American Idol

From LoveToKnow Music

American Idol has been one of the top rated television shows since its debut in 2002. A reality show meets talent contest, it showcases an open casting call and competition in the effort to find the next pop superstar. Although critics have often predicted that the show will dwindle out like a typical fad, the ratings have only seemed to build with each season.

Before American Idol

Before American Idol, there was Pop Idol, a British television series created by music mogul Simon Fuller. The series was a talent search and competition, with the premise of searching for the best young singer in the country. Pop Idol was such a popular series in the UK that it spawned many worldwide spin-offs, including the American version, Indian Idol, Canadian Idol, and many others. Although Pop Idol’s success didn’t last beyond two seasons, producer Simon Fuller and notoriously blunt judge Simon Cowell did pick up where they left off after crossing the pond to the US.

A Smash Hit

The first season of American Idol was an unexpected boon for the Fox Channel. Riding on a wave of the reality show trend of the early 21st century, it debuted to stellar ratings in 2002. Ryan Seacrest and Brian Dunkleman then hosted the show, although Dunkleman would leave after the first season. With each episode, more and more people tuned into the program and as finalists began to be eliminated, it seemed that every fan of the show had a unique favorite. Season one’s winner was Kelly Clarkson, a small-town girl from Burleson, TX and the rest, as they say, is history.

American Idol’s Staying Power

Surprisingly, the show has only grown more popular with each season. Winners of American Idol are awarded a recording contract, so doubtful eyes were on winner number one, Kelly Clarkson. When she managed to release a hit album, it seemed to add to the show’s intrigue. Although the show’s entire premise seems to be the manufacturing of a star, Kelly Clarkson’s album sales and subsequent Grammy wins add a bit more legitimacy to the show. It also raises the stakes, making for more drama and better television. Critics wait for an inevitable downfall for the show, but each year brings a surprising new angle.

The Process of the Show

In the beginning of each season, there is an open casting call around the country. This first phase of the show, known as the auditions, is when the oddest Idol moments occur. Hosts Randy Jackson, Paula Abdul, and Simon Cowell must listen to tens of thousands of singers in just a few weeks. Out of the throng of hopefuls, only a select few can hold a tune. This is usually when Simon Cowell makes his trademark sneers, comments and brutally honest observations. This is also the portion of the season that America’s strangest people come out of the woodwork. Season 3’s William Hung actually scored a record deal out of his hilarious and almost disturbing audition, in which he sang Ricky Martin’s “She Bangs”.

After the auditions are over and the selected group moves onto the next round in Hollywood, the show becomes a bit more serious. The singers are now narrowed down to those that might actually have a shot at making to the end. During the following weeks, American Idol showcases celebrity pop-ins, theme weeks, and group performances. The American viewers are then allowed a chance to call in and vote for which contestant should move on. This process has garnered some controversy, as there are many people who tie up phone lines with repetitive votes for one person. Some have even claimed the show to be rigged due to this nature of elimination.

The final 20 and final 10 is when the program becomes extremely serious for those involved. Although only one person will win, those in the remaining 10 will have the opportunity to perform in a traveling concert of finalists. Contestants and judges seem to be more on edge, with backstage tensions coming to the foreground in some instances. The appeal to American Idol may be that it is so many things in one. Part reality show, part variety show, and part guilty pleasure, it has proven to be the ultimate water cooler discussion for many Americans.