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RIP: American Idol Was Never About the "Idol"



American Idol, the long-running TV show that took advantage of the insatiable adolescent craving for attention, fame and fortune, has at last been laid to rest. It certainly wasn't the first of its kind. Less ostentatious versions have been around for a long time - even before there were televisions.

What made this iteration different was its breadth and scope - scouring the country for fledgling talent in a tournament-like elimination competition. It was a huge success. Millions watched as thousands responded to auditions in cities all over the country, and some very good performers were actually discovered.

So what's the problem? Simply this - instant fame is rarely a good thing. We see it over and over with teenage athletes who become millionaires overnight, and lottery winners who have no idea how to handle their windfall. The show was promoted as a showcase for undiscovered talent. The producers were cast as benefactors, talent scouts seeking out those who deserve to be noticed, and giving them a chance to become stars. The implication was that the future of the finalists (and maybe one or two others) would be guaranteed. They'd go on to rewarding careers in show business and live happily ever after.

But a moment of reflection brings us back to reality.

The only purpose for the show's existence was to make money. It was that way when the "Amateur Hour" first hit the radio airwaves, and it still is. It always will be that way for commercial-based programing. The format is always secondary. You can bet they would have gladly gone with a hundred guys like William Hung if people watched. Ratings and ad revenue are all that matter.

This takes nothing away from the millions of viewers who tuned in faithfully every week. If it had entertainment value for them, that's great. Just a warning for the contestants and viewers of some similar future show - don't drink the network's Kool-aid.

I wonder how many musicians who achieve greatness through years of struggle and hard work would say they'd have preferred the American Idol way. How many, I don't know. But I gotta believe they have a healthy appreciation for the process they went through, and are respectfully aware that they wouldn't be the artists they became without it.

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