American Idol: Season 6

Thousands of contestants braved Seattle's harsh weather, and while no one sang the popular 70's Sly and the Family Stone song: "It's a family Affair"; after two hours, there were plenty of family themes. Only seven contestants, including a brother and sister, emerged through those now infamous double doors; clinching the coveted gold ticket. Yes, American Idol is back. It seems like just yesterday we marveled at the silver headed raspy soulful voice of Taylor Hicks. Hicks, you will remember, was the older idol and winner of Season 5. Well, Season 6 is here and amidst the normal abnormal and down right painful emerged seven hopefuls.

The two day auditions were looking as dank and dreary as the Seattle weather until day two when the three musketeers of America's most successful reality TV show (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Johnson) finally were able to find talent. Not only did they reward a talented if not shy brother and sister, they also sent a lovely 16 year-old to the next round. The teenager may not be a household name (though as one of the most talented of the 7 she will be soon), but her father's name is well known in the NY area. He is former all-star NY Giants cornerback PhilippiSparks. Simon was unaware of whom he was. "...he likes cricket..."remarked Johnson at his co-hosts obliviousness.

The Tuesday, January 16, 2007 show featured auditions from Minneapolis and continues to prove why Idol has staying power. The numbers and records from Tuesday's telecast prove after five seasons, Idol is America's show. 57.6 million viewers watched the 6th season premiere of American Idol its highest rated premiere ever tying FOX's highest rated premiere ever among adults 18-49 and is its highest rated premiere in total viewers. It isn't only a one night one net work affair. Last night's American Idol premiere is the highest rated primetime telecast of the 06/07 season on any network. Last year, over a billion votes were received throughout the contest, and millions of viewers tuned

American Idol has come to dominate water cooler, dormitory and subway conversation. Many used to think of the show as a young adult indulgence; however it has become a phenomena; that crosses generational lines. Families across the country are watching and voting together. A friend remarked, "It took three months to explain to my 70 year old mother how to vote...by last year's finals she was calling me to make sure I was voting."

The earlier auditions which bring out all level of "talent" have as much of a cult following as the show in its entirety. Season 6 auditions were taped in seven cities over the summer. Next week FOX will air the Memphis Auditions. ather, and while no one sang the popular 70's Sly and the Family Stone song: "It's a family Affair"; after two hours, there were plenty of family themes. Only seven contestants, including a brother and sister, emerged through those now infamous double doors; clinching the coveted gold ticket. Yes, American Idol is back. It seems like just yesterday we marveled at the silver headed raspy soulful voice of Taylor Hicks. Hicks, you will remember, was the older idol and winner of Season 5. Well, Season 6 is here and amidst the normal abnormal and down right painful emerged seven hopefuls.

The two day auditions were looking as dank and dreary as the Seattle weather until day two when the three musketeers of America's most successful reality TV show (Simon Cowell, Paula Abdul and Randy Johnson) finally were able to find talent. Not only did they reward a talented if not shy brother and sister, they also sent a lovely Sparks. Sparks may not be a household name (though as one of the most talented of the 7 she will be soon), but the 16 year olds father's name is well known in the NY area. He is former all-star NY Giants cornerback Philippi Sparks. Though Simon was unaware of whom he was. "...he likes cricket..."remarked Johnson at his co-hosts obliviousness.

The Tuesday, January 16 show held auditions in Minneapolis continues to prove why this show more so than any other has staying power. The numbers and records from Tuesdays telecast shows why after 5 seasons Idol is America's show. 57.6 million viewers watched the 6th season premiere of American Idol its highest rated premiere ever tying FOX's highest rated premiere ever among adults 18-49 and is its highest rated premiere in total viewers. It isn't only a one night one net work affair. Last night's American Idol premiere is the highest rated primetime telecast of the 06/07 season on any network. Last year, over a billion votes were received throughout the contest, and millions of viewers tuned

American Idol has come to dominate water cooler, dormitory and subway conversation. Many used to think of the show as a young adult indulgence; however it has become a phenomena; that crosses generational lines. Families across the country are watching and voting together. A friend remarked, "It took three months to explain to my 70 year old mother how to vote...by last year's finals she was calling me to make sure I was voting."

The earlier auditions which bring out all level of "talent" have as much of a cult following as the show in its entirety. Season 6 auditions were taped in seven cities over the summer.