This Is AMER-ican Idol

Nearly 9 years ago Fox premiered a new program, which sought America's next pop sensation. And after 8 seasons American Idol still reigns supreme, dominating airways and making celebrities out of contestants. Initially the show was must see TV but not because of the talent they had found, rather because of the talentless singers and incredibly mean evaluations from judge Simon Cowell. Every Tuesday millions upon millions of people tuned in to hear the horrible singing and funny/oh my god did he really just say that moments, and after several weeks of such, the TV show was a hit. I am no hater of the show, in fact I was a fan early on, but what amazes me is the turn out year after year in cities across America.

Yesterday in Chicago 12,000 people lined up at the United Center to audition for their chance at fame and fortune. Prior to coming to Chicago, auditions also held in Boston and Atlanta drew crowds of 9,000, making the 3 city total 30,000. They all waited in these long lines for a chance to make the cut to later auditions for executive producers and then as a third cut audition for judges Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul, Randy Jackson and Kara DioGuardi. So before ever getting the chance to see your favorite judges, you have to endure 2 days of gruelling waits with thousands of people.

One would think, that especially after 8 seasons, such a process would deter folks from coming out year after year, to city after city, but it doesn't. Which makes me wonder 2 things, what are they thinking and where are their friends? Normal people understand what their physical limits are and whether or not you can sing is obvious after puberty. So what are people who make dogs howl thinking? For example I think I am good at baseball but I am not running to open try outs, waisting time and money because realistically I know I am not good enough. But understanding some people have warped minds, I next am stuck on where these people's friends are. Friends are supposed to be the people who keep you grounded, making sure your ego is always in check. So why aren't they telling these people to give it up? If any of my friends are bad at something they know about it, no matter what it may be, drinking games, video games, pretty much anything you can think of.

To those with talent, legit talent, I am glad American Idol is around. Without it Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood could still be undiscovered talents, meaning it does serve a purpose. However for every contestant who makes the final cut there are about 10,000 people who tried out and failed, even after 9 seasons. The maybe 5 minutes of fame can not possibly be worth it, so please, pretty please, people get a better grasp of reality. My tool belt can't fit all of you.