February 27, 2006 7:09 PM
Why I love American Idol
Here’s my “Close to Home” column for the 3/1 Loudoun Times Mirror – running it early here in case some readers want to check out a show our family has really enjoyed (of course, we love singing) and which has sparked many lively discussions:
American Idol – Great Family TVIn case you’ve been tuning out American Idol, it’s never too late to start tuning in to what has become the best family show on TV, now in its fifth season.
American Idol is the kind of thing that would once have brought out the countercultural cynic in me, thinking somehow the winner would be beneath contempt – too plastic or cheesy for words. After all, I adored the Stones fan, despised the Monkees.
Thank goodness at some point I was liberated from all those “coolness” barriers and became an open-minded person! Because it just so happened that I sat down with my kids four seasons ago and we’ve been hooked ever since.
Today American Idol is undoubtedly the top series show in the country – ranking only after the Super Bowl and the Academy Awards for audience size. Last week in its greatest showdown yet, American Idol creamed the Olympics all three nights it was on.
What’s fueling this phenomenon?
First of all, it’s a show that draws families together, as touted in Variety 2/26/06:
In a media environment focused on the individual, where families
watch different shows on different TVs in different rooms, "Idol" is a
throwback, one of a dwindling number of hit shows that families actually
watch together. In this fractionalized TV universe, it's also one of the few
shows that still deserves the "water cooler" label.
Each season, the show begins with riveting footage of thousands of wannabe stars auditioning. Some are superb from the get go; some are just plain delusional. It’s fun TV.Then 175 or so of the best head to Hollywood for a grueling three days to see how they handle pressure, teamwork, and little sleep – the bright lights and big city.
Finally, the competition of the best and brightest truly begins – which is where we are now, so it’s not too late to sit down with your kids and watch some fascinating stuff.
What amazes me is how American Idol continues to be fresh and new each year. They manage to tweak just the right amount to keep the show familiar yet always exciting. But what really has kept AI from becoming boring and predictable is that the singers are real, not studio fantasies of sexy underdressed girls and obscenity-spouting guys.
And while the first two shows produced winners who were okay, but lacked what the judges now call “The It Factor,” the shows since have boasted many more unusual vocalists whom the judges encourage to stick with their unique style rather than become homogenized in the process.
Which is how last year Carrie Underwood, a sweet Oklahoma farm girl whose first release is “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” and Bo Bice, a long-haired rock-and-roller placed first and second.
This year there’s even more diversity. I’m rooting for a prematurely-gray 28 year old from Alabama (and you gotta wonder why so many of the finalists are from the South!) who sings like Joe Cocker – only with a better voice.
And I wonder how anyone could imagine that a TV show where the audience actually votes for the best talent wouldn’t inevitably come up with something less plastic and cheesy than the studio executives package for us.
Can anyone say Jessica Simpson?
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A few more comments for readers here: In addition to most of the finalists and all the winners being from the South, it is amazing how many are Christians. I think when it comes to singing Christians may start out with an advantage because they grow up singing every week in church. Or maybe it’s the joy bubbling up – making a joyful noise and all that. Carrie Underwood is an obviously pure and sweet girl who always dressed and acted modestly on the show – and she won! That says a lot for the American public.
One caution: In spite of the family-friendliness of the show – and there is lots to discuss with kids about how to accept criticism and how teachability leads to bettr performances and more growth on the part of the performers – the only negative is the Victoria’s Secret commercial which inevitably assaults the audience at some point during the show. Why we have to see that, I do not know. Thank goodness for the remote!
Posted in Current Affairs, Music, Teens and Tweens | Permalink
Comments
This is my 3rd season watching and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next show. I am also rooting for Taylor Hicks. I fell inlove after his first performance when he sang Elton John (Elton has been a favorite since I was little).
I tivo the show so the commercials are not an issue. If you have it in your budget I recommend anyone to get a tivo or lease a DVR from the cable company. They make television watching 10x more enjoyable.
