Why Do You Watch American Idol?

[Rock Chalk]

I knwo there is that thread about American Idol, and the whole argument in there got me wondering.

I dont watch teh show, Ive seen it, but didnt care for it myself. So, Im curious as to what - to you people - makes this show so good and why it is so popular.

What is the allure to you?

If you dont watch teh show, dont bother to comment, I dont care why you DONT like it, I DONT like it, and Im sure your reasons are similar to mine in some fashion so I dont care about your opinion. This is for those that watch and like the show. Id put up a poll, but I dont have the first clue as to what options to give so, just give me your eloquent responses.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

Why would anyone crimp their brain and widen their ass to watch that crap?

[Crushaholic]

It's all about the whole "dreams come true" allure. I like watching youngsters go for their goal of music stardom...

[Rock Chalk]

See Beerslug, just proves the point, you have no ****ing reading comprehension ability.

[Rock Chalk]

It's all about the whole "dreams come true" allure. I like watching youngsters go for their goal of music stardom...

There's an angle I never thought about.

[-Slap-]

I knwo there is that thread about American Idol, and the whole argument in there got me wondering.

I dont watch teh show, Ive seen it, but didnt care for it myself. So, Im curious as to what - to you people - makes this show so good and why it is so popular.

What is the allure to you?

If you dont watch teh show, dont bother to comment, I dont care why you DONT like it, I DONT like it, and Im sure your reasons are similar to mine in some fashion so I dont care about your opinion. This is for those that watch and like the show. Id put up a poll, but I dont have the first clue as to what options to give so, just give me your eloquent responses.

I like it because frigging douchbags like you don't like it.

[Rock Chalk]

Thats douchebag. Is that really the reason you watch it Jim? Because other people dont watch it?

[cutthemdown]

I watch it sometimes. When I do it is to hopefully see someone do really bad and get ripped on.

[BroncoInferno]

I occasionally tune in for pretty much the same reason I sometimes find myself watching the O'Reilly Factor.

[Rock Chalk]

I occasionally tune in for pretty much the same reason I sometimes find myself watching the O'Reilly Factor.

Glutton for punishment? I dont see the connection.

[rugbythug]

well no one dies or has sex. You do get to root for the people you like and jeer the ones you don't.

I loved the show Everest on discovery, they had the same basic concepts. Characters doing things

A:A we can't
B:Hold a chance of Failure.

[Rock Chalk]

I watch it sometimes. When I do it is to hopefully see someone do really bad and get ripped on.

So, to enjoy watching people fail at a dream...sadistic, but reasonable.

[Rock Chalk]

well no one dies or has sex. You do get to root for the people you like and jeer the ones you don't.

I loved the show Everest on discovery, they had the same basic concepts. Characters doing things

A:A we can't
B:Hold a chance of Failure.

So, essentially because its similar to sports. Good reason I suppose.

[bendog]

Scotch. It gives me an excuse to go for the hattrick in highballs.

[BroncoInferno]

Glutton for punishment?

Basically. Also good for a few laughs.

[Rohirrim]

My wife makes me.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

It's a competition where you can be interactive. People who watch it "for laughs" are lying to themselves, BECAUSE ITS NOT ALL THAT FUNNY. They are all rags to riches stories (more or less) and, because of this, all the contestants are easy to root for, therefore are relatable. The Idol creators have this whole formula down to a science. Also, we also know that the winners from the competition will also go on to do something...which provides higher stakes.

Remember, American Idol was never force fed to us, this is the show America latched on to. In a day and age, where shows (especially reality shows) are canceled after only a few weeks of bad ratings, Idol is the show America chose to get behind as it was a hit from day one (in the SUMMER no less). Each year, the audience grows. It's a phenomenon.

[Rock Chalk]

Scotch. It gives me an excuse to go for the hattrick in highballs.

Thats as good a reason as any.

[Rock Chalk]

It's a competition where you can be interactive. People who watch it "for laughs" are lying to themselves, BECAUSE ITS NOT ALL THAT FUNNY. They are all rags to riches stories (more or less) and, because of this, all the contestants are easy to root for, therefore are relatable. The Idol creators have this whole formula down to a science. Also, we also know that the winners from the competition will also go on to do something...which provides higher stakes.

