American Idol: Sixth Season Begins with Many Hopefuls

The newest season of American Idol premiered on Tuesday, January 16, 2007. This is the sixth season of the hit reality type show, and once again American Idol, along with Simon, Paula, and Randy, are searching for the next American Idol.

After seeing highlights of the auditions in Minneapolis, Seattle, Memphis, and New York City, it has become evident that there are quite a few people who posses the talent needed to fall among the likes of Kelly Clarkson, Reuben, and Carrie Underwood. There are best friends, siblings, teenagers, and even returning contestants going to Hollywood together with a special talent and the hope of becoming the next American Idol.

Nevertheless, the searching for the talent amongst the thousands of hopefuls that auditioned this season proved trying for the judges. One hopeful admittedly could not sing, however she thought she deserved the opportunity to go to Hollywood so that she could be taught how to properly sing. There were also loads of optimistic contestants that thought they had the talent, but the judges disagreed.

Memphis and New York were prime examples to this. Some contestants could not face the fact that the judges did not believe they have what it takes to become the next American Idol. Some were so distraught that they yelled, cried, and pleaded with the judges. Some even had to be escorted out by security. It was hopeless. The judges did not change their minds, but the contestants did get their chance to be on national television!

Some may say that the judges deserved the harsh reactions coming from disappointed contestants. After all, the judges can be very rude when critiquing the talent of the various hopefuls. Randy told a vocal coach that he would never take lessons from him or recommend for anyone else to do so. Yet, this season seems to be particularly harsh. The judges have not only been criticizing the singing ability of those trying out, they have also been joking about the appearance of some people. Simon even compared one contestant to a bush baby.

Some feel this year the judges have gone too far. So much so that some have even vowed to never support the show again. Sure, the judges are supposed tell people how it is. If they do not have talent, they don't deserve to become the next American Idol. But, do they need to go to such extremes and make fun of physical attributes that cannot be changed? Maybe the cries of dejected contestants are a testament to just how extreme the judges have gotten.

Regardless of the judges' criticism, this season has the makings to show off some extreme talent. At the end of the season, there will probably be several record contracts made and America may have several new idols.