Posted by: paigeu | February 27, 2006 9:07 PM
I really enjoy it as well and am also rooting for Taylor! I REALLY enjoy your blog : )
Posted by: Kelli | February 28, 2006 8:15 AM
I am also for Taylor. His step mom is an old friend of my family. Not only does the South seem to have a lot of finalists, but Birmingham, AL specifically seems to be the home of many talented individuals. My parents and grandparents, all born and raised in Birmingham, are very proud. My mom has said many times that while her public education in Birmingham left a lot to be desired academically, she felt she received excellent music education. Wonder if there is a connection? :)
Posted by: Carrie | February 28, 2006 2:02 PM
We LOVE American Idol too! It's quite worshipful to listen to these voices that are DESIGNED by God! He's given some powerful voices that are just joyful to listen to! Our faves are Paris, Mandisa, the other 16 yr old...can't remember her name right now, and your fave Taylor (I think it is!!!). I'm so glad you shared with others what a great show this is!
Posted by: shawnda | March 1, 2006 4:20 PM
Well, based on your recommendation, I watched my first AI last night. I don't watch a lot of TV, though I'm hooked on '24'...wonder what you think about that show : )
I imagined it cheesy and plastic, all the things you said. See what influence you carry...
I was instantly rooting for Gedeon. Have only seen him this once, so it was the gut reaction. He is just DIFFERENT in a great way; came out of the gate running, what did Simon say, 'you're a funny little man'. And I love Simon's ability to say the true thing and be the bad guy. Somehow I trust his opinion best.
So thanks again, Barbara, for opening a door. Or, pointing to an open door among the many others. I am glad I tried it.
Posted by: floorplan | March 2, 2006 12:06 PM
The DVR is a great idea! Deb, I'm glad you liked the show. Last night's performances were comparatively lackluster. Taylor wasn't at his best. I love Gedeon and his terrrifc smile and the way he says "God bless you " to each of the judges after they speak. Chris rocked though - he could be pro now, I do believe and is well on his way to winning. But you never know because sometimes a bad performance can turn things around or a super good one can. As the show continues, they move to bigger stages and things heat up. Plus, they keep getting better and better so it's fun to watch them grow and change with all the porfessional coaching and opportunities to sing.
One downer last night was the HORRIBLE commercials - from Victoria Secret to a horror film to _ and I could hardly believe this - a teen slasher film. Yuck!! I am going to write them - not that it will do any good - but what a shame to ruin that special family time by putting these horrible images on parade!
And yes, I love Simon. As a writer, I have so appreciated when editors have been honest with me so I can improve. It's interesting to watch the reaction of the finalists to the judges' comments - and to see how the teachable ones make better progress than the ones who think they're wiser than the judges. I was taught that criticism of my writing was like gold and to be grateful when someone cared enough to take the time and the risk to tell me the truth. This is one of those lessons I think is easily incorporated when you watch the show with your kids.
Posted by: barbaracurtis | March 2, 2006 9:21 PM
Barbara,
Glad to hear you are going to write a letter about the commercials. They are infuriating! I sent a letter to the FCC and the PR dept. of Fremantle Media last week (like you- wondering if it would do any good, but you can only try, right?), basically stating that commercials deserving of PG ratings should not be aired during a G rated show.
American Idol is the only show we make a point of watching, so for now we mute the sound and encourage others to look away or do something during commercials. DVR is sounding pretty good!
BTW- Floorplan, we started renting 24, the first season- hubby loves it! You can get 4 episodes at once and no commercials! Yea!
Posted by: gendifrank | March 3, 2006 12:28 PM
Yes, B, in hindsight I guess AI was a bit lackluster. So I'll watch again and wait for the magic to happen, see who has taken their criticism well. About the commercials, just 2 weeks ago I complained online to our Wal-Mart about a gruesome horror movie poster right in their front entrance (Saw II) received a phone call from the manager within a couple days that they had taken it down! That's a first, but I've been emboldened ; )
I didnt want to like 24, gendi, really I didn't ... but I'm totally hooked. Didn't you like the relationship/trust issues brought forward btn Jack and the Derek in the season opener?
Posted by: floorplan | March 4, 2006 12:27 PM
