Comments on: An Open Letter To “American Idol” Contestants

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 05:24:28 +0000

Cosmo, I think you're absolutely right.

DLS, I think it's time to take your meds.

By: DLS

DLS — Fri, 18 Jan 2008 01:54:16 +0000

??? It's a gimmick show that has been running for a long time, so people should know what to expect — unless they're childish or childlike with the attention span of a two-year-old. (Are they voting for Clinton or Obama?)

By: cosmoetica

cosmoetica — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 22:21:26 +0000

Non-rhetorically, it's called schadenfreude.

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 21:44:25 +0000

Well that could indeed be what some of the losers want, but what does it say about all the people who watch the show? (that was a rhetorical question btw

By: cosmoetica

cosmoetica — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 15:35:47 +0000

JS: But that's what these losers want. Being humiliated in front of million sis the ONLY way they will ever be in front of millions. This explains Oprah, Court shows, Jerry Springer, that Dare show where people eat bugs, etc. Most folk lack any real talent in any field, so they swallow their pride (if any have any) and take a pie in the face, figuratively.

By: JSpencer

JSpencer — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 14:45:00 +0000

Joe, I believe your analysis of the show and how it ought to be placed in a context outside the real world and real dreams of aspiring talent (or imagined talent) is right on the mark. A talent show is one thing, and they have been around for decades. The deliberate searching out of people who have delusions about their ablilites, and the orchestration of their humiliation in front of millions of people is quite another.

By: cosmoetica

cosmoetica — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 13:44:50 +0000

Gotta disagree, Joe. I've watched AI for years, and each year there are more people wanting to get on tv just to get on tv. Yes there are the tonedeaf wackos, but many- like the fat black girl with the even fatter mom, or the 50 year old guy with the anti-sex song, or the numerous transvestites, do so just to get on tv- as if that's an accomplishment.

I'm glad Simon rips the bad, as he's usually right- see his comments on the Glitter Gal from Philly, although this year several singers made it to LA who were clearly bad singers.

The problem w the show is that it tries to pick personalities over talent. As for auditions, as a kid, I recall several of the local nightspots, where me and other kids hung out and did odd jobs, often had auditions for singers and dancers that were just like AI, save for more cursing and booze. Perhaps kids performers, as yourself, get better treatment, but even actors I've known over the years tell me that cattle calls can be brutal, as well.