Remember, American Idol was never force fed to us, this is the show America latched on to. In a day and age, where shows (especially reality shows) are canceled after only a few weeks of bad ratings, Idol is the show America chose to get behind as it was a hit from day one (in the SUMMER no less). Each year, the audience grows. It's a phenomenon.

I dont know about that statement. Commercial after commercial from day 1 is practically force feeding. You have valid reasons though.

[Pezman]

I'm proud to say, I've never seen one minute of that piece of garbage. I remember one night the wife and I were at dinner and apparantly some big Idol event was taking place or some ****, and everyone at the restaraunt were like sheep paying attention to that BS. Needless to say, we obviously felt proud to not have a clue.

Screw TV shows like that. Out.

[BroncoInferno]

People who watch it "for laughs" are lying to themselves, BECAUSE ITS NOT ALL THAT FUNNY.

Yeah, I'm lying to myself. Whaever you say, buddy. That little faux-ska dude who thought he was being orginal by throwing in a little scatting had me rolling on the floor ROFL!

[Bronco_Beerslug]

I'm proud to say, I've never seen one minute of that piece of garbage. I remember one night the wife and I were at dinner and apparantly some big Idol event was taking place or some ****, and everyone at the restaraunt were like sheep paying attention to that BS. Needless to say, we obviously felt proud to not have a clue.

Screw TV shows like that. Out.See Pezman, just proves the point, you have no ****ing reading comprehension ability.


ROFL!

[Pezman]

Word, I just felt the need to pile on the sheeple who watch that garbage ;D

[Stormontheplains]

My wife and Daughter make me watch it. I really the like the dorky fat white guys, and the old school black singers. Being proud of not watching a tv show?? what the hell is that, haven't heard talk like that since junior high. Yo man!! I never watch saved by the bell and proud of it.

[SonOfLe-loLang]

How can you say it's garbage if you NEVER watched it. As for it being forcefed, television stations force feed a ton of programming to the national audience and most doesn't stick. Idol happened to stick and there's a reason for it.

[DomCasual]

Let's see, here are my reasons:

1) My son will watch it. If it wasn't for reality TV, there would be next to nothing we could watch together as a family.

2) I find it mildly entertaining. The contestants are really, really into it. The pressure grows from week to week. When you see people hanging on the results to the degree these kids are, it's good television. I don't care if they're playing Connect Four. When there is that much pressure, it's interesting to watch.

That's basically it. I watch it in spite of the judges. By this point, they're incredibly irritating - especially Randy and Paula.

[Meck77]

My wife makes me.

Yeah my lady was into it so I ended up watching some by default but haven't paid any attention to it the last few weeks. I get a kick out of the reject shows though. Watching people sing terribly is kinda like reading some of the football takes here. It's funny when people think they can sing or actually know what they are talking about when the reality is they are way off base.:)

[Pezman]

Ahahaha! The defense of a TV show. Alec, it worked Ha!

[DomCasual]

Why would anyone crimp their brain and widen their ass to watch that crap?

I like you. And I generally like to read most of what you have to say (though I may disagree with much of it). But sometimes, you really come off as a smug asshole.

No offense.

[DomCasual]

Yeah my lady was into it so I ended up watching some by default but haven't paid any attention to it the last few weeks. I get a kick out of the reject shows though. Watching people sing terribly is kinda like reading some of the football takes here. It's funny when people think they can sing or actually know what they are talking about when the reality is they are way off base.:)

http://www.orangemane.com/BB/showpost.php?p=1514867&postcount=54

:giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle: :giggle:

[Crushaholic]

Actually, the forcefeeding goes on DURING the show. American Idol is such a success that they try to get people to watch some of the other crappy shows on Fox. They even invite the stars to the studio and interview them during dead periods. THAT'S forcefeeding...

[SonOfLe-loLang]

yes, agree with you crushaholic...ironically, their other successful shows were not promoted through idol. Usually those shows (like 5th grader) do really well after idol, but then falter once they are put in their other time slots....but some of their self promotion is completely shameless...its kinda funny

[scorpio]

Word, I just felt the need to pile on the sheeple who watch that garbage ;D

Sorry Pez, but using the word sheeple makes you a giant toolbox.

