commander in Chief and anything else that tries to stand in its way.  Actually, shows aren't even trying to stand in it's way, just trying not to get crushed.  But getting crushed anyway.

So, what accounts for AI's mega-hit status?  Yea, I said "AI".  Big Whoop.  You wanna fight about it?  I have a couple of theories.

It appeals to both sides.  Some people tune in because they are inspired by people going after their dreams, and the realization of those dreams for at least one contestant.  Some tune in because they like to see Simon Cowell tear the kids down.  "If I'm being honest, that was atrocious.  I'm not being rude."

It's interactive.  You probably have less input in picking our next President, but at least you can vote more than once.  Besides, we all think we are good judges of singing.

When you watch the audition rounds, everyone thinks they have a friend who is better than most of the people they sent to Hollywood.

Compared to Voyeur TV like The Real World, The Bachelor and Survivor, AI contestants are asked to have some sort of talent.  Whether or not they actually possess said talent is up to you to decide.  You may do so by voting, if you wish.

When you think about it, it's all the same elements that is critical to launching a successful blog/website.  You have to appeal to a wide range of potential readers.  Make it as interactive as possible by using comments, polls and perhaps even creating a message board.  Write it from the "man on the street" point of view so that readers can relate to the message.  Should you possess some talent?  Perhaps, in writing or some area of expertise.  But just like American Idol, if you fake it well enough, no one will know.

By the way, whatever happened to Brian Dunkelman?

Comments

[financial freedumb]

Judging by the number of clicks there are a lot of "closet" AI fans out there...I watch it too...but TIVO?! You need help...haha...j/k. It's broad appeal must help...I heard/read somewhere that it's one of the few shows that has broad appeal across the entire age spectrum...There was something on TV about Brian too...but I forget what it was...my memory is bad.

[mapgirl]

I was watching AI last night at a friend's house. I have to say, I've been able to watch Wednesdays this season and it's kind of fascinating. What is wrong with Paula Abdul? She loves everything even when it sucks.

The dog/Ford video was really cute.

[lamoneyguy]

Bocelli was amazing, wasn't he? There is something wrong with Paula, and it's not just that she loves everything. Seriously, there's something wrong with her.

I missed the dog/Ford video. I was playing it back on Tivo and wanted to get through the extra stuff to get back to the Laker game. Go Lakers!

[mapgirl]

Um... I hate to say this so publicly, but I hate Andrea Bocelli. He's got a second rate operatic voice, which is why he's not an opera star, but a pop music one. Give me any one of the Three Tenors on a bad day and I'll get chills down the spine.

Yes, he's a good singer, blind or not, but I just don't think he's all that great. I'd never pay $50 to see him sing. But I'd gladly pay $100 for an aging Placido Domingo.

[Jed]

Don't get the super popularity of this... & yeah, I'm a certified media nut or can b...

It's a singing contest, yeah? some try out for attention & comedy & some can "sing"....

This isn't like a show filled with fresh material...

Mayb the foolishness is what enthrals ppl...

A Stuck-up limey, a doper, & M.J's brother?... don't get the appeal?

Please help Me better understand this phenomom, any 1, any1?....

[Mel]

Brian Dunkleman left American Idol, right? Here's why: "The truth is I really left the show to pursue an acting career. I wanted to be a performer and not someone who introduces other performers. It was my decision," Dunkleman told Inside Edition in an interview that represented his first television interview since he left American Idol.

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