American Idol Ratings Are Up Ten Percent from Last Year (thanks to Me and You) But Why?

It seems highly ironic that I am sitting here perusing idolonfox.com for hours each day. It would seem that someone like myself, a UC Berkeley graduate, and former sorority member would be far more interested in websites such as The New Yorker, or a girly magazine like Cosmo. So why American Idol? Why has this pop culture phenomenon started to take over my life? And why am I not alone? Over 30 million people tuning in, not just one night a week, but THREE nights a week, putting the Grammy's to shame?

Today my boss, a renowned television executive, peaked her head over my cubicle and asked about the latest "Idol" news. I got a knot in my stomach-Fox is our competition, and it is not favorable for me to be far more concerned with Fox than our own programming. But it's kicking our butts, and my mind, into an obsessive realm that I am in great need of deciphering.
Last year, I watched Idol, but I did not need to watch Idol. This year, it is all I think of at work, it has altered the time of my formerly punctual gym routine, and has drastically decreased my formerly rampant social life. And when I really analyze the differences, it comes down to one thing-Story.

This year, we are watching a dramatic two-hour series, last year, we were watching a game show. For the past 4 years, Idol has kept us on the edge of our seats, but this year, it has kept us glued to our seats, as if we're watching an episode of 24 or Lost. "What?" All you anti-pop, hipster, non-believers are thinking. "There's no way you can compare this to an episodic drama." Sorry to break it you, but there's more drama and story than when Dylan and Kelly broke up in Season 4 of 90210. Absorb that.

Elliot Yamin is 90% deaf in his right ear. And his mom was sick during his auditions. Eat your heart out, Beethoven. Kellie Pickler is naturally dumber than Jessica Simpson-and you didn't think that anyone on earth could accomplish that feat. Sway, the Pilipino Casanova, (can we bring him back Please?!) told us a touching story of how this is the first time he's ever seen his parents together, in the same location, since he was a child. Talk about TV finally doing justice to it's claims in the 50's-bringing families together and even lowering the American Divorce rate!

The casting this season's been impeccable. Someone for everyone to relate to - Ayla, the all-American Basketball player, who's Daddy is a Republican Senator from New England; Taylor Hicks, a graying 29 year old, who dances more awkwardly than me when I got kicked off the cheerleading squad in 5th grade; Kevin, who sings with a lisp and is a Midwestern version of Eugene Levy; Mandisa, a big beautiful black woman who almost convinces us to believe in Jesus every time she sings; Bucky, a Southern Hick with an adorable crooked smile and a twin, who may be even hotter than he is; and Ace, a Chris Klien look-alike, who 10 year olds, who've never heard of homosexuality, have fallen head over heals for.

The judges are also growing into their skin. Paula's finally felt comfortable enough to tell of Simon Cowell. Randy's starting to have an opinion. And Simon's trash talking Ryan Seacrest in every episode.

I wish I could say that I'm ashamed of my obsession, but admit it, all you intellectual socialites-you are too. So quit your whining, and pull out your cell phones, because you can vote for two hours straight come next Tuesday or Wednesday. As for tonight, I'm really hoping that Kannik, Bucky, Kevin, and Elliot are safe, since they're my current picks in the AI fantasy league I have going with my boyfriend and his roommates. And, I really hope that I can finish this article soon, because there is work to be done, outside American Idol discussions. But just one more, before I finish, whom do you think will be voted off tonight?

And if you're on the East Coast, please don't tell me! I can't stand the three-hour time difference, and I may want to move just so I know the results first. On second thought, my obsession isn't going out the window anytime soon. And admit it, neither is yours.