Fans Idolize American Idol
Posted by sebersole on May 19, 2008
American Idol is a cultural phenomenon in nearly every culture in which the franchise has been licensed (about 40 to date). American Idol (AI) came to America from England in 2002, and has spread around the globe at the speed of sound, from Armenia to Vietnam. If AI were a book it would be a best seller– if a movie, a blockbuster–and if a record, it would have gone platinum! Season after season, AI ranks at or near the top of the Nielsen ratings. As we approach the end of season 7, the two Davids are set to take the stage for the final two nights May 20 and 21. But many are left wondering what is the appeal that keeps fans glued to their sets? Can it be the lure of imagining oneself taking the stage and finding fame and fortune? Or perhaps the guilty pleasure of seeing contestants humiliated week after week. Whatever the allure, AI is only beginning to show signs of ratings weakness. While Fox struggles to tweak the show’s format, fan continue to tune in and vote.
Another interesting thing about AI is the way that it so conveniently demonstrates some of the leading trends of TV programming, such as interactivity (phone voting), product placement (Coke, iTunes, Ford, AT&T, and even Kellog’s Pop Tarts!), and spin-offs (programs that are derivatives of the original program concept).
What do you think? What makes the AI franchise so successful, marketable, and universal?
May 21, 2008 at 12:10 am
I think that American Idol is a joke. Yeah these people will have to deal with some one like Simon, but it doesn’t need to be pubicly made. The only reason it is so popular is that it takes nobody makes them famous so quick that they actually don’t do anything afte American Idol. I feel American Idol is not fair for those who play the bars and go to the record labels day in and day out trying to get their big break and once they get it they keeping working hard to stay on the label. the only successful american Idol winner that has made soemthing of her self afterwards is kelly Clarkson and carrie Underwood. Where are the rest of these winners? I think the should do a “Where Are They Now? American Idol” just to let people see that American Idol has possibly ruined their lives or not.
On a side note American Idol is boring now because they don’t do anything new. They need to reinvent themselves. maybe take those CEOS and record label representatives and put them in the same boat.
Amanda Peltier
May 20, 2008
May 30, 2008 at 10:31 pm
I only watch the last few episodes of American Idol when they’re down to the really good singers. Here are a few reasons why I think the show is successful:
1. Seeing people who think they can sing humiliated themselves (America is a sad, sad place)
2. To hear what Simon is going to say. Simon is just one of those people who viewers “love to hate”.
3. To watch the contestants themselves and vote for their favorites (ratings probably wouldn’t be as high if it were up to the judges who continues).
4. To watch the guest singers
As long as there are talented singers out there, I don’t see the show slowing down until after season 10 or so. As for the ones who you never can hear from again, I would love to know what happened to them too.
June 3, 2008 at 1:56 pm
I have often wondered this myself. I barely remember watching the dated popular show “Star Search” as a kid. It was basically the same concept as American Idol, yet didn’t come close to generating as much buzz.
I do believe the judges are a key factor to the shows success. The entertainment value of being able to tune in and watch the judges respond to obvious talent-challeneged contestants is hard to dismiss. Watching Simon’s sarcastic and snappy comments keep I think most people tuned-in because it seems he is breaking their social norm of basic human tact. Watching an auditioner stand completely behind his or her actions while completely lacking the self-awareness that others are judging their performance poorly is entertaining. Mostly of course because it is not me who is on the stand.
People bond over the contestant(s) they like - and hate. More than other shows, American Idol encourages that viewers have opinions on everything from the best singing to the worst hair. Also, the show fosters the illusion that viewers have the power to choose the next singing star, rather than having the star chosen by some faceless music producer. That illusion makes people invested in the show and hooks viewers - viewers feel like they must fight for their favorite contestant.
Kimberly Finnie
June 3, 2008
June 4, 2008 at 9:47 pm
I personally do not watch American Idol, however I have caught a few episodes in the beginning with all the terrible singers and it makes me smile. This Show is successful due to the fact its reality. Or staged reality but reality none the less. People enjoy watching other people’s lives and with the so called “intense” judging, with Simon being the brutally honest/mean guy, it keeps people entertained. It is entertaining to go and see someone who is talented, and don’t get me wrong all that singing in one show allows people to get hooked. (not everyone however) Another reason why the show would be a success is because people can call in and vote for who they like the most, that gives the viewer some kind of interaction with the show and they feel as though they have an input in the show.