Hi 01GT: actually, I think you have some good points.

And yet... I loathe these shows. So I'm asking myself whether I have any substantial reasons for that, beyond my own snobbery?

One thing I have against them is that while they do often eventually arrive at people who have real talent, it is somehow a bland, generalist type of musical ability they tend to foster.

I'm thinking of a list of great, distinctive, individual and influential voices of recent decades. For instance: Freddie Mercury; Carly Simon; Bob Dylan; Mick Jagger; Norah Jones; Sting; Paul Simon... (Substitute your own preferences.)

All of those are voices that not only can sell a song, they have that rare quality where you only have to hear a few notes to know without doubt that it is that artist and no other. That quality is... Star Quality.

And yet I doubt that any of them would win an Idol type show, because they don't have the range these shows demand. In fact, a lack of range is precisely the point: they do one thing in a fine and unique way.

For sure, the likes of Jagger and Dylan wouldn't get beyond the early rounds of these shows because in any objective sense they can barely sing at all! But we'd all kill to have any of the above fronting our band...

I think these reality shows are structured precisely to locate talent - but exclude greatness.

Well, that's what I bore on about while my wife is watching them, anyhow...

Cheers - C

In my opinion......

As you know American Idol, commercial television and radio, etc. exist for the sole purpose of making money. As I see it the contestants on AI are there to "make it big" both as stars and financially in double quick time. There are those however that have to "work for a living" those being the local musicians, garage bands, etc. There are bands and musicians that are "famous" and "successful" today, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers comes to mind that took the long and arduous road to the top - TP and the Heartbreakers are now performing beyond 30 years. I don't think it is about "making it to the top" but simply to write play good music. Success is a byproduct of ones talent and I would assume a bit of luck.

I rarely listen to the radio anymore and I catch glimpses of American Idol when my wife is watching. I believe most commercial media is complete drivel. That is not to say I don't get hooked into it, I simply mean that I am tired of being herded like a sheep with the masses that are supposed to approve of the next Idol, the next reality show, the next "Beatles"......

"That's all I have to say about that".....

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I Can't Explain

BTW Beaubs: you, me - anyone else want to claim they only see these shows over their wives' shoulders?

I'm sure the world believes us...

- C

Thats how I got started Ceri. But I quickly relaized that my favorite part of the show are the misfits who audition for the show that have absoultely no talent, but are entertaining to watch and they actually believe that they are good. I also think its funny to watch Simon as these people audition. You have to admire a guy who says what he thinks.

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"My mind is a raging torrent, flooded with rivulets of thought cascading into a waterfall of creative alternatives." Blazing Saddles...

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I Can't Explain

Boyle's hot. Jeah!