American Idol: A Leader in Family Entertainment

The hit reality show American Idol stands as one of the greatest reality shows that has ever graced the nation and the world. It has inspired several other reality shows including Dancing with the Stars, America's Got Talent, and So You Think You Can Dance etc. The list goes on. Similar shows have been inspired by the popular realty program, even as far away as China and India. American Idol has also helped promote television programs such as House. In addition, it has helped spark interest in every genre in the music industry such as Country, R &B, Pop, Disco, and Rock. American Idol has also helped bring old musical legends back to the spotlight including Barry Mellow and Kenny Rogers, and Smokey Robinson.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday night from January to May, American Idol is watched by millions. The variety of young potential recording artist and their performances makes Idol a great entertainment attraction for the entire family. For those of us living in the wintry portions of the country the reality show helps us survive the long, uneventful winter months. Great American Idols such as Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood have gone on to become superstar recording artist. The success of both ladies is a genuine example of good talent quality that the reality show produces. These two Idols have sold more albums and won more awards than all other American Idols. However, many other former Idols have also reached stardom in the entertainment business. This list includes Kelly Pickler, Daughtry, Clay Aikan, Jennifer Hudson, and recently Melinda Doolittle.

American Idol will continue to thrive because it is a reality show that invites the public into the lives of many potential young song artists. No other show before American Idol brought this degree of participation by the American Public in deciding the fate of so many young talented artists. The audience is allowed to get close and at home with the idols. We are also allowed to know and experience their personal tragedies and triumphs. We can feel their hearts and souls in the expression of their songs. We cry with them when they fall short of being crowned the number one idol and we rejoice with them when they are crowned the next American Idol.

Throughout the American Idol season the American audience awaits with anticipation of the intriguing events. We look forward to discovering the Top Twelve, ten of which will travel and perform across the country in the American Idol summer tour. We look forward to meeting the mentors and their performances as well as their interaction with the idol hopefuls. We look forward to enjoying the sideshow of Paula and Simon, and soul man Randy Jackson. Have you ever wondered what it would be like without the entertaining characters of the judges, especially Paula and Simon? On some nights, when the performances are lackluster, Simon and Paula steal the show by playfully challenging and playing jokes on one another. Ryan Seacrest and Simon Cow have their witty moments as well. But above all, we look forward to choosing the next American Idol. Sometimes the choices are questionable, but this is what makes the show so entertaining. There are no guarantees that the best singer, technically, will be crowned the American Idol.

Idol fulfills the American audience need for good family entertainment. We yearn for these kinds of reality shows. Our souls are connected with the participants. We win when they win and we lose win they lose. And although we are aware that all things must come to an end, many of us can't imagine a year without American Idol. The show has become an inseparable part of our lives and we anticipate it will last forever.