If you think American Idol is sucky, find something productive to do with your time, and don't watch the show. The only reason I started watching it is because, though I don't share the taste of the masses of the USA for the most part, and I wouldn't choose to listen to many of the contestants if I stumbled across them on the radio, their courage inspires me.
Does anyone reading this have the guts to stand on a stage in front of millions of people and pour their heart into the best performance they can muster? Singing is one of the most vulnerable, personal kinds of performance art possible. I am a singer, and used to turn my nose up at anything that "wasn't my taste," but I matured (to old to try out for Idol) to the point where I admire anyone with raw talent, charisma, and guts.
I agree that American Idol is a TV show with a goal of getting as many viewers as possible, and they probably pick people based on wanting to start with a balanced variety of colors, ages, sounds, genres so that people with all different tastes will be motivated to watch the show. At the same time, it is obvious to me that Simon's record company is looking for people who will sell a lot of records. At least part of the likelihood of that comes from talent, taste, and creativity. Of course a manicuring process like American Idol feels like an unnatural way for a star to develop, rather than working their way up from the street on their own. But I enjoy watching the process of someone who needs some coaching and guidance developing awkward talent into performances that are satisfying to watch and hear. Siobhan's interpretation of the Stones'ganar dinero en Internet "Paint It Black," left me picking my jaw up off the floor. Hayley Vaughn singing Jason Miraz' "I'm Yours," Lacey's performance of "Landslide," anytime Alex Lambert opened his mouth, and Lily Scott's do of "A Change is Gonna Come" by Sam Cooke were exciting and memorable performances.
I don't know why you think bland Tim Urban's vacant stare and disconnected vocal bs is entertaining. There are many totally vapid sources of entertainment if you get off on watching zombies aimlessly wander around in front of a camera. My boyfriend compares you to the juveniles who play video games for the perverse thrill they get from purposely killing all their teammates. Is cynicism really all you have to share with the world?
