So I don't know if anyone watched the American Idol finale, but in my opinion it was a 2-hour long circus of ballads, duets, and of course constants farewells to Simon Cowell throughout the show (No need for crazy Paula to come out and say goodbye). Ryan Seacrest was talking so fast, and trying to introduce as many performances and guests as possible within the allotted time frame that it was very demanding and difficult to keep up. One cool part of the show was when all 8 American Idols sang together, up till Kris Allen came out. Personally, there is only one American Idol and her name is Kelly Clarkson. Carrie Underwood is a little too prissy for me and has that "over-achiever" attitude. Kelly's sold more records, but Carrie did make it huge in the country music scene. But come on, don't you think Kelly Clarkson's voice is very soothing to the ears and quite beautiful? I love her nurturing and genuine attitude about life and being famous. It was like a huge flashback of my high school and college years watching American Idol. The show has become such a huge phenomenon on television in the United States. When I saw Jordin Sparks, I got a little emotional remembering all those times me and my friends would call in to vote. Although, it seemed as if the Fox network was getting a little too aggressive with other channels to score high in the ratings.HERE'S MY REVIEW
The finale was very unorganized, too flashy, and fast-paced. Yet, it has remained as one of the most popular shows on television in the last 9 years. There were so many acts and celebrity friends of Ryan Seacrest that were presented on stage; it didn't have much to do with the two finalists and the winner at all. Honestly, I swear I watched the ending when Ryan announced the winner, but I can't remember his name. I know it was a guy who won and definitely not that girl with the dreads and vampire teeth. I think the show was originally better when it had less attractions and commotion all over the place. They have added so many segments and montages to the show over the years that it seems to me like Idol may get a cancellation from Fox in the near future.
What do you think about American Idol's representation of one's dreams to "Become a star?" Do you think the American media, such as a show like American Idol, influences our perceptions and impressions of reality?
I watched American Idol for seven years. I didn't think it was "cool" to watch when it first came out and I thought it was something only girls watched, so I missed Kelly Clarkson. I haven't missed much and friends will tell you I'm kind of TOO into Idol. Idol has been on 9 years and I said I missed the first year. The only other year I missed was this one. It was surprising for me to miss it too. I've been waiting for a local contestant to get behind since the start and this year there was Siobhan from the Cape. She was the first local girl since Ayla Brown was in the Top 24 in the 5th Season (eliminated after singing Unwritten by Natasha Bedingfield right before the top 12 was announced...see I know too much). Still, the local contestant wasn't enough. Beyond the lack of talent this year, there were too many distractions. Each week, a new celebrity or celebrities would be performing their latest hit. It was a good idea for those acts to come on because it boosted their popularity. Little bands such as Sons of Sylvia ended up being #2 on iTunes after Idol (a combo of Idol airtime and touring with Carrie Underwood).
ReplyDeleteFlash back to Season 2 or 3 when Ruben and Fantasia won. I can't recall any celebrities on the finale. On the singing finale, Ruben and Clay each sang three songs and then there was some entertainment on the results show from the finalists and the other top 12 contestants. I believe Idol is slowly on the decline. "X-Factor," Cowell's new show will be the new hit. People like Simon, not Randy and Kara (I like Ellen so I won't include her there).
As to your question, I think American Idol definitely influences our perceptions and impressions of reality. The most annoying statement out there was that "more people voted for the American Idol winner than the Presidential Election." Well, obviously. 10-year-olds are sitting there on redial voting for Carrie Underwood and Kris Allen.
Okay, I'll stop there. I could go on forever about AI.