Why American Idol is Still Number One

Sure, it's the highest-rated show on TV, and even with slightly diminishing ratings, the other networks would kill to have a show as popular as Idol. And it's not just the people watching on TV every Tuesday and Wednesday - it's the blogs, the videocasts, the fact that magazines and newspapers have columns dedicated to the show, which you don't find with any other shows. Yes, Survivor nuts can find a few sites dedicated to the show, but unlike in 2000 when each week the newspaper reported on the latest castoff, in 2009 you hardly find any mention of Survivor, even after the finale when the winner is announced.

With Idol, on the other hand, you find weekly, if not daily reports in most major newspapers. You have blogs dedicated to the behind-the-scenes foibles. In my humble opinion, this is what makes the show more exciting than the show itself. American Idol is not just a show you watch for two nights each week - it's an experience. It's going on DialIdol.com to see who will likely be safe and likely be voted off. It's checking out VoteForTheWorst.com for the latest scandals and to see who they think is the lousiest singer, and for that reason alone, ought to stay in the competition. It's looking at Rickey.org to see instant reviews and analysis.

If you watch your local Fox station's news, you will see segments dedicated to Idol news. Again, no other show has such buzz, not even Dancing with the Stars. Another factor is that American Idol is once a year. A few seasons ago someone asked the producers if they were considering going twice a year. They said no way. Part of the specialness is that it's only once a year. And after the show ends in May, there is the multicity tour featuring the top ten finalists, which is often played in sold out arenas.

So to me, because of all the extracurricular shenanigans, Idol will remain on top for a long time to come.