[Tredici]

I just enjoy watching and hearing people sing. There are no other "Reality" shows I have any passing interest in. Some people like watching other people eat bugs and worms. I don't.

Have some fairly musically talented people in my family. The radio was always on. Yes, we were one of those corny families who sang along. My kid went to school on a vocal scholarship. And he's married to a woman who is in one of the major show choirs in Denver. Always been around singing. I simply enjoy it.

I also learned a long time ago people have different tastes when it comes to music. They are all valid. I remember one time I was in a record store looking at a certain album and the clerk sneered. "That's not even in anymore." I put the album down and said, -- Well I'll find a store happy to make a sale and take my money without critical comment. And I'll be sure and send the manager of this place a note about why it didn't happen here.

All things are subjective. It doesn't matter why people like or dislike anything. What amuses me is how people convince themselves their personal choices equates with superiority.

Whatever.

[bendog]

I want to have sex with Randy Jackson.

[DomCasual]

I just enjoy watching and hearing people sing. There are no other "Reality" shows I have any passing interest in. Some people like watching other people eat bugs and worms. I don't.

Have some fairly musically talented people in my family. The radio was always on. Yes, we were one of those corny families who sang along. My kid went to school on a vocal scholarship. And he's married to a woman who is in one of the major show choirs in Denver. Always been around singing. I simply enjoy it.

I also learned a long time ago people have different tastes when it comes to music. They are all valid. I remember one time I was in a record store looking at a certain album and the clerk sneered. "That's not even in anymore." I put the album down and said, -- Well I'll find a store happy to make a sale and take my money without critical comment. And I'll be sure and send the manager of this place a note about why it didn't happen here.

All things are subjective. It doesn't matter why people like or dislike anything. What amuses me is how people convince themselves their personal choices equates with superiority.

Whatever.

Well said. It's a lesson most people learn early. Because if you don't learn it, you don't keep many friends through life. My 8-year-old son does this all the time. He's learned not to do it with me, because I always hammer him about it, but I hear him doing it with friends. "That's stupid! Such and such a band sucks! (My personal favorite - I always ask him to name two songs said band sings. He never can.)" or "You like that show? How stupid!" It's just what kids do, but you learn not to do it - most of the time, you learn it painfully.

I always explain it to him:

Subjective = I like blue better than green.
Objective = Chiefs fans are stupid and inbred.

I have high hopes for him. The boy's learning.

[DomCasual]

I want to have sex with Randy Jackson.

You sounded pitchy when you said that, dawg.

[Pezman]

Sorry Pez, but using the word sheeple makes you a giant toolbox.

Excuse me, arent you from a sheep school? CSU right? I understand your sensitivity to the word Sheep. Baaaaaaa! :wiggle:

[KipCorrington25]

The music is just to terrible. That's what I don't get, that people want to listen to this stuff, it sounds like a cat being wrung through a washing machine.

[scorpio]

Excuse me, arent you from a sheep school? CSU right? I understand your sensitivity to the word Sheep. Baaaaaaa! :wiggle:

touche'

[CSU Husker]

I like watching the first shows of the season cuz its amazing how bad people are and they think they are good. I also think Simon is right 95% of the time and its funny to hear the retards boo his comments. By the end they usually have 3 or 4 people who are genuinly good singers and performers.


The family aspect is why the show is so huge. Its one of very few shows that are totally safe for families to watch together.

[Taco John]

I watch it because it's something that my wife and I can enjoy together. We have very different tastes in entertainment, and especially music, but fo a couple hours a week I can put my ego aside long enough to enjoy the competition with her and watch some kids live out their dreams. We've only seen two seasons... The first with Kelly Clarkson and this current season. We get sucked in by watching the auditions, and when there are personalities among the group of finalists that we like, then we continue watching.

[Rock Chalk]

Well, I get the family angle only that my family consists of a 5 year old and two adults. Me adn th gal watch similar things (except Grey's Anatomy, blah) and the younging cant get her TV off The Good Night Show.

