AI 2009

Ok, I admit it. I watch American Idol. I have for the past 8 years. Ever since my daughter was 9 years old. We used to sit and watch it together, back when she would actually sit and watch TV with me without texting her friends.
It is an odd show. It shows what people are capable of and not capable of. The ones who are not capable, do they know the whole world is watching, and not thinking pleasant thoughts about them?
How can someone get up in front of millions of people and think they are made of star quality? From the William Hungs to the bikini clad wannabes, it is quite a spectacle. Maybe that is why I am intrigued. I have never been one to "watch a car crash," but this is amazing to me, the hutzpah, the courage it takes to humiliate oneself. Or is it to think oneself into a dream state that puts them on the stage, thinking they are the next Kelly Clarkson or David Cook of the world. Very few people have the talent to go all the way.
Granted there are those in the world, who for whatever reason, have rocketed to the top and somehow made millions of dollars.
50 cent comes to mind. The man cannot sing, his raps are disgraceful, degrading and disrespectful. Yet millions of people worship him. The man owns outrageous cars, homes and toys. (ie Cribs) And why?
Because he did not die, he could have murdered, he sold drugs and went to prison? So he had a bad life. He did not turn it around, he turned millions of misguided teens into thinking what he did was cool. But think about it. Would you want your daughter dating him? Sans the money and the fame, he is a thug.
When I was living in Colorado, I hung out with musicians and folks who claimed to be music makers. One day I attended a concert at a hotel and actually heard what the folks on stage sounded like in headphones. While the people manning the boards, moved dials and bars up and down to make these "singers" sound like real stars, I just shook my head.
What could they make me sound like?
So don't be fooled. There is talent, such as Barbara Striesand and Frank Sinatra, Kelly Clarkson and Elton John, who CAN sing. But today's world pretty much takes anyone who has a look, a weird riff, an outrageous story and this makes them a star.
Sad.
But back to American Idol. At least we get to see who does have talent, from the waiteress to the unemployed, and who can make the cut.
I cannot imagine what they go through: learning the songs week after week, the dance steps, the critisism, etc. This I admire, as well as fulfilling their dream.
They also get to meet wonderful stars, Elton, Billy Joel, and producers who will change thier lives forever. And that is what I enjoy. The prospect of seeing people's live change, for the better.