Don't You Think American Idol is a Popularity and Beauty Contest?
473277
There's no question that it's more about popularity than it is about actual singing ability, that is, after the point where America first gets to choose who goes on and who doesn't.\n\nThe beginning of the competition is more about singing ability, as the judges get to decide who goes on, but you couldn't say with a straight face that none of them are bias towards any of the contestants.\n\nI saw a couple of great singers the first few episodes that didn't make it through, and I was really disappointed, but now that singers who are more talented than others are getting voted off... it's kind of pathetic.\n\nYou have a good idea there, it might prevent the best of the performers from getting the boot!
254628
I love American Idol (even though I'm from the older generation - 52) and have watched it since the firt American Idol.  I love watching the people who think they can sing, but can't, but have to give them kudos for having the guts to get up in front of the judges and television, with millions of people watching and take a beating like they do.  But I love Idol most for the seriously talented young people that you see once in a while that get the chance to be successful in music when you see that they do have the talent and ambition but left on their own, they would have much less chance of "being discovered".  I think the show is great for helping serious artists looking for a break.
224567
I watch american idol. Try out next year , have confidence in urself!
1143826
We do every couple of years or so its called an election.\n\nThe last presidential election was participated in by about 30% of those eligible to vote.  Pretty pathetic huh?  To put that into perspective more people vote for the American Idol than did for the last president.\n\nIf you are don't like the way things are going, or if you do like them you need to make your thoughts known at the ballot box.\n\nGet your friends involved until people get off their asses and participate nothing is going to change either way.
528927
Probably. That's the impression I got. People like to be involved in drama for some dumb reason. And media enjoys playing off it to get more attention.\n\nI myself, would never vote for Taylor and from previous viewers, people were like, "How in the world could he have won?"
498421
I agree mate, American Idol is crap! By the way I'm in England (UK)
636481
I am shocked and upset to see Chris go, but in the long run I think it will be better for Chris. When you win Idol, you are pretty much put in a prison camp where you are forced to become something you don't want to be, and your are contracted to stay that way for I don't know how long. Ask Kelly Clarkson. Anyway, Chris has become more famous now because of the outrage, and I'd put money on the fact that we will see him again and he will be successful in HIS genre of music. ROCK ON CHRIS!!!!!
490934
The short answer to your question is "yes".  \n\nOnce the judges come up with the top 12 (based on talent), then America decides.  At that point it becomes 70% about popularity and 30% about talent.  People vote for a person that 1) they identify with OR 2) more importantly - they want to be like.  It is American IDOL.  \n\nUltimately people didn't like Mandisa enough.  Perhaps this is because she is black, overweight, a woman, in her late 20's, etc.  It's quite sad because she deserved to go further in the competition just based on her voice alone.
595719
Taylor should be the next American Idol, but the way they are hyping up Kat evrywhere you read. I think America is in for a major let down.
608804
This season of American Idol is crazy-- it's hard to tell who will be in the final two now that Chris is gone. Taylor is probably a lock, as much as I care for both Elliott and Katharine; I say probably because anything could happen. \n\nIt really depends. Consistency is a major major issue with both of these, Katharine especially. Performance-wise, Elliott has done nothing but grow in the past couple of weeks. Katharine, however, started off as a favorite to win it all, but now she's slipping for one reason or another.\n\nSpeaking of the fan-base, however, Elliott has a much smaller one. The male demographic will obviously vote for Katharine, and will vote even more depending on how skimpy her dress is Tuesday night. \n\nIt's a tossup right now, but I'd put my money (or yours, rather) on Taylor vs. Elliott in the finals. I believe the whispers among the fans that say that they'll be voting for Elliott and Taylor to avenge Chris' "wrongful departure". But you never know.
128625
I do like to watch American Idol, but was a little disappointed with last season.  I thought that Constantine shouldn't have been sent home when he was.  There was no way that Scott Savol was better than him.  Anyway, that was last year.  This year I think it's going to be the guys turn to win... I really like Taylor Hicks and Chris Daughtry and of course Ace.  :)  It would be nice to see Taylor or Chris win; they aren't the "sterotypical" idols the judges and America seem to be looking for.
17131
No. Parents enter their kids in these things for themselves. When you throw your child into a competition based on looks, what are you teaching them?\nI was at a kids acting audition recently, and some of the parents were downright embarrassing. You could tell a lot of the kids didn't want to be there and the parents were living through them....expecting the glory. It's sad and too much pressure for a child. How about we focus on them being competative with their grades at school instead of trying to be prettier than the next girl?\nOn the other hand, there are some pageants that don't exploit the kids and actually encourage good scholarship, so I can't speak for all.
1045894
I loved the first Season of American Idol, but after that my affection started to dwindle. Kelly Clarkson will always remain the best thing to come out of that show, in my view none of the other "idols" have been able to top her. AI is just a waste of a TV spot right now. So to answer your question, I really don't know what is so great about American Idol now.
1053358
Well, Katherine McPhee wasn't an American Idol (remember, Taylor Hicks won).  Out of Carrie and Kelly, I GREATLY prefer Kelly Clarkson- Kelly sings good music while Carrie sings country garbage.
588670
American Idol...\nAs the name of the show says American Idol, our society would not let a foreigner become an idol to the American youth.  The show is really for Americans!
542265
They aren't going to change anything as long as they keep getting the top ratings which they are. \n\nI agree with you, that the show has ruined American Music, most artist strive for years to make it, and these American Idol contestants try out for a get famous quick show, then their crappy music is blasted on the radio over and over and they even are getting music awards, but you know what...if you look at the audience of artists out in the seats that aren't clapping you'll now know why.
452548
Yes, America is doomed.  Not for any religious reason but, American Idol is a cult that is eating the souls of everyone that participates.