Sports is the one thing we all watch together. Thats our family TV :D

[cutthemdown]

So, to enjoy watching people fail at a dream...sadistic, but reasonable.

As a musician I find it amusing its anyones dream to make it singing someone else's songs. It can be a funny show to watch sometimes though.

[DomCasual]

Well, I get the family angle only that my family consists of a 5 year old and two adults. Me adn th gal watch similar things (except Grey's Anatomy, blah) and the younging cant get her TV off The Good Night Show.

Sports is the one thing we all watch together. Thats our family TV :D

Grey's Anatomy. I can honestly say I thought that show had potential. It had a reasonably interesting mix of characters. Some of the women were babes (the babe factor can be a non-starter for me with some shows - I am a man, and men are dogs). It was in a good time slot. So, we watched the first season.

Now, I get irritated every time I see that show is on. I don't know if it got bad, or we changed. But I just can't stand it.

[Rock Chalk]

I dont know that its "good" family TV either.

I mean, impressionable kids watching that pompous asshole Simon or those judges? No, I dont think I'd let my kids watch it just because I wouldnt want them thinking its OK to demean people like that.

But whatever you bad parents want to think, thats OK with me. Your asshole kids wont be hanging around mine so I care not. ;D







PS Im joking abut the bad parent and asshole kid part.

[ak1971]

I watch it because it's something that my wife and I can enjoy together. We have very different tastes in entertainment, and especially music, but fo a couple hours a week I can put my ego aside long enough to enjoy the competition with her and watch some kids live out their dreams. We've only seen two seasons... The first with Kelly Clarkson and this current season. We get sucked in by watching the auditions, and when there are personalities among the group of finalists that we like, then we continue watching.

get your wife playing cards and start watching High Stakes Poker..you can scream at the TV at the top of your lungs..' YOU FU KING DONKEY' at people who you will never be at that level to play with

[Tredici]

As a musician I find it amusing its anyones dream to make it singing someone else's songs. It can be a funny show to watch sometimes though.

That describes an incredible number of people selling records. It might be amusing but there are a lot of "creative" people who write music and/or lyrics and never put their own instruments or voice to them.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

get your wife playing cards and start watching High Stakes Poker..you can scream at the TV at the top of your lungs..' YOU FU KING DONKEY' at people who you will never be at that level to play withThere you go, REAL reality TV. You don't make the grade here and you lose your ass!

I like you. And I generally like to read most of what you have to say (though I may disagree with much of it). But sometimes, you really come off as a smug a-hole.

No offense.It was meant to (directed @ the author of the thread).

[Arkansas Bronco]

Nope dont watch it. I feel that they are cheating the system. You win this no matter how crappy you are you make millions. While this other guy/girl/band have struggled to finally get released and have a hard time selling there product and it could have been just as good or better.

Edit - Sorry just read the question and responded didnt read any of the post.

[DB-Freak]

I knwo there is that thread about American Idol, and the whole argument in there got me wondering.

I dont watch teh show, Ive seen it, but didnt care for it myself. So, Im curious as to what - to you people - makes this show so good and why it is so popular.

What is the allure to you?

If you dont watch teh show, dont bother to comment, I dont care why you DONT like it, I DONT like it, and Im sure your reasons are similar to mine in some fashion so I dont care about your opinion. This is for those that watch and like the show. Id put up a poll, but I dont have the first clue as to what options to give so, just give me your eloquent responses.

Don't try to censor me.

I don't watch it cause I'm not interested.

[Rock Chalk]

There you go, REAL reality TV. You don't make the grade here and you lose your ass!

It was meant to (directed @ the author of the thread).

From tiem to time with you a "View Post". this was one of those times. You got lucky because your pathetic attempt at being a pompous asshole would have gone unnoticed by me. You generally have nothing of value to say, nor anything worth of note in this world. You will die, and the world will not have known that you were even here.

[-Slap-]

That little faux-ska dude who thought he was being orginal by throwing in a little scatting had me rolling on the floor ROFL!

He pooped on stage?

Gross!

