Brothers In Blog

Around this time last year I blogged a couple of times about the infamous Sanjaya from American Idol season 6. How someone so inept at singing made it so far in a “singing competition” (as Simon insists on calling it) baffled countless viewers. I claimed the voting was fixed, while others gave credit to VFTW and Howard Stern for Sanjaya’s success. Whatever kept Sanjaya on the show no longer matters. He had his 15 minutes of fame, and now it’s over — at least until he appears on a special episode of True Hollywood Stories. So, if season 6 gave us Sanjaya, what does season 7 have in store for Idol viewers?

Season 7: The season of the semi-pros

Season 7 of American Idol recently narrowed its top 24 contestants down to a field of 12; however, some of these “diamonds in the rough” have previously been signed to record contracts and even released at least one CD. In a contest that implies it “discovers the undiscovered” does it seem fair to allow semi-pro entries?

If you make the rules, then you can bend, break, and ignore them as you deem fit. While Idol claims it’s a “singing contest” it’s a television show first. Ratings are everything, and therefore the rules will always be adjusted in the name ratings.

Some rules are implied whether American Idol likes it or not

While Idol might not review the specifics of their rules “on-air”, the show does indirectly imply the existence of certain rules because it helps paint the picture of a “fair” competition. Here are a few examples to help explain what I mean:

1. Contestants are undiscovered amateurs: Idol likes to paint a picture of young talented singers toiling away their simple lives flipping burgers and waiting on tables. This impression is far from the truth. A couple of this year’s contestants aren’t new to “the biz.” Nevertheless, Idol prefers to focus on contestant’s humbler sides and conveniently leave out the details of previous successes.
2. All entries get their shot in front of the 3 judges during the city wide searches: Do the math. Idol has thousands of applicants turn out for the cattle call auditions. It’s impossible to see that many people in a period of 2 days per city. Some talented people are turned away in favor of freakish applicants because, remember, ratings are everything. Yes, it was funny in the first few season but now it’s just embarrassing.
3. The best singers will advance: This one is debunked in one word: Sanjaya. Face it folks, votes can be manipulated. There is nothing to stop anyone from voting numerous times for their favorite contestant. Large numbers of people can easily be united behind one contestant regardless of talent. Furthermore, who knows how Idol tallies the votes and if they actually count them all. Again, ratings drive everything.

Like it or not, American Idol is a television show looking for ratings and therefore the rules that guide the show are molded to help reach objective number one: increase ratings in order to charge top dollar for commercial spots.

Join the anti-American Idol movement and support VFTW

Idol walks a fine line with its loyal viewers, and for many of us the backlash has begun. If you find yourself disappointed by American Idol, or simply tired of it duping America into thinking it’s a fair contest, then join the anti-American Idol movement orchestrated by Vote for the Worst. These guys select the worst possible contestant available and then rally the troops to vote in force to help keep this person on the show for as long as possible. They have been credited for keeping season 6 oddity, Sanjaya, on the show. Hopefully, VFTW remains powerful and can push another Idol oddity far into the season, and maybe far enough to win it all (think Taylor Hicks, Ruben Studdard, and Fantasia Barrino — Idol winners today, Idol footnotes tomorrow).

How can you help bring Idol to its knees? First, stop watching — I have. Second, head over to VFTW and make sure you help vote this season’s favorite as far into the season as possible. Maybe then Idol will stop referring to itself as a singing competition and admit it’s really just a television show masquerading as a singing contest.