American Idol is Going Downhill Fast

As the sixth season unfolded for the hit show "American Idol", I was excited and ready to laugh and cry with the new contestants. Each season, "American Idol" starts the show out by showing the talented and the not so talented singers that come from all over for a chance to be a star. I've always found the show to be enjoyable, especially when the judges threw in snide comments letting the disillusioned wanna be singers know that they will never have a chance at a singing career. However, it seems as the seasons go on, the comments get crueler and crueler. The rude remarks have hit an all time high this year with judge Simon Cowell. What once was one of my favorite shows has turned into a nightmare.

The first stop for the auditions was in Seattle. As usual, there were thousands upon thousands of hopefuls lined up to show off their skills, or lack thereof, to the judges. One particular contestant that stood out was Kenneth Briggs. After talking to the judges, we learn that he compares himself with N'Sync and Justin Timberlake. Once the audition began, we learn that he is no where near up to par with any boy band, but he sure did try. The clencher kicks in when Simon not only told him that he could not sing, but that he has "massive eyes" that remind him of a "Bush Baby". I've always liked Mr. Cowell and never put anything past him as far as his comments went, but I must say that I was truly shocked that he went that far. This poor kid really was trying, and yes, he will never be the next American Idol, but to put down his physical appearance and something he clearly cannot help is completely over the line. Luckily Kenneth took it well, but I wonder if Simon ever stops to realize the potential damage he could by attacking a more vulnerable contestant's physical appearance.

After going through various cities, the judges final stop was in my hometown, San Antonio. I honestly almost stopped watching the show after Simon's cruel comment, but I was excited to see my locals try out. The judges were not too harsh on the Texans, until on particular girl walked in. She sings in her church choir, and had her family there to support her. It was obvious that the young girl was nervous, but she pushed her nerves aside and walked in ready to sing her heart out. Before she even had a chance to open her mouth, the two men judges (Cowell and Randy Jackson), began laughing hysterically. It was clear that the girl was shy and was about to cry, yet she stood strong and endured them laughing at her for no apparent reason. When she finally got a chance to sing, the laughing increased. Understandably the girl was very upset. My heart went out to her as she tearfully told host Ryan Seacrest that she did not understand why they had to laugh at her before she even said a word. Two grown millionaire men laughing like school boys when an overweight girl walks in the room is plain disgusting. This is one of the top shows in America? This is what we want our kids to watch?

I have had it with American Idol. There are just some things that shouldn't be laughed about, and watching contestants being mocked over the way they look shouldn't be something that makes a hit show. The appeal for me is gone. Many defenders of the show will say that if people don't like it, then turn the channel. Gladly.