:clown:

[SonOfLe-loLang]

Nope dont watch it. I feel that they are cheating the system. You win this no matter how crappy you are you make millions. While this other guy/girl/band have struggled to finally get released and have a hard time selling there product and it could have been just as good or better.

Edit - Sorry just read the question and responded didnt read any of the post.


Don't really see your argument here. Only the top 12 (really top 6..people like william hung are the exception) get any attention from the music industry...and these 6 were picked and competed from an original pool of over 100,000. So I'd say they beat some pretty good odds right there.

[Bronco_Beerslug]

From tiem to time with you a "View Post". this was one of those times. You got lucky because your pathetic attempt at being a pompous a-hole would have gone unnoticed by me. You generally have nothing of value to say, nor anything worth of note in this world. You will die, and the world will not have known that you were even here.

Ha! No sh*t? Damn, I feel so unimportant now.

Whereas in your case, I'm sure we will be erecting monuments for centuries to come in recognition of your monumental achievements for all of humanity.

[BroncoInferno]

He pooped on stage?

Gross!

:clown:

LOL

Oh, you aren't far from the truth ROFL!

[DenverBrit]

He pooped on stage?

Gross!

:clown:

That was the working title.

Apparently they felt the need to come up with a show title that might get past the FCC.

Not sure the title, 'American Idol', and the content have anything in common.

Might have been a typo....American Idle seems closer to the mark. ;D

[hertzc]

because it's funny when i'm high.

[orangeatheist]

For the show's first two years I watched the first few episodes to watch the abyssmal failures make jackasses out of themselves. Really used to crack me up. But then, when they'd whittled it down to the non-numbskulls I'd turn it off. I hate today's music and I hate every chick trying to sound like Mariah Carey.

I haven't seen the show since it's first couple of seasons. Hell, I don't watch TV much at all anymore; unless it's TVLAND. That's the only place I can find my kinda tv. I'm an old fart. Give me back-to-back episodes of Andy Griffith ANY DAY over the trash that's on today.

[ColoradoDarin]

My wife and I watch it. She got into it in the 2nd season because she's from Raleigh, NC (Clay Aiken). I started watching it in the third season with her and thought it was just ok - I didn't like it too much. But the 4th season came around and I was hooked. Partly because they decided to open it up to beyond just pop music with Carrie Underwood (country) and Bo Bice (southern rock) and partly because the expanded the age requirement which led to including some more talented singers. Last year was great with a lot of 'diversity' - Kellie Pickler, Bucky Covington, Daughtry - I have his CD, it is pretty good, Taylor Hicks, Elliott, Ace & Mandisa all had different styles. This season it's mostly generic guys and R&B girls.

The show is a story, you're following these people in their journey to become star singers, and it can launch careers. It's mindless fun, some enjoyable escapism.

[spdirty]

I only watch the opening auditions cuz its funny to watch Simon trash and laugh at peoples hopes and dreams.

[Arkansas Bronco]

Well, I get the family angle only that my family consists of a 5 year old and two adults. Me adn th gal watch similar things (except Grey's Anatomy, blah) and the younging cant get her TV off The Good Night Show.

Sports is the one thing we all watch together. Thats our family TV :D

Dude the damned goonnight show runs through here from when I get home till their bed time. If anything i want to watch is on I dwell in the back. I realy do like the sprout channel alot of cartoons that are good for younger kids even though I can only take a few minutes of it. My oldest loves Blue's Clues and he isnt even 2 yet but can count to ten. Sorry for this minor hijack I just wanted to brag on my kid and say I know where you are at.

EDIT- My Oldest sat on my lap and watched every Denver game this year he does love sports in fact sometimes he points at the TV and yells "Ball".

[Rock Chalk]

They got this irish cartoon or something on The Good Night Show, sometimes I watch that with her because I'll be honest, listening to Irish and Scottish people cracks me up.

She loves Blues Clues too and she does watch Baby First on Sprout. Not sure what thats all about but she has from 290 to 300 down, thats where "her" channels are at. She has mastered the remote to put it on those channels but, I got her taught well, when I get home she puts it on 206 for me so I can catch highlights ;D