American Idol's Draw Factor

American Idol is the greatest example of mindless reality TV on the market. We watch week after week as men and woman make fools out of themselves trying to sing. Yeah a few can sing very well, but most of the auditions in the first six weeks are just down right, knee slappin' gut busting funny. You can't help but laugh at theses poor saps thinking that they have any talent at all, though I will give them credit for trying. The most astonishing thing to me is the fact that some of these people are so down right cocky it's just too funny to see them crash and burn.

When a guy is talking to the camera, and says something like "Carrie Underwood, you aint got nothin' on me" or in a cocky voice "I'm a great singer because not only can I hit the tough high notes but also the really low notes too" Then they audition for the panel, from there its pure poetry. Contestant says he can sing, fails, the panel laughs Simon makes cruel but very true remark. Contestant is shocked and complains, judges laugh more. Contestant asks to sing again, judges say no. Contestant cries, and runs into the wrong door, then yells profanities into the camera. Simple and barbaric entertainment, but you know you love it.

We all also find the amusement in the reaction to the rejection. These people have been shot down and told music is not their thing. All of America is howling with laughter because you're so bad, and then the contestant goes the extra mile, saying "They made a huge mistake, I will be huge and Simon's gonna' be sorry" well obviously we have never heard from most of those people ever again, although William Hung has done quite well.

Speaking of William Hung, you know you love the little guy. I believe that he's the greatest underdog story that has ever come from that show. He can't sing, he can't dance, but then again neither could Taylor Hicks! Do you remember Justin Guarini? Me neither, but apparently he was the guy who lost to the original American Idol Kelly Clarkston. The only time you ever see him now is when he's being interviewed alongside William Hung, and even had the profound opportunity to see William sing on the Larry King Live show. I can tell you exactly went through Justin's mind as he heard William sing "Dang it, I wish I sold as many albums as he has"

Aside from the horrific side of the show, I will admit to being a regular fan, most of us are just not in public. I love watching the show every week and then when it gets to the top twelve, voting for my favorite like a hundred times. Last year my girl Kelly Pickler was voted off and I was sad, for a week then the new episode came on and I was happy again. Why we love this show is a mystery. Many have tried, like Nashville Star; none have succeeded in capturing our hearts and the ratings